Barrels on the Brandywine, Part One

A clear, sunny 70 degrees; nice enough to be in shirtsleeves, but not warm enough to need a fan, you couldn't have ordered up a nicer day! On this perfect day, Mr. DS, Dear Schoolmate, her Beloved, and I set out to sample the Brandywine Valley's grapey offerings.

Our first stop was Twin Brook Winery in Gap, PA. Nestled behind an historic farmhouse, the tasting house was at the top of a long flight of stairs. The wine bar was ready for us though. As the last tour wandered downstairs for a barrel tasting, we bellied up to the ornate bar and sampled the offerings. We started with whites and worked our way to the reds. Some where pretty good, others we just ok, but every drop was a new adventure.

Since we wanted a barrel tasting, we headed down to the cellar where Tim Jobe, the wine maker answered our questions and shared the upcoming reds. Most notable was the Merlot. The best way I can describe the taste is that I felt a smile happen at the back of my throat. We all agreed we wanted to be on the list when this Merlot was ready. Incidentally, Tim said that he lost his wine assistant, but unfortunately, he wasn't looking to replace him. Had anyone told me in high school that a chemistry degree could be used in wine making, I would have treated the whole affair with more seriousness. I rediscovered a love and affinity for chemistry when I was taking classes for nursing school. Alas, yet another career that shall never be.

We enjoyed a picnic lunch of Tim's homemade gumbo, and bread and cheese brought by Dear Schoolmate. We reminisced, shared stories, and laughed ourselves silly in the sun. Mr. DS took pictures of the vineyard, and then we headed off to the next stop.

Our next stop was Black Walnut Winery, located in a repurposed historic building on Business 30 in Coatesville. With its exposed beams and original hardwood floors, this building just cries out for an intimate reception or party. It's a wonderful space. We were provided with 7 tastings and again, we started with the whites and moved along to the reds. It should be noted that this winery does not grow its own grapes. They purchase from a grower and blend based on the quality of what's available. I walked away with a lovely half dry Pinot Gris. I'm looking forward to trying this wine with risotto.

Our last winery had the most surprising and winning environment. Located at the end of a residential block in Coatesville, the Stargazer's Vineyard featured sweeping landscapes and a repurposed building with a dramatic glass front. Here again, we were had 7 tastings and were given bottle cap "tokens" to keep track. For me, the star of this show was the sparkling brut. It was very crisp and dry with no oaky aftertaste at the back of the throat. I could have used all my tokens just tasting that wine, but there were other intriguing options. There was a Tinto, a red desert wine and a Pinot Noir that found their way home with me.

One of the unique features of the Stargazer's tasting was the inclusion of local producers. There was a cheese monger featuring raw milk cheeses and a vendor from Fat Spike Lavender. I went home with two cheeses and the most heavenly lavender spray that I can use on linens and skin. It really smells like you are walking through a field of lavender.

My car was transformed into a wine-mobile, and by the end of the day, the trunk was full of wine and cheese and loveliness. We were tired and sun-baked but absolutely stoked about all the glorious wine we tasted – all without having to buy a plane ticket!