Rappahannock Cellars
December 13, 2024. We last visited Rappahannock Cellars in 2020 before we began this blog. In the four years since, the Delmar Family has made many improvements to the facilities including adding a distillery.
Rappahannock Cellars is a short hop from Route 522 north of Flint Hill and west of the town of Huntly in Rappahannock County. It is here that John Delmar and wife Marialisa relocated from California’s Santa Cruz Mountains in 1998 with a desire to raise their growing family on a farm. They bought the 85-acre Glenway Farm (circa 1804) and started planting grapes in 1999. The Delmar’s have had 12 children, many of whom remain involved in the winery business. Two Delmar children, Kelly Knight and Teresa Delmar are managing the business now.
We spoke with Isabel Barragan, our server and an up-and-coming artist. On Kelly’s introduction, we also spoke with Steve Monson, the winemaker. Here are some basic facts: Rappahannock controls 100 acres of grapes: 40 acres at the Flint Hill location and 60 acres under lease in the Shenandoah Valley. All of their wine is produced on the property – that is some 12,000 cases – making it the largest producer in the county.* Steve says that Cabernet Franc grows best here. He seemed less enthusiastic about their experiment with Norton grapes. “It is what it is,” he said, I’ll believe it when I see it.”
The tasting room is light but basically unadorned. (Turn right inside the door to go to Dida’s Distillery.) Tastings are done at the bar where no eating of any kind is allowed. Having water or crackers at the bar would improve the customer experience, but we have no idea whether our suggestion to Isabel will go anywhere. If you step away from the bar to a nearby table, you can have your food there or order from their limited menu. this may be a practical alternative to cleanse your palate unless the weekend crowds and too large and dense. You may not be able to reach your food easily. The gift shop occupies the next room and offers limited foods and merch to buy. Beyond the gift shop there are additional rooms on the main level, some club spaces upstairs, and a nice patio space for warmer months. Even with this space, however, Rappahannock limits its event sizes to around 50 people. So, a rehearsal dinner or bridal shower is probably fine, a large society wedding, not.
Families and pets are welcome except in club spaces and the patio room, which is reserved for 21+ adults. There is ample outdoor space for both kids and dogs. Picnic tables are available on a first come basis. We did not see outdoor heaters or fire pits to warm you this time of year.
Fizzy Lizzy NV. This sparkling Chambourcin-based Rosé with a touch of Viognier has a beautiful deep rose pink. Simple strawberry palate from the Charmat Method which produces bubbles from a second fermentation in pressurized tanks. The more famous “Champagne Method” gets bubbles from a second fermentation in individual bottles). I rate it a B.
2022 VX2. This is a blend of 90% Vidal Blanc and 10% Viognier, although it shows more of the Viognier character. Floral and peach. B.
2021 Chardonnay (White Label). Rappahannock has two Chardonnay’s, identified by their label. The White Label is a normal Chardonnay – malo and sur-lee aging for 10 months. Some scalded cream and lemon. I rated it a B.
2021 Chardonnay (Black Label). The Black Label Chardonnay is reserved for the Wine Club, but Isabel let Kim have a taste. It is aged a bit longer, and has more vanilla and flowering apple. It is a tad more dear than the White Label. Kim rated it a B.
2022 Eighteen. Steve Monson used all 18 blocks of Rappahannock’s red fruit acreage at the Glenway Farm to make this blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Merlot. A very interesting blend and a hint off-dry. Minerality in the back palate. I rate it a B+.
2022 Cabernet Franc. Like the Chardonnay, Rappahannock makes a Black and White Label Cabernet Franc. I believe the difference is in style and in vineyards between their local vineyard and their vineyard in Shenandoah. I believe we tried the Black Label. Nice ruby color, pronounced tannins. Herbal (or “forest floor” as it says on the notes). I rated it a B.
2022 Meritage. This bright well-balanced wine is a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, with Cab Franc dominating. Raspberry and cocoa notes. Not on the regular tasting menu; you’ll have to implore them for a taste. B+
Port NV. Listed as “Port” on the Tasting Menu, this is technically a “Red Dessert Wine.” It is 100% Norton grapes that have been fortified with brandy from Dida’s Distillery under the same roof. Chocolate – chocolate – chocolate - and dark fruits. B.
A note to the wise: Rappahannock is very popular and gets crowded on the weekends. Parking can be an issue. Best advice is to come early.
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* One Informational Comment: Rappahannock advertises that its wines “are vegan and alpha-gal friendly.” Typically, vegan-friendly indicates that the wine is clarified with a non-animal fining agent. For example, instead of isinglass, the winery may have used carbon, bentonite, or a clay mineral. Alpha Gal Syndrome (AGS) is a red meat allergy caused by the bite of a tick. Unfortunately, Virginia is one of the national hotspots for AGS, due to our wetness, our forests, and our abundance of ticks. An individual with AGS who consumes red meat with alcohol may trigger some allergic reactions. I suspect the same process that makes Rappahannock wines vegan friendly also reduces the allergens connected to AGS.
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