Chaddsford Winery
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Chaddsford Winery is one of the largest wineries in Pennsylvania. Eric Miller, owner and winemaker, is an important figure in the state’s wine industry. The winery is located on the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail and not far from the Brandywine River Museum and Longwood Gardens. One can plan a two-day getaway and visit all three without traveling far. However plan on spending a long time at Chaddsford Winery.
Chaddsford Winery located in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania is the largest winery on the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail and one of the largest in the state. The winery offers a variety of events throughout the year. At Christmas time the wine tasting room areas are filled with an abundance of decorations and potential gift ideas including gift baskets.
Eric and Lee Miller established the winery in 1982. Located in the southeastern region of Pennsylvania, Chaddsford Winery offers a destination site for visitors. Producing 25,000 cases of wine, all of their production takes place onsite. Grapes are harvested at their vineyard about 25 miles away and Pennsylvania growers that the winemaker works closely with. Today the winery offers a self-guided tour, a tour of the wine cellars, an array of wine-related gifts, and delicious wines. Visitors are welcome to spend time on the patio enjoying a glass of Chaddsford wine.
Approaching the restored 18th century dairy barn, visitors walk up several steps to a large brick patio, which is a delightful place to sit and enjoy a glass of wine. A fire pit in front of the facility is a great gathering place on a cold winter day. Recently Chaddsford Winery added a white tent adjacent to the front of the tasting room. The tent area is a delightful place to enjoy a glass of wine. This is a great place to taste wine and enjoy the sun, snow or rain. Going up several more steps we entered the winery. We met Denise McMillan, who provided more details and a wine tasting.
Winery Tours
One of the unique features of Chaddsford Winery is the self-guided winery tour. With signs posted and stainless steel tanks to observe, one can get a brief but informative idea of all the work it takes to produce wine. The signs are well labeled, with large enough print to make reading easy and enjoyable. You can take your time in this area and enjoy the ambiance of learning about winemaking and viewing tanks and barrels. Tours of the wine cellars are also offered. Those who take the tour will notice the aged-wood stairway leading to the lower level. In addition, huge beams of the original barn can be seen overhead. The contrast of the old wood versus the stainless steel tanks is striking.
Tasting Rooms
The primary tasting room is open and allows foot traffic to easily move about. The tasting counter of wood and the refinished wood floors add to the warmth of the room. Behind the tasting counter the wall is covered with a mural of a vineyard. White walls have wall lights giving off a warm, soft light. Photographer’s photos decorate the walls between the lights. Another room is usually set-aside for Reserve Tastings. Usually this room is for the special wine flights. During the holiday season, the room is an extension of the gift area. Choose from a selection of gifts. Whether a bottle of wine, wine gift basket, or wine accessory, you will surely find gifts for wine lovers.
Wine Flights
Wine enthusiasts may want to participate in tasting a flight of wines. Currently four different flights are offered. Tasting mats identify each glass of wine. Wine educators present the wines and talk about each one while the wines are tasted and enjoyed.
In the spacious main tasting room, we were invited to try several wines. Chaddsford Winery hosts attempt to gauge your knowledge level about wine and tailor the discussion to meet your needs. Whether you enjoy dry wines or sweet wines, you will most likely find a wine you enjoy at Chaddsford Winery.
White Wines
Proprietors Reserve 2008 was a blend of Seyval Blanc and Vidal Blanc. The light yellow wine offered citrus notes throughout and the finish was crisp. Chardonnay 2008,Naked (unoaked) had apple and pear notes from the aroma through to the finish. The apple and pear yielded to citrus on the finish.
Red Wines
Proprietors Reserve 2009 was a Chambourcin wine with a ruby color. The wine offered red berry notes on the aroma, taste and finish. The finish was smooth. Pinot Noir 2009 was a red/purple color. The aroma was earthy with cherry. The taste had cherry with earthy nuances. The finish offered very mild tannins with fruit and earthy nuances. Merlot 2007 was red to ruby. The aroma and taste offered dark fruit and spice. The finish had tannins with fruit yielding to spice. Merican 2005 was from the Portfolio Collection. The wine was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot. This ruby wine had an aroma of dark fruit and licorice. The taste offered multiple layers of dark fruits. The finish was fruity with tannins.
Events
In January “Cabin Fever” Wine and Cheese Tastings take place. February has “Wine and Chocolate Tastings.” Tasting events and dinners occur throughout the year.
Enjoy your visit to Chaddsford Winery. Chaddsford Winery sets the industry standard for greeting visitors that enter through the front door. The wine, friendliness and ambiance at the winery make it a very enjoyable experience that you will want to visit often.
Chaddsford Winery
632 Baltimore Pike
Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania 19317
GPS: N39º 52.387’ W75º 37.603’
