Brandywine Valley Wine Trail

The thing I love about wine trails is the diversity, the landscape, and fun unique experiences. Thankfully, the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail has all three. 

Each location is unique, offers different varieties of wine, ambiance, and scenery. One location offers traditional ciders, old world style. 

The trail offers much more than just simple tastings. The Brandywine Valley Wine Trail lies in the picturesque rolling hills of Chester County.  The journey to each of the five wineries and one cidery is half the fun. One could compare the scenery to something you would experience in the countryside of Europe
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Local Landmarks

Make time during your journey to visit some of the areas historic landmarks.

• Visit the 1,077 plus acres of botanical gardens, woodlands, and meadows at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

• Take a historical tour at the original estate of Henry Francis Dupont at Winterthur Museum and Country Estate in Winterthur, Delaware

• Stop for a bite in Historic Kennett Square, the Mushroom Capital of The World

• Go back in time during the early settlement of America and the industrial revolution at the Hagley Museum and Library

• Experience habitats from around the globe and the only permanent dinosaur collection in Delaware at the Delaware Natural History Museum

• Brandywine Battlefield in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania brings the historic revolutionary war battle back to life. 

• Stop at the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania for a look at their current art exhibits

Beyond The Tastings

If you plan your visit accordingly, you can join some of the wineries at one of their many yearly events. 

Some of the past and future events include:

• Concerts
• Yoga in the Vineyard
• Bird Watching
• Movie Night
• Floral Workshops
• Vineyard Bootcamp
• Comedy Night
• Girl Scout Cookie Pairing
• 5 K in the Vineyard

Stay For A While

Make a weekend out of your visit and stay at some of Brandywine Valley's charming Bed and Breakfasts and Hotels

• Bancroft Manor in Kennett Square, PA
• Staybridge Suites in Glenn Mills, PA
• Faunbrrok Bed and Breakfast in West Chester, PA
• Kennett House Bed and Breakfast in Kennett Square
• Wayne Bed and Breakfast Inn in Wayne, PA

The Wineries

Built on dreams with determination, Carole and Jim Kirkpatrick began making wine in 1989. Together with their friends and families they have captured the art of the wine making process, from vine to bottle. Kreutz Creek Vineyards invites you to participate in the ultimate wine experience.

553 South Guernsey Rd. West Grove, PA, 19390
kreutzcreekvineyards@msn.com
Sat 11am - 6pm, Sun 12pm - 5pm

Borderland Vineyard started in 2006 by brother and sister, Karen and Kurt. They reclaimed their beloved parent's Fall Line Farm and planted Merlot, Cabernet Savignon, Cabernet Franc and some experimental rows of Malbec and Syrah. The aim for Borderland Vineyard wines is to capture the natural beauty of the area in small batches of wine crafted from grapes grown on the farm and nearby. 

332 Indiantown, Rd,  Landenberg, PA, 19350

Info@BorderlandVineyard.com

215-436-9154 

Fri 1pm-7pm

Sat 1pm-7pm

Sun 1pm-5pm

Sarah and Ben Cody are both 5th generation farmers from the mid-west with a passion for great wine.   In 2014 they purchased 36 acres of the historic McMaster farm in Landenberg, PA.   The farm was saved from high density development and has been placed in the Chester County Agricultural Land Preservation program. The land was originally settled in 1723, hence the naming of the vineyard.  In fact, Benjamin Franklin once owned a portion of the farm, along with adjoining property, at the same time he was serving as ambassador to France. Sarah and Ben feel blessed to be the custodians of these fertile soils made up of silt and clay loam interspersed with gravelly quartz.   Their family and friends helped plant the initial 3 acres in 2015, with plantings growing to 8 acres in 2016, and 11 acres in 2017.

Coming in Spring 2018

5 McMaster Blvd, Landenberg, PA, 19350

765-430-7880

They are a family run orchard nestled in the rolling hills of Southeastern PA. After tearing down and rebuilding a former airy farm, Old Stone Cider opened their first tasting room and sales floor in the building in 2016. They believe in carrying on the agricultural heritage of the region and are proud to be growing heirloom apple varieties, some hundreds of years old. 

