Delaplane Cellars

Delicious wine and relaxing atmosphere. 21 and up though so be warned. I recomend getting some of the bread also. This place is pefect for a date or a «mommy time out» sans kids!
* the tastings are quite exspensive though at 12 dollars for around 6 wines. Should be more like 8.

Really nice winery. Expensive wines, food pairing additional charge. Viognier is a bit pricey but so freaking great tasting. Came on a day that they had their wine club picking up. A little crowded, and limited parking.

Disappointed. Beautiful view and facility, but we should have been pre-​warned by all the rules listed on the signs coming in. We visited with a friend from out of town. She likes sweet wines, so elected to get a glass of wine instead of participating in a tasting with my husband and myself. She was told that the bar area was for tastings only, and that she would have to sit at a table with her glass of wine. The only other people in the winery were 2 people way down the bar. So, she sat at a table by herself while we hurried thru our tastings so we could join her. We were there to spend time with a friend and enjoy some good Virginia wine. The was wine was good, but we will never visit there again. I will patronize a winery with better customer service and where I can spend quality time with those I am traveling with. There were even signs in the restrooms!

This is a beautiful vineyard. We were looking forward to visiting it all day and as a group of 5 being driven by a limo for a birthday girls weekend, we were having a great day. We were dropped off in the limo and our driver parked off to the side. Wanting to safely explore VA wine country, we thought this was smart behavior. We were not visibly intoxicated — we were well dressed and behaved. We’re mid 30s for Gods sake — we’re adults.
We walked in and were immediately taken by the ambiance of the building & the smell of fresh baked bread. We had already been poured tasting glasses when a woman came out and said we would need to leave because we had arrived in a limo. She literally didn’t care that we had just gotten there and didn’t give us an opportunity to ask our driver to leave the premises. She sent us out. Talk about absolutely horrible customer service. I will never purchase or drink this wine because of the way we were treated. It was mortifying.

Dropped in early Friday afternoon for a tasting. Katherine behind the bar was very sweet and affable… she is a gem. The tasting room is spacious and bright. The pours were generous, and the wines were served at the proper temperature and in quality glassware. The quality of the wine is among the best I have tasted from this area, surprisingly complex. For a pleasant day out, bring a picnic, buy a bottle, and enjoy the beautiful view.

Well buying 2 cases is surely a sign you like it, right? Cuz that’s what we did.
The staff (and owner) are amazing. Very friendly, very welcoming. It didn’t feel like a bar where the staff flits from person to person.
The wines were all tasty, