Three Fox Vineyards And Brewery

August 5, 2023.  We have fond memories of our last visit to Three Fox Vineyards in Delaplane, Fauquier County.  Back then, by accident we came upon the famous I Love Lucy Grape Stomping Competition – a great example of what Virginia wineries have been doing to bring customers out to the vineyards.   

Take care on the approach to Three Fox.  It is a sharp left turn directly from Route 17 heading west just past the train crossing at Delaplane.  The drive to the winery is steep and one might think that you’ll bottom out the car on the way.

In 2020, Tim and Emily Faltemier bought the property from founding owners Holli and John Todhunter and set about radically remaking the winery.  The Faltemier’s have invested a significant sum to level off the old sloped parking area for better parking.  Note that accessing the place from the parking lot may be difficult for individuals with disabilities.  There is a gravel ramp to the side, but it lacks railings and may be hard to push a wheelchair through. 

Most prominently, they have replaced the old barn and tiny tasting room with a sleek events building that sits at the top of a long sandstone colored staircase.  This too may be difficult to climb. 

                                                                                    The New Three Fox

 Once inside the tasting room, you will find ample seating across from a long bar where wine and beer are dispensed from taps.  You can also buy wine slushies.  The tasting room/events building has a second level upstairs for more private affairs, but there are no elevators to get there.  The steps to the second floor are pretty steep.  You will find fireplace on the main floor of the tasting room for the cooler months and outside seating under a covered patio, much improved over the former regime.  Unlike many vineyards, Three Fox encourages you to have a seat at tables placed out in the vineyard. 

 

                  

 

 

 Patio Seating                                                            

                                                         Vineyard Seating

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   View from Level 2

 

Outside food is welcome at Three Fox or you can check out the gourmet pizza and salad offerings at the separate food building. According to open sources, there are around 15 acres of grapes on this farm of around 50 acres total.  Most wine is produced in small batches of around 60 case per type.                                                                     

The Three Fox website touts their spirit of experimentation.  In fact, I believe that Three Fox was the first Virginia winery to produce a Sangiovese.  Sangiovese still appears in a number of their offerings.  Richard Thompson is the winemaker.. The focus of experimentation these days, however, appears to be on the beer brewing side of the house.  Three Fox makes its beer in collaboration with Bunnyman Brewing of Burke, Virginia, for instance making beer in old wine barrels. 

We thank our server, Eddie, for his hospitality.  Kim sampled a couple of whites.  I had the Red Flight of four wines.  Here are our reactions:

2022 Expression.  Kim found the Expression too flowery, perhaps being out of balance with the acidity.  Light bodied.  Indeed, the three Fox tasting notes mention its creaminess.    

2022 Stainless Viognier.  Kim also tried the Stainless Viognier.  She rated it a C.  She found it slightly petulant and almost Pino Gris in lightness.  Light bodied.  Not the typical floral notes of Viognier.    

2022 Sparkling Duality.  This is a nice pale orange Rosé made from Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc.  Kim rated it a B.  Bright tart red fruit – like strawberry.  Dry, light bodied.  Short finish.  Serve chilled.  Tasting notes refer to it as “Duality Rosé.

2020 Renee.  This is a light -to-medium red blend of 60% Merlot 20% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Malbec.  Light fruit aroma.  Light tannin, short finish.  Dark fruit like plums when they are just at peak. I rate it a B.  Tasting notes refer to this as "Renee Blend 2."

2020 Abigail.  This is another red blend that I found more rustic than the Renee.  Very light aroma.  Light to medium body.  Medium tannin from the blending combination of: 80% Malbec and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Quite similar to the Renee but with more of the lighter fruit tastes. Also tasting notes list this at 14% ABV, so be careful - strongest on the tasting menu.  I rate it a B+, but it sells for $40.00 per bottle like the Renee.

2020 Brayden.  I also rated the Brayden a B+.  This is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot using old and new French barrels,  It is medium bodied with moderate tannin.  I got dark fruit like black cherry and some tobacco and smoke. Even detected some mint.  Dry finish.  A pretty good wine but at $45.00 per bottle.  

At about an hour from home, Three Fox is a nice destination.  You can see what Three Fox used to look like in photos on the web.  The new place and grounds are an improvement and the wine is improving too over what we recall from the former regime.  We appreciate what the Faltemier's are doing with it.