995 Chesterville Rd, Lewisville, PA, 19351
(484) 441-3344.
Sat 11am-5am

Paradocx Vineyard, nestled among the rolling hills of southern Chester County, Pennsylvania, combines current technology and handcrafted secrets to create unique wines, made from homegrown grapes, and from those of only selected custom growers.

With over 100 acres of land, 30 of which are under vine, Paradocx's home vineyard in Landenberg, Pennsylvania offers an array of grapes for head winemaker Gabriel Rubilar to choose from, including 27 acres of vinifera vines and 3 acres of Chambourcin and Vidal vines. By providing only the finest grapes that our site has to offer, we are able to afford our winemaker with the best possible start for a quality wine in the bottle.

Paradocx Vineyard is owned and operated by the Hoffman and Harris Families. The name of the winery is a play on words, as the four principles are practicing physicians (Pair of Docs). In addition to a full-time staff, members of both families and committed friends tend to make the winery a successful venture.

1833 Flint Hill Rd, Landenberg, PA, 19350

 610.255.5684 

Fri   12pm-8pm

Sat 12pm-6pm

Sun 12pm-6pm

It is said, “in wine there is truth.” At Wayvine’s family owned and operated winery and Vineyard, brothers Zachary and James Wilson believe hard work and attention to detail is a testament to that truth. Wayvine is located in Nottingham, PA at the bottom of the BV Wine Trail. Their estate Winery and Vineyard is found on their 260 acre farm with 16 acres of grapes that were hand planted in the best spots on the farm. Wayvine grows exceptional grapes that are meticulously crafted into extraordinary wine. When visiting the grounds you can expect to be welcomed into the family! Nancy Wilson (mother) runs the tasting room with a true passion for hosting the guests and isn’t scared to bring you out of your comfort zone. Dave Wilson (father)  will probably be enjoying a glass of wine with you and getting caught up in old stories of his farming days. The goal at Wayvine is to truly give you an experience, that is why we must mention the Queen of the grounds Eva Wilson(vineyard pup) and Trish Leach (fiancé to Zachary) who do their best to keep the boys in line out in the fields. The Family run business is truly an extraordinary place to visit and maintained by a family that continues to be incredibly passionate in every aspect of their operation and lives. Wayvine would like to welcome you into their family! Cheers!

4374 Forge Rd, Nottingham. PA

Fri 5pm-8pm*Sat 12pm-6pm*Sun 12pm-6pm

One Final Thought
Did you know that the oldest woman in the world claimed she owed her never ending beauty to olive oil, red wine, and chocolate. Did she swim in it or drink it? Talk about an elixir. And you Potter fans thought the Sorcerers Stone was cool. Try a potion of this for size? At The Market at Liberty Place we can provide the chocolate and the wine however you have to press your own olives. 

Be sure to visit the 
Brandywine Valley Wine Trail 
website for more information.
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Session Beer - Have A Couple

Picture this.... You're at a pub or perhaps at home, you and your friends are enjoying the game. The bar or your beer geeky friend has nothing but high alcohol beers like double IPAs and Russian imperial stouts that weigh above 10 percent abv.   Maybe it's a holiday strong barrel aged beer clocking at around 13 percent or higher. Do you think you're going to get through the game without stumbling? You will probably be distracted by the intensity of the beer not too mention getting pickled after 2 or 3 bottles!

In the mid 90's and early 2000's, it was a race to see who could make the strongest beer. The World Wide Stout from Dogfish Head hit a whopping 21 Percent alcohol.  One small glass and you were down for the count, talk about a cheap date!

Forget The Fuss And Enjoy Yourself

Now picture this. The game is on and you are eating your nacho tower and smokey wings, this time the beers are below 5 percent abv.  Now you can enjoy the next couple hours with your buds and enjoy the beer for what it is, an easy drinking flavorful beer. No fussing allowed.

We call these under 5% beers session beers. Did you know the famous Guinness Stout is only 4.1 to 4.3 abv.  The Irish think they are immune to drunkenness; but at 4.3 abv no wonder they can drink so many.

