This March I found myself with a free Saturday and two passports for Barrels on the Brandywine. The event features special tasting events at wineries on the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail each Saturday and Sunday in March. What else could I do but go drink some delicious wine? Passports in hand, Ron—my boyfriend, wine tasting partner and occasional designated driver—and I were off to Landenberg for our first stop, Borderland Vineyard.
We arrived at Borderland Vineyard around 1 p.m. and things were already kicking in the large heated tent set up for the day’s festivities. Out of our four stops that Saturday I may have enjoyed the atmosphere most at Borderland. Inside the tent, they provided a number of large tables for guest to relax, had long tables with their own wine displayed along with a number of other local vendors and even a band in the far corner. Would I like some folk guitar with my wine? Yes, please.
We were lucky enough to do our tasting with Karen, co-founding member of Borderland. She expertly guided us through a richly diverse tasting menu. One standout for me was the 2011 unoaked Chardonnay. Karen explained that because they use grapes from Lancaster County, they call this Chardonnay their “imported wine.” I loved its crisp apple notes. I also enjoyed their Merlot offerings, especially the barrel tasting! It was difficult to tear ourselves away from the fun crowd and great music, but our next stop was calling my name.
Our second stop was Paradocx Vineyard in Landenberg. The two wineries are located within such a short distance that we were parking before I even had the chance to eat the hoagie I had waiting for me in the car! In addition to folk guitar, I also love conveniently located wine. The whole place was colorfully decked out for their “Cheeseburgers in Paradocx” event and we were handed leis at the door. That is my kind of vineyard. I’ve tasted wine from this particular vineyard before. Their paint-can packaging and “T” wine make me really happy, which is why Ron and I visit their Old City tasting room whenever we have the chance.
I loved the setup here because we had to travel through the barrel-filled warehouse to get to each tasting location. Our first stop was the reds, then whites and finally sweet wines. Their Barn Red has always been one of my favorites. It’s just such a smooth blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. I really can’t say enough about their “T” wine. It’s a tea and white wine blend and I think it’s genius. Definitely sweet but excellent on a warm day.
Because Pantone Cellars is still putting the finishing touches on their winery, Paradocx gave them space to pour on site. Two wineries in one—perfect! The table was crowded when we stopped by, but it was clear that winemaker Mario Pantone loves what he does. He talked passionately about every wine on the table. I tend to enjoy Merlot more than other reds, and Pantone’s Merlot was no different. Very drinkable! With three (three!) wineries already behind us, we left for the nearby Kreutz Creek Vineyards.
We were greeted at Kreutz Creek by Carole, part of the husband-wife team behind the vineyard. The tasting room was packed and everyone seemed to be enjoying their wine and snacks—this place is BYOF! When we return, I’ll definitely be packing some cheese and crackers. Yum!
The tasting was awesome and included so many delicious reds. I ended up liking the Chambourcin so much that I had to buy a bottle for later. It was extremely palatable and fruity despite its dryness. I can’t wait to bring the bottle to a BYOB here in the city! Ron and I both love ports so we were happy to have a chance to taste Kreutz Creek’s. Sweet and heavy, the Ruby “K” Port would be great with some chocolate (and a crackling fire, preferably).
While four tastings in a day may have made for a packed schedule and a lot of wine, the proximity of these wineries makes it pretty much an obligation to visit all four when in the area. I definitely intend to return next spring with a few more wine-loving friends. There are tons of events on the wine trail this summer, so we won’t even have to wait for next spring!
For more information on visiting Brandywine Valley Wine Trail, click here.
Photographs credited to Chelsea Sproul.
