Sabin Wine Journeys

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 wheel

January 16, 2023.   To start off our new year of winery visits and tastings, we decided to pick a brisk and sunny holiday to visit Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane, Fauquier County, within the Middleburg AVA.   This was maybe our third trip to Barrel Oak since they opened in 2008.   Over the years, Barrel Oak has added a brewery, which we aren’t going to review for this trip, and just last year changed ownership when founder Brian Roeder wanted to return to family in California.   According to Jennifer Schaefer, Barrel Oak is now owned by White Star, although Virginia State Corporation Commission records show Barrel Oak is a fictitious name for Grape and Grain, LLC, a corporation with the same principal address as White Star in Bethesda, Maryland.   Some reports are that the sales price set a record for Virginia wineries at around $14 Million. Let’s get past the wonky stuff.   The winery has always been fun and welcoming to families and their dogs, achieving the distinction of “Most

Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery.     September 5, 2021 We visited Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery in Delaplane on a rainy Sunday of Labor Day weekend.   On this day, the fog rose like rivulets of smoke among the foothills.   We have visited Blue Valley several time before, just the two of us and with friends.   We have always enjoyed it.   The facility sits on top of a steep hill looking over vineyards and farmland with Interstate 66 visible in the distance.   It is a large venue and often has weddings and special events.   (Reportedly, between September and November they have over 30 weddings at the site.   So, best to call ahead to make sure they are open.)   On this visit, and at the risk of sounding like a curmudgeon, the winery was hosting two tour buses of young adults who elevated the noise level in the tasting room considerably.   We usually say hello to Ken at the tasting counter, but he was inundated with young adults that day.   The tasting room has a fireplace, allows out