Here are a few sessions made by some popular breweries.

Victory Swing Session Saison
Flying Dog Easy IPA
Dogfish Head Seaquench Session Sour

At our location at The Market at Liberty Place in Kennett Square, we serve Boxcar Passenger Session Ale. This is a mild English style ale which is dry hopped and refreshing with a citrus finish. Only 4.7 % abv.  Don't worry about quaffing a few back. Just enjoy this easy drinking ale with a variety of pub grub you find at The Market.


One Final Thought

A few London Pubs still have "snob screens".  These are installed frosted glass screens that are meant to separate the posh drinkers from the working class. Are you kidding me???!!!  A drink is a drink!  Everyone is welcome at Paradocx!  The only screen we have at The Market at Liberty Place is a TV screen. 

At The Market - A Little Taste Of France

I love to travel and I especially love Europe, well at least the countries I have been to. This wasn't always the case. Not that I didn't enjoy it, but rather I didn't know what I was missing. Growing up, traveling for me was hopping in the car and stopping at Dutch Wonderland, like a lot. Dad wasn't terribly adventurous. I mean I didn't even get to the beach. My boardwalk fries came from the mall. How sad. 

My First Trip

Let me tell you about my first over seas adventure.  In my young twenties I caught the culinary bug. So much so that I decided to attend culinary art school. I had two local choices, one in Baltimore and The Restaurant School in Philly. I did my research and noticed that the culinary art students at The Restaurant School got a week long food tour of the Burgundy region of France. Guess which one I chose.

Two years roll around and it was time for my first big adventure. I will be honest with you, I was nervous and excited. After all, this was my first trip to a foreign speaking country. I was a novice at flying, but on the other hand, this was the only way I was going to get to the culinary capital of Europe. So I pumped myself up and packed light. That's how I roll.

I was not expecting the sheer beauty of the French countryside. I mean it was pure picturesque. Our itinerary was packed with unique one of a kind food experiences. We learned how to make Cassis, the black Currant liqueur. We stopped at a Champagne house, tasted Grand Cru Chablis.  We visited an escargot farm.  We also watched the ducks fatten up for soon to be foie gras and visited an historic Chateau. We toured the famous Cathedral in Reims, viewed the Paris streets from the Eiffel Tower, tasted hand made chocolates and devoured baguette sandwiches. And finally the crepes. How I love crepes.  In France, there's no need to seek them out. They're everywhere. On the streets, food shows, and cafes. What were some of my favorites?  Crepe Suzette and a Nutella filled sweet crepe . 

The only place I could get authentic crepes when I got back to the US was at Cafe Papillon in Rehoboth, Delaware. Yes, I finally made it to the beach. I was skeptical but the cafe is run by a French born mother and daughter team, so needless to say they didn't disappoint. I loved it so much that this is the first place I stop when my wife and I occasionally visit. Crepes first then Thrashers fries later. The problem is that the beach is two hours away.

Fast forward to 2014. This was the year I joined Paradocx Vineyard.  I joined the Paradocx Team at The Market at Liberty Place in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. The Market is charming and diverse.  It is primarily unique food vendors. Paradocx has a wine bar as well as a retail shop. An excellent choice and unbelievably near by, is an Authentic crepe cafe called Y'Or So Sweet.

If you haven't been to The Market at Liberty Place, you will find Y'Or So Sweet just in front of the main entrance. Order yourself one of their many delicious crepes and make your way to the Paradocx Wine Bar. Find a cozy spot and your crepe will be delivered to your seat. Below are some of my favorite crepes and the Paradocx wines that pair perfectly.

