Steve > wrote:
> <snip>
>> I go in with a group of people here in Illinois, and we get a few pallet-loads
>> of grapes from Peter. The grapes are delivered by truck to a central location,
>> and we all meet to pick them up. While you pay a premium for his grapes, I have
>> found them to be of very good quality. Since we are ordering in bulk, we do get
>> a break on the price and shipping. The one time he screwed up one of my orders,
>> he air-freighted the omitted grapes to my home, at his cost.
> <snip>
>
> Lee, are you in the chicagoland area? I may be interested in getting
> in on your group purchase next year....

No, I'm downstate (Springfield). There are folks from Danville and Terre Haute
in our little group, and, I think, a fellow from Chicago! The transactions are
handled by John Trapp, who lives in Paris. John is a true gentleman, and the
maker of many, many excellent wines. Anyhow, John, coordinates the orders with
Peter, and the deliveries are made to John's place in Paris. John calls everyone
to give a heads-up, so you can drive down and meet the truck, or he will store
the grapes for you in his garage until you can come get them.

BTW, have you ever purchased grapes from Northside Grapes? I've bought from
them in the past, but not this year. Nice people, fresh Central Valley grapes,
but buying the grapes from the back of a truck makes me feel like I'm doing
something illegal!

--Lee