Getting myself acquainted with the local wine scene has always been on my “to-do” list. So, when the opportunity to attend the last ever Barrels on the Brandywine presented itself, I was eager to finally explore the area’s vineyards in a unique and exciting way.
The Brandywine Valley Wine Trail is comprised of four wineries—Black Walnut Winery, Borderland Vineyard, Kreutz Creek Vineyards and Paradocx Vineyard, all situated within a 50-mile radius of each other. During Barrels on the Brandywine, guests receive a passport they’ll take with them to each location. Once your passport is stamped, you’ll commence to the tasting portion of the event. Each winery is offering guests at least five different varietals to sample as well as a sneak peek into one or two of their fledgling vintages straight out of the barrel (or tank, as may be the case).
It was 40 degrees and sunny, something I hadn’t felt in quite some time. And in my head, that was the only excuse I needed to strap on my drinking shoes and head to the countryside. My game plan was simple—four wineries in five hours and an abundance of Chester County’s finest grapes by the glass. I recruited a wine-loving friend, extended her a passport and off we went. After sipping my way through 26 different wines, I managed to narrow down a few of my favorites. I now challenge you to take the tour and see how we compare.
Reason 1: Black Walnut Winery’s 2014 Sauvignon Blanc
I’ll remind you again that after tasting 26 very different vintages, picking my favorite was nearly impossible. However, as a wine lover who admittedly prefers reds, I wish I could go back for seconds and thirds of Black Walnut Winery’s 2014 Barrel Aged Sauvignon Blanc. This was one of the winery’s two barrel additions to their already stellar lineup that day. Although most Sav Blancs are very citrus fruit forward, this particular barrel was young and the toasted oak was one of the first tastes detected. And I didn’t mind it, not one bit.
Reason 2: Borderland’s Sheared Sheep Blush 2014
Next up on the docket was a stamp from Borderland Vineyard. Six wines were lined up and ready to be poured when we made our way to their tasting area. I can’t recall too many blush wines that have a great reputation. That’s just not the case with Borderland’s 2014 Blush. It’s light and fruity with a heavy berry presence. It’s exactly what you’ll want to reach for on a hot summer day. It should be noted that Borderland Vineyard is operating out of Black Walnut Winery during Barrels on the Brandywine. It’s like conquering two wineries with half the amount of driving.
Reason 3: Kreutz Creek’s Holiday Wassail
The last flavor profile I expected to come across was pumpkin. I anticipated the berries, the apples, the spices. But when I put the glass of Kreutz Creek’s Holiday Wassail up to my nose, I was forced to do a double take. It indeed did have a strong pumpkin smell. And it was delicious. We learned that winemaker Jim grew his own pumpkins for this particular vintage. Our wine tender at Kreutz Creek, Phyl, informed us that if we liked it chilled, we’d more than likely enjoy it warmed as well. Sign me up!
Reason 4: Paradocx’s 2014 Vidal Blanc
The 2014 Vidal Blanc, served straight out of the steel tank, gave off just the right combination of fruit flavors in one glass. I went in expecting a blend similar to a Sauvignon Blanc and I wasn’t far off. It had a great tropical start and the anticipated grapefruit follow-through. This particular vintage is not yet available to the public because of its young nature. Stay tuned, though—it won’t be long before you can find it on shelves.
Reason 5: Black Walnut Winery’s Staff
Another highlight from Barrels on the Brandywine is the staff at Black Walnut Winery. Owners Lance and Val Castle and Karen and Jack Kuhn are always incredibly welcoming and happy to chat about all things wine with guests who enter their beautiful establishment. Our personal wine tender, Kellina, navigated us through each sip with ease and poise, leaving us utterly impressed with her knowledge of each individual selection. Her equally engaging counterpart, Nikki, was happy to answer any questions to provide a one-of-a-kind experience on the trail.
Reason 6: Food Trucks at Paradocx
I haven’t met a food truck I didn’t like. And the food trucks at Paradocx make for the perfect complement to an already stellar setup at the winery. Each day during Barrels, you’ll find a food truck parked right outside of the tasting room where guests can feel free to purchase some food to nibble on in between samples of wine. Thumbs up!
Although I typically prefer a nice glass of red, my highlights make a good case to prove otherwise. Taking this tour opened my eyes not only to the wide array of delicious whites and blends that I had been closed off to prior but also to the great wines being produced right under my nose (no pun intended).
I encourage anyone who’s wanted to explore what the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail has to offer to attend the last ever Barrels on the Brandywine, Saturdays and Sundays through March from noon–5 p.m. Grab your Trailblazer tasting pass and get sipping!
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