So the weather’s not looking quite as good as I thought it would this weekend, but at least the temperatures aren’t in the teens. Saturday looks to be the better day, but a little rain shower shouldn’t dampen your spirits—there are plenty of places to take cover along the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail. This weekend is the second for Barrels on the Brandywine, a month-long event (March 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29) that encourages area lovers to spend an afternoon (noon-5 p.m.) in the country and savor the liquid version of the region’s harvest.
No matter when you go this month, be sure to stop at one of the Mexican grocery shops or restaurants around the wineries. Contrary to popular belief, wine’s a nice complement to Mexican food. Another option is to go late, then dine at The Orchard in Kennett Square, with your newly purchased array of wines in hand. (This may require calling ahead for a reservation: 610-388-1100.)
There’s plenty of wine to go around, plus a new vineyard to check out: Black Walnut Winery in Sadsburyville (another winery, Patone Cellars, will open in the fall). Seasoned participants include:
• Black Walnut Winery, (610) 857-5566, blackwalnutwinery.com
• Chaddsford Winery, (610) 388-6221, chaddsford.com
• Kreutz Creek Vineyards, (610) 869-4412, kreutzcreekvineyards.com
• Paradocx Vineyard, (610) 255-5684, paradocx.com
• Penns Woods Winery, (610) 459-0808, pennswoodswinery.com
• Stargazers Vineyard, (610) 486-0422, stargazersvineyard.com
• Twin Brook Winery, (717) 442-4915, twinbrookwinery.com
Sip on the 2008 vintage and enjoy tours, music, art shows, food and other special events.
One thing you’ll need, besides a designated driver, is a Wine Trail Passport ($25 each, required). You’ll get your own glass to use along the way, which makes a nice memento. Passports can be obtained at bvwinetrail.com.
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