Today email invitations to join WinemakersDirect.us were sent to wineries in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

Today more than 100 wineries in the Commonwealth of Virginia were sent first round invitations to join WinemakersDirect. Two wineries, Willowcroft Farm Vineyards ( www.willowcroftwine.com ) in Leesburg and Winery at La Grange ( www.wineryatlagrange.com ) in Leesburg and Winery at La Grange in Haymarket responded almost immediately by joining WinemakersDirect. 

Special thanks to North Mountain Winery (www.northmountainvineyard.com and its co-owner Krista Jackson-Foster for being the test winery for Virginia.

Jilbert Winery ( www.OhioHoneyWine.com ) and its owner-winemaker Dave Jilbert were the  Ohio test winery for WinemakersDirect. Jilbert makes both honey and grape wines. We appreciate Dave’s help get us started in Ohio.In response to the first round of email invitations Emerine Estates ( www.emerineestates.com ) in Jefferson and Georgetown Vineyards ( www.georgetownvineyards.com ) in Cambridge joined WinemakersDirect.us. Thanks! 

Today WinemakersDirect.us sent its first round of email invitations to wineries in Ohio. More than 70 invitations were sent. Wineries not receiving an email should contact WinemakersDirect.us via email (Eric@WinemakersDirect.us ) or by phone 888 225-9958. Like the phone call, joining is FREE.

A report on the 2007 Yakima Valley harvest from the always entertaining, oft-on-top-of-it Len Parris of Chandler Reach arrived via email:

” I think 2007 may be another great year. The harvest weather was ideal and the crush went smoothly. We had a few slower fermentations but that seemed to be a common thread throughout the valley this year. Our volume increased somewhat this year to just above our target of 5000 cases. Yes I am attempting to make enough wine not to run out of product as has happened the last few years! Barrel Tasting Weekend in April will a great time to sample the 07″