Thai Chicken - Poached chicken, red and green cabbage in a house peanut dressing, with toasted ramen.    Paradocx Pinot Grigio

Kennett - Exotic mushrooms, ricotta, spinach, and a fruity balsamic glaze.  Paradocx Vidal Blanc

The Norwegian -  Smoked salmon, our own citrus cream cheese spread and in-house pickled red onions.  Paradocx Viva La Rosa Dry Rose (vintners choice)

Y'or So Peachy -  Crepe with peaches on a bed of sweetened cream with a light chocolate drizzle.  Paradocx Haywagon Chardonnay

S'more Please -  Crepe topped with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham crackers.  Paradocx Pail Pink

.Bananas Foster -  Bananas sauteed in brown sugar and butter, then topped with brown sugar, rum caramel sauce, and a kiss of creme Chantilly.  Paradocx Yield

A French Nightmare

"Did that just happen?" is the thought that crosses my mind every time I recall this crazy story.  Getting back to my French trip. Towards the end of our tour, our bus dropped us off at a French Supermarket. I thought this was great. I was actually working for a local Supermarket chain and wanted to compare the two, and of course pick up some cheese and wine. I've got my priorities you know. But little did I know this would be the most embarrassing experience of my life.

The market was huge; they even had clothes and other non food items. My first stop was the cheese department where I picked up a small wedge. I then stopped in the wine aisle for some French vin, then a quick stop to the produce department. While everyone had pretty much left by that time, I made my way to the check out line but realized I forgot my baguette. I ran to the bakery and sprinted back in line. I knew I needed to hurry, as I didn't want to miss the bus.

Security is taken seriously there. They have a baggage scanner and are not afraid to search your backpacks. I am an honest guy. This shouldn't be a problem, so I emptied my pockets, put the backpack on the belt and stepped through the metal detector. Beep, Beep, Beep. What the hell is happening? Now remember, I speak no French so the only way we understood each other were through body gestures, like charades. I showed the girl again that I had nothing in my pocket and walked through again. Beep, Beep, Beep. Again?  She was not convinced so would you believe she called the manager?  I was internally freaking out but I followed the manager to his office anyway and this is where things got uncomfortable.

You know those hand held scanning guns the store clerks have, well this guy had a security one. I told you they take shop lifting seriously. He scanned me again and there it goes off a third time. I turned my pockets inside out and nothing. You won't believe what happened next. He gestured for me to drop my trousers. If this had been in the U.S. I would have said hell to the no but to avoid prison time I did what he asked. Again with the scanner. Beep, Beep, freaking Beep. My heart was racing, I am sweating a river and I was sure I had missed the bus. I put my hands up, shrugged my shoulders and let him search me one more time. This time he located the source, my coat pocket. He reached in and pulled out one of those bar code stickers. That figures, I just purchased the coat in the U.S prior to my trip. I embarrassingly pulled up my pants, gathered my dignity, and this wise guy actually laughed at me. Oh and did I mention people were walking in and out of his office?  All for French food and wine.  C'est La Vie!










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Kolsch - The Serving Ritual

The Traditional Glass - It Means Something

A beer glass is just a beer glass right? Most Americans associate beer drinking with pint glasses. This is typically the glass of choice. It's thick, it holds one pint, and is hard as hell to break; perfect for my fumbling hands. But in other beer drinking nations, depending on the style of beer and location of the Brewery, your beer may be served in glasses of various sizes and shapes. Personally, I am a fan of the elaborately hand painted steins.

Let's take Germany for example. Berliner Weisse gets a goblet or tumbler, Pilsners get a tall tapered glass and the Weizen is traditionally served in a tall slender glass with a narrow bottom and larger top. But nothing quite compares to how and what Kolsch is served in.


What Makes Kolsch So Cool?

In Germany there lies a small industrial city called Cologne, pronounced Koln. This is where they produce the light German ale called Kolsch.
 
Kolsch is one of the lightest colored beers, similar to a German Pilsner, crisp with aroma of subtle fruit that comes from the yeast and fermentation style. It is a clean, uncomplicated beer. This is a style many American brewers produce as their summer beer and when the warm sun shines on the Vineyard, we pour an abundance. Substitute this for pilsners and other light lagers.

The coolest thing about Kolsch is how it is traditionally served in Germany. First, just sit down and order a Kolsch. The servers, called Kobes, quickly deliver your beer from a circular tray called a Kölschkran or Kolsch wreath in cylinder glasses called stanges, in a standing area known as a Schwemme. Before you realize your glass is empty, the Kobes drop off another stange of beer. Not ready for another? Just place your coaster on top of the stange. How cool is that? When you are finished for the night, the Kobes count the empty glasses and you pay at once. No need for a tab. I don't know about you but this could get me in trouble.

