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The Brandywine Valley Wine Trail
The history of wine in Southeastern Pennsylvania started when William Penn planted the first grapes in modern day Fairmount Park in 1684. Although his efforts failed, wine in this region was not without hope. America’s first commercial winery, the Pennsylvania Vine Company, was established along the Schuylkill River in 1793. Since only the Alexander grape thrived, the winery was closed in the 1820’s. Although a pioneer, Pennsylvania lost its status as a viable wine-making state. That is, until Eric and Lee miller founded Chaddsford Winery over 25 years ago.
Most visitors make Chaddsford their first stop on the wine trail tour. Established in 1982, this well-known winery features a gift shop, live music throughout the summer, self-guided tours, wine education classes, and outdoor seating on the patio for customers to enjoy a picnic basket lunch. The proprietors produce a wide variety of wines from Riesling to Sangria, but are best known for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Daily tastings are $7 and include samples of nine whites, reds, and sweet blush wines. www.chaddsford.com. Paradocx Vineyard’s tasting room is located nearby in Kennett Square, PA in the Shoppes at Longwood. The 101 acre winery is located a few miles away in Landenberg and is run by two married couples who all happen to be doctors. They refer to themselves as a pair of docs (hence the name). You won’t find all of the bells and whistles here. The focus is on the wine – and it pays off. Many consider Paradocx to be the best winery in the Brandywine Valley. Paradocx offers tastings of 5 wines from a list of 15 for $7. The award-winning Leverage 2004 (red) is superb. Also try the Viognier 2005 and the Muscat Ottnel 2005. Paradocx produces a fair amount of estate grown wines quite well. There’s also a gift shop in the tasting room featuring items such as aprons and cookbooks. Paradocx should be a priority for anyone visiting the wine trail. www.paradocx.com.
Va La Family is located in nearby Avondale, PA, and is probably the most picturesque of all of the wineries in the valley. The vineyards are on premises and there is an upstairs art gallery for patrons to enjoy. Va La focuses only on unusual Italian wines made in small batches. Tastings are $7 and include samples of 8 wines paired with artisan cheeses. Va La provides a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. www.valavineyards.com.
The award-winning Twin Brook Winery is located roughly 20 miles from the other wineries in Gap, PA. Situated on 40 acres in a restored 19th century barn, this winery specializes in a variety of French Hybrids. Visitors are encouraged to take a walk through the vineyards. Daily tastings are $5 and include a tour and samples of 10 to 15 wines. Twin Brook is only 30 minutes from Lancaster, PA. www.twinbrookwinery.com.
Pennsylvania is quickly gaining recognition as an up-and-coming wine region. The state now boasts roughly 55 wineries – and that number is growing. It seems the days of failed wineries are over for the Keystone state, and the future looks even brighter for the Brandywine Valley. Southeastern Pennsylvania has re-established itself as a respected wine growing region in the state. William Penn would be proud. For more information on the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail, visit www.bvwinetrail.com/ For more information on area B&Bs, visit www.bvbb.com.
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Chaddsford
is the oldest member
of Brandywine Valley
Wine Trail, an area
consisting of six wineries
located about 45 minutes
from Philadelphia. All
of these wineries are
in close proximity and
can be visited in one
day or spread out over
one weekend to include
other area attractions
and charming B&Bs.
In fact, the area is
becoming increasing
popular as a girlfriend
getaway. It’s also not
uncommon to see limousines
filled with bachelorette
parties driving from
one vineyard to the
next.
Housed
in a farmhouse dating
back to 1837, Folly
Hill Vineyards is located
on 4 acres next to Longwood
Gardens in Kennett Square,
PA. This self-billed
small, boutique vineyard
produces a unique unfortified
Port as well as their
own private label chocolate
wine sauce. Their focus
is on producing a fewer
amount of wines well.
Tastings are $7 and
include samples of 5
wines including a tank
sample of their Le Pas
De Trois 2005 (a blend
of Cabernet Sauvignon,
Cabernet Franc, and
Merlot). Imported cheeses
and gourmet jams are
also available for purchase.
Customers are encouraged
to relax in the Adirondack
chairs overlooking the
vineyards. Their current
tasting room is located
in their new barrel
room under the old barn.
Foley Hill runs a B&B
on premises comprising
of two units, one of
them being the old tasting
room in a restored cottage.
Located in West Grove, PA is the Kreutz Creek Vineyards, a winery started by a husband and wife nuclear physicist team. Visitors to Kreutz Creek are encouraged to walk through the vineyards and sample a grape from the vines. Picnic lunches are also encouraged. Tastings take place in the basement of the proprietor’s home and cost $7 for samples of 11 wines. The Chardonnay and Niagara are highly recommended. The owners plan to eliminate some of their current wines and focus on making a smaller selection in the near future. They currently have tasting rooms in Media, PA and West Chester, PA for those unable to venture out to the wine trail. 
Visitors have much to see in the area before venturing off to Dutch country. The Brandywine valley is home to many museums, art galleries, historical sites, shops, and restaurants. The arts and culture of the region has been greatly influenced by the du Pont and Wyeth families. The Brandywine Valley is featured in many of Andrew Wyeth’s paintings, which can be viewed at the Brandywine Museum, located in a 19th-century grist mill. Other local attractions include Longwood Gardens and Winterthur, the former estate of Henry Francis du Pont built in the early 1900’s.