how about a poll re the best mail order?

[buradayam]

I just ordered from Pops and found them great. Also had an order come in from Zachys which had a defective bottle which they are going to replace immediately. Post delivery from Zachys was terrific...PRE delivery from Pops was superior.

What say you?

[Kcwhippet]

I don't order from any etailers - only from wineries directly, and only something that can't be had at retail locally. Wines available at retail I order from my shop if they're not already on the shelves.

[winoweenie]

Hi B... Add my name to the not ordering from retailers. If my local pusher can't get the wine then I have the vineyard ship to a friends warehouse in Calif. That's also where my mailing list wines are shipped. Used to make 4-6 trips a year to Napa for pickup. WW

[buradayam]

KC, Thats great to do if you already know your wine list. However, I need to try a bottle before I order a case. So, when the local cant get it, what does one do? Also, there is a problem shipping interstate. I want to get some Villa Creek, but the winery will not ship to Florida. Thus, since no local carrys it, and no mail order carries it, and since the winery wont ship it, I guess I dont get any.

[Kcwhippet]

The wines I order from wineries I do because I know the wineries, I know what they've made and I've really haven't been disappointed yet. I don't need to try them before I order. As for other wine, I work in a wine shop. Your situation is different because you live in a felony state. Perhaps Villa Creek might be able to ship to you through Mat Garretson's connections, or you can get them through Zachy's. Chances aren't good on the 01 Zin though, because it's probably all gone by now.

[buradayam]

I've dealt with Zachys but not Garrison. Can you give me a lead or a link, please

[Kcwhippet]

That's Garretson, as in Mat (one "t" in Mat) Garretson of garretson Wine Company. That's a winery in Paso Robles, Ca where Villa Creek makes their wines. They don't have a facility to produce their own wines, so they rent space from Garretson. You can find Garretson Wine Company at www.mrviognier.com.

[buradayam]

Thanks much for your reply. They wont ship to FL, but I will try to contact Country Vintner of Tampa, who is rumored to have it.

Who do you use in Calif for wines?

[Kcwhippet]

Who do I use for what - buying or shipping?

[buradayam]

buying AND shipping...cant find certain wines here in FL. They say that those wines are not available here, whatever that means. Currently looking for 2 chablis, 1 merlot, and a few shiraz, plus a few other misc. I keep giving the list to the local stores, now to the point the clerks recognize the list, but cant get the wqines. About to give up the search and just stick with what I got...but thks for your help and patience

[sedhed]

Buradayam you may want to try b-21.com. They are located in Tarpon Spings Fl. I've had some luck with them ordering wines the large chain stores here would not.

[Kcwhippet]

As I said previously, all my buying is done from wineries, not any shops, and I only look for wines I can't get here. I let the folks out there find the best way to get the wines to me, and there haven't been any missed shipments so far. Your problem is that you live in a felony state that's enacted legislation which makes it a felony for a winery to ship to a consumer in Florida. If a winery is convicted there, they are essentially put out of business. Your state is ruled by Southern Wine and Spirits, one of the largest distributors in the country, and what they say goes as far as what's brought into FL and what the legislature enacts for compliance laws. They contribute huge sums to the legislators to keep their monopoly intact. Here's the gist of your state's regs concerning shipping to you from out of state - www.wineinstitute.org/shipwine/analysis/direct_shipment_statutes/Florida.htm. As I read it, any commercial entity who ships to you is in peril, including Pop's and Zachys.

[Innkeeper]

In addition to what's been mentioned, here are some more of the one's I use:

http://www.southernwines.com/
http://www.chambersstwines.com/
http://www.internetwines.com/
http://www.tastemonterey.com/

Copy and paste, I'm too lazy to URL them.

[Botafogo]

Actually, various circuit courts (thats the FEDS) have all but told the governments of both Florida and Texas lately that they are in bed with thieving scumbag fuedal war lords and that they should stop screwing the consumer. I don't have it handy, but the Florida decision was a fun read even for lay folks: they accused the legislature and the AG of collusion to defeat the interests of their own citizens...

Roberto

[Kcwhippet]

All well and good, Roberto, but the regs are still on the books. I doubt many wineries would want to be the test case to see if the law still sticks. One of these days the Supremes are going to get this one, and then it gets interesting.

[Botafogo]

Was it Hotsie who labled his wine shipments as "equine urine samples" to keep prying eyes out? Remember Gandhi leading millions to the sea to make their own salt? Maybe if EVERY wine lover in America ordered a case of wine to their house on the same day it would get interesting....

Robertinho

[ShortWiner]

Practice Peaceful Protest--order more wine. Roberto, the stuff you sent me is awesome.

[buradayam]

Thks Inn, for the links

SOOO, Robert, got a website?

[Innkeeper]

He doesn't have a website. If you ever visited his store as I have on a couple of occasions, you would know why. The wine comes in by pallets, and goes out just about as fast by the case. You can e-mail him at WineExpo@earthlink.net He will provide you with e-mail updates, and if you include your snail mail, he will send you his twice a year newsletter, which is a fabulous read, and well as filled with wine bargains particularly from Italy and wines that bubble.

[Botafogo]

IK (and anyone else on the list), did you get our mailer sent out in early January yet? Just checking up on the efficiency of our government workers.....


Robertinho