It's what's inside that counts

The Stange Glass. Stange is the German word for rod which is exactly what the glass looks like. I will be honest with you, though not the sexiest looking vessel, the stange glass is purposely designed to keep your beer cold while intensifying the flavors and aroma.

I have my own idea of beer glass service - a beer carrying Drone. We'll call it Robo Suds. Think about it. You're sitting outside at one of our concerts and locate our beer menu through an app. Choose one of our local suds and within minutes, a PDX drone lands on your table with the perfect pint of beer. It could happen, right?

One Final Thought

Did you know that Zymocenosilicaphobia is the fear of an empty beer glass?  I can certainly feel the pain. Perhaps in Cologne many beer drinkers have this treatable condition. Good thing for Kolsch bars. Just keep your glass uncovered and you will never suffer again. My fear is Kinemortophobia, the fear of zombies but that's a story for another time.

Red, White, and Brew - Happy 4th of July

I can't help to think how cool it is that the color of our flag matches the color of our wine, well sort of.  Coincidence? I think not. Though we have no blue wine, we do have Brews. Red, White and Brew. See what I did there?

The 4th of July equals back yard BBQ, American traditions, fireworks, and in my family, watermelon.  So I decided I will dedicate this post to American wine and beer history and of course wine and BBQ pairing


Thank You for Your Contribution Mr. President

Thank you Jimmy Carter for signing a bill that legalized home brewing, This bill paved the way for American craft brewing. Without you, we would never have had a beer brewed with bacon. You gave us new vocabulary with words like hoppy and malt. Because of you we learned that it's ok to serve beer in a glass, though cans are still cool, especially in the backyard.

Thank you Thomas Jefferson for introducing your Political buddies to the finer things in life such as French wine, mac and cheese and ice cream. You taught us that we can drink less and enjoy more, and if we don't have what we need, we can make it ourselves. You also invented the swivel chair. Now we can spin around like kids and drink our wine at the same time.

Thank you Barack Obama for purchasing the first White House home brew system and introducing America to The White House Honey Ale. You taught us that bets can be settled with beer and finding peaceful resolutions are easier with a cold bottle of American lager.

Thank You Franklin Roosevelt  for putting an end to that ridiculous prohibition act. Although you were a martini man, you brought back the White House wine cellar. We proudly salute you and the 21st Amendment.


The signing of the Declaration of Independence

Though President Washington distilled his own whiskey, it was Madeira, the fortified Portuguese wine that was toasted for our independence and George himself drank 3 to 5 glasses a day. They sure knew how to throw a party.

Pair your outdoor food with our Award Winning Wine

I consulted with our wine maker, Gabriel Rubilar and below are his recommendations for the perfect Paradocx wine and BBQ feast pairing:

Hot Dogs - Viva La Rosa
BBQ Chicken - Pinot Grigio 2016
Grilled Burgers - Pinot Blanc or Yield 2016
American Style Potato Salad - Haywagon Chardonay 2016

One Final Thought

It's no secret we love our county and celebrate our flag in many ways. However, some people have taken it to all new levels. I came across a few unexpected places and things where you will find the American Flag. I have seen American flag flip flops, tattoos, flag pizzas, a horse covered in American flag paint, American contact lenses, and believe it or not, an American flag condom. Only in the U.S. people.

But today we are talking beer and wine so here are a few creative ways to show off the American flag using wine and beer products.

A crafty way to utilize used wine corks

When it comes to painting and art, I am sloppy and pathetic but I am always amazed how artistic some people are and a wine glass painted with the American Flag? Perfect combo.

I never leave the house without my trusty bottle opener, but with this one, you can carry the flag with you every day and you won't ever be stranded with a bottle of beer and no way to open it. 

The question here is, was this an actual barrel and it was taken apart after it held wine or was it crafted before the cooper got a hold of it?

If you want to keep your beer cold on Independence day then do it the patriotic way.

This is actually a tap handle and a bad ass one at that. American IPA please.