I'm actually trying to think of a reason to not rate Delaplane 5 stars...nope, can't really think of one. Visited Delaplane Cellars with my husband yesterday for the first time and had a wonderful time. The wine was delicious, the views were amazing, and the service was friendly. My husband and I walked out of there with a case, which really says something.
Arrived around 11:30am on Columbus Day on a beautiful fall day after apple and pumpkin picking in the area. When you pull into the driveway, you see a big hill (where the grapes are planted) and a lovely building at the top with a patio and terrace. Driving around, there's parking in the back. We went inside and there were around ~10-15 people there, either doing tastings or sitting outside. The building is beautiful - large, with high ceilings, white tones, and a 2nd floor that looks like it has a loft area (I didn't go up there) It was very light, modern, clean, with big expansive windows. We were greeted right away by a person who was pouring a tasting for others and let us know she'd be right with us.
My husband and I split a tasting (their pours are generous, and we can try more wine without getting tanked). They actually offer two tastings - one with 6 wines for $8 and one with 4 wines for $12 (I think - approximate prices). The one with the 6 wines is a more general three whites three reds tasting, where the other one is more of a 'reserve' (although they don't call it that) tasting with their more premium wines. Since we were splitting, we decided to do both. Out of the 10 wines we tried, we actually didn't dislike anything. I call it "varying degrees of like and love." It was actually hard narrowing down the wine we wanted - and it became clear a case would be necessary when the first 6 bottle 'plans' went quickly. Our case (and favorites) consisted of the Viognier, the Melange Blanc (a really unique and food-friendly white, it's almost savory - not what I was expecting at all), the Melange Rouge, the Piedmont Station, and the Williams Gap. Disappointed that they sold out of the single-varietal Cabernet Franc but hopefully will try it on a return visit. Reds are all Bordeaux-style blends, with all grapes coming from VA - some grown on their estate, others from around the state. The wine isn't cheap, especially some of their higher-end blends like the Williams Gap, but I thought the price was worth it based on the taste and quality of the wine.
We decided to get glasses (Piedmont Station for me, Williams Gap for him) and sit outside on the terrace - they have both tables on a larger terrace with umbrellas (great for pale redheads like me who try to stay out of the sun) and also smaller two-person tables without umbrellas. We were originally going to leave after getting one glass and go get lunch, but were having such a good time that we decided to get another and one of their cheese plates as well, which was served with a spread, three cheeses, grapes, salami, some crackers, and a wonderfully warm giant loaf of fresh bread.
Oh, and while we didn't join the wine club, our purchase of a case entitles us to their 'case club' for one year, where you get some benefits, which I think is nice (and a 15% discount on cases is pretty generous).
I know others have heartburn with their policies (no children, big groups, nor limos), but I personally appreciate them. They are stated on their website, and are up front about it, and there's also a sign before you enter, so hopefully people are able to do their homework before going there. For me, it was nice going to a winery that was quiet, and if I'm being honest, when I saw on Yelp the no children policy and verified it on the website and told my husband, he said without hesitation "yup, that's where we are going." The service we received was friendly (I guess they are just trained to really enforce the winery's policies regarding others who have had bad experiences). I know this is a personal opinion, and everyone is entitled to theirs, but if you're looking to relax with your SO or small group, enjoy some great scenery, and drink some delicious wine, this is your place. read more