Paradocx Vineyard Tasting Room
the Shoppes at Longwood
Village
by
K.L. Sullivan
The name for Paradocx Vineyard is a reminder for visitors that this Pennsylvania winery and vineyard was conceived and developed by two couples – all of who are doctors. Therefore, a pair of doctors became Paradocx. Paradocx grows fifteen varieties of grapes on 30 acres of land in Landenberg, Pennsylvania.
Currently the tasting room is located in an easy to find shopping center inside a modern red brick building with dark green awnings. The large plate glass windows sparkle in the sunshine and provide a glimpse into the welcoming tasting room. The ceiling has modern inset ceiling lights and provides a nice ambiance for tasting wine. Outside are three wrought iron tables, with signs inviting customers to purchase a glass of wine and enjoy sitting down outside. If it is raining, three small tables are available inside.
Upon entering the tasting room, one becomes aware of the subtle respect for wine that permeates the room. A carpeted floor and green walls add to the low-key profile. As our tasting attendant, Alex Karat, set two large wine glasses in front of us, we noted that this is one of the few tasting rooms we have visited which use Riedel glasses for wine tasting. Large multi-grain crackers were available for cleansing the palate while tasting wines.
Although most wines carry the abbreviation for Paradocx, PDX, on the label, two wines have the label 52 which refers to the old tasting room located on Route 52.
Our tasting began with a dry white wine, Yield 2005, a blend of Vidal, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. The result is a fresh clean crisp taste and light bodied. Pinot Blanc 2005 is clear with a medium to full body. Pinot Grigio 2005 is crisp with a medium body. PDX Haywagon Vineyard Chardonnay 2005 is aged in stainless steel and is medium bodied, fruit forward, with a short aftertaste. It is clean and crisp with good acid. PDX Reserve Chardonnay 2005 is aged in French oak has a heavy body and long aftertaste. Viognier 2005 has a floral bouquet and is medium bodied. Detour 2005 is a dry rosé with a fruit taste. PDX Sangiovese 2004 has a red fruit flavor with light to medium body and medium aftertaste. Merge is a Bordeaux blend in American oak and Leverage is a Bordeaux blend in French oak. This has a red fruit bouquet with a medium aftertaste.
Next to the light wood tasting bar is a glass-enclosed case, highlighting numerous bottles of wine. Noting the lovely floral labels on the bottles, we learned that Alice James is the creator of the wine labels.
Two antique-type cabinets add a tasteful touch to the tasting room and display a few accessories and gifts. Paradoxc t-shirts, hats, aprons and more are available for purchase.
Nearby is a wine chilling bucket on a wrought iron stand.
We enjoyed talking with our tasting room attendant and we wish him the best of luck in his studies.
Paradox Vineyard Tasting Room
The Shoppes at Longwood Village
One mile south of Longwood Gardens on Rt. 1.
Kennett Sq., Pennsylvania
Area Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn, Kennett Square
