Gadino Cellars
by
Kathy. Sullivan
Summary: Gadino Cellars is a family run winery from the vineyards through to greeting visitors in the tasting room. The winery is also family friendly with a large play area in one corner of the tasting room. Experience a visit to Gadino Cellars where you can enjoy a glass of wine at a table inside the tasting room or on the porch that overlooks the vineyards. Purchase a Cheese Platter or Sausage and Cheese Plate to enjoy with the wine.
A stone pathway curves slightly from the parking area to the front of Gadino Cellars winery tasting room. At night when the garden lights are bright it must appear romantic. Just outside the tasting room the landscaping is vibrant in early spring.
Inside, the tasting room offers a large oak tasting counter. The high ceiling is white with special white acoustic boards. Color is added with hanging Italian flags that reflect the traditional horse races that take place in Sienna. Flags with icons of each of the 17 districts participating in the Contrade are represented in the Gadino Cellars tasting room. A fireplace at one end of the room provides a nice spot to enjoy a glass of wine on a cold winter day.
Gadino Cellars is definitely a family winery in every sense of the word family. We enjoyed meeting Derek and Stephanie Pross, the second generation, who participate in the Gadino Cellars winery and vineyards. Stephanie’s parents planted vineyards in 1989. Today Bill Gadino cares for the vineyards and oversees the winemaking activities. Aleta Gadino has a discerning palate and works with blending the wines, in the vineyard, event planning and landscaping. Derek works in the cellar and sales. Stephanie is in charge of the tasting room and merchandise and also does the winemaking lab work.
The spark that led to the establishment of Gadino Cellars occured when Bill lived in California and tasted many Napa wines. When relocating to Virginia he bought juice from California to make wine. Bill purchased the land at the present site in 1989. Some of their desire to make wine comes from their Italian winemaking families.
Vineyards
The vineyards consist of over six acres of vines with additional vines planted each year on Earth Day. Grape varietals include Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Traminette, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Nebbiolo. Fruit is also sourced from Virginia vineyards.
Gadino Cellars produces 1,500 cases of wine and plans to increase production. However, the winery will stay boutique in size, as the Gadino family wants to have a hands on winery. They “like control over” the various winery and vineyard activities. They try to have at least one family member in the tasting room whenever it is open. The Gadinos want to remain small so they can interact with customers and visitors. They want people to try the wines and to learn about wine.
White Wines
Pinot Grigio 2010 was a light straw color with citrus aromas. The taste was smooth and citrusy while the finish was crisp. Barrel Select Chardonnay 2009 was straw colored. The aroma was of apple and pear. The smooth taste was followed by a finish with crisp fruit yielding to caramel and butter. Luminoso 2010 was blend of Vidal Blanc and Petit Manseng. The aroma was fruity. The taste reminds one of a fruit salad. The finish was crisp. Pineapple became predominant on the aftertaste.
Red Wines
Old Vine Anticho Viti Riserva Cabernet Franc was a ruby color with an aroma and taste of black cherry. The crisp finish was fruity with cherry notes yielding to pepper. Delfino Rosso was dark ruby. This was a blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The aroma was of dark fruit. The taste was earthy with dark fruit notes. The fruity finish offered tannins.
Dessert Wine
Dolce Sophia was a Petit Manseng and Vidal Blanc blend. The golden-yellow wine offered notes of apricot. The wine dried on the finish.
The tasting room also offers a Cheese Platter and a Sausage/Cheese plate for purchase. When visiting this friendly family owned and operated winery, consider purchasing a plate to enjoy with your wine.
Gadino Cellars
92 Schoolhouse Road
Washington, Virginia 22747
GPS: N38º 41.036’ W78º 10.330’
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