RdV Vineyards- Delaplane, VA

RdV Vineyards is a bit different than many Northern Virginia wineries. It is an intimate experience, which requires reservations, and their tastings feature wine from France and Napa. While their own wine, a Bordeaux style red that combines elements of both New and Old World wines is included in the tasting, bottles are typically already committed to their wine club members. Unfortunately, there is also a waiting list for membership, so savor the glass of Lost Mountain you receive with your tasting. 

Here, a tour is included with your tasting, featuring both their production areas and their labyrinthine wine cave. The guide also discusses the vineyard’s terroir in depth- its rocky granitic soil and steep southern facing hillside, ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot vines. 

Following the tour, four wines are offered for tasting, along with paired charcuterie. Our tasting begin with Dom Pérignon Champagne, and included a 2015 Bordeaux, RdV’s own Lost Mountain, and a 2018 Napa Cabernet.

It proved to be an excellent way to spend an afternoon. Their design forward tasting room is sunny and bright, with excellent views of the vineyard. No children, dogs or large parties are accommodated, so it’s a serene atmosphere, well worth the price of admission.