Gadino Cellars

December 13, 2024.  On a cold winter’s day by the fireplace at Gadino Cellars, you can contemplate the old photographs of Bill Gadino’s grandparents who brought along their love of fresh local wines when they immigrated from Italy.  Gadino Cellars south of Washington in Rappahannock County carries on an Italian wine making tradition.

To get to Gadino Cellars, turn from Route 211 onto School House Road as the winery is tucked away behind the elementary school. 

We met Bill, a short older farmer with disheveled white hair under his Washington Redskins toque.  He was headed to work in the cellar, sporting a cane and his week-old surgical hip.  The work never stops for these owners.

                                                                                                   Bill Gadino

Bill and his wife, Aleta, made Zinfandel in California before moving to the East Coast in 1984.  Their wine making has evolved from importing grapes from the West Coast, to buying property in Rappahannock in 1989 and managing a vineyard for 12 years while commuting from Northern Virginia.  The first planting in their own vineyard was in 1990.  They now have eight acres under vine and produce around 1,500 cases a year, all downstairs from the tasting room.  According to Bill, their wine is 90% estate-grown but all juice is local to Rappahannock County.

The tasting room opened in 2005; it is typically utilitarian except for the many flags hanging across the bar commemorating the city states of their grandparents.  This is a small winery with little capacity for large events. 

There is ample room outside.  Children and pets are welcome as are picnics.  In keeping with the Italian vibe, you’ll find two excellent bocce ball pitches open for family competition.

 

Despite their small size, Gadino Cellars regularly competes in the Virginia Governor’s Cup, and has won gold and silver medals for their wine over the past several years.

We thank Bill and our server, Bethany, for their time.  Here are our thoughts about the wine:

2020 Barrel Select Chardonnay.  Both Gadino Chardonnays are sur-lie aged, giving some extra texture and body.  Citrus and vanilla.  Kim gives it a B.

2021 Moonrise Rosé.  This is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Nebbiolo, off-dry with strawberry notes.  Good to buy at the winery for your picnic.   ABV 12.90%.  I rate it a B.

La Casa Nostra NV.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc from three local vineyards.  While this sounds like an interesting concept, the wine seemed conflicted with licorice notes and red fruit.  Short finish.  Medium-bodied.  I gave it a B-.

2021 Merlot.  This is a Silver Medal winner at the 2024 Governor’s Cup competition.  Dark fruit and spice up front, plum and cherry.  Medium-bodied.  God with juicy red meats.  ABV 13.90%.  I rate it a B. 

2019 Delfino Rosso.  I liked this blend of 64% Cabernet Franc, 19% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot.  Deep ripe plum and stone fruit.  Black cherry on the back palate.  Good tannins.  This was a Silver Medal winner at the 2023 Governor’s Cup.  ABV 13.80%.  I rated it a B+ and bought a bottle. 

Finale NV.   The Gadino Cellars Port-style wine, officially a “Red Dessert Wine,” is a blend of Chambourcin and Cabernet Sauvignon with some single malt whisky contributed by the Copper Fox Distillery.  (For more on Copper Fox, check out our post about Rappahannock County.)  Taste of chocolate, hints of berries, and a hint of mocha.  ABV 17.5%.  Very smooth.  I rate it a B.

Finally, Bill Gadino is very proud of his niece who is working for a winery in Sicily.  She sends back the best olive oil from presses at 1800 feet of elevation.  Her DiGiovanna olive oil is so good you should use it only for dipping and for salads.  A nice bottle of Delfino Rosso, some bread and dipping sauce in front of a fire would do your soul well.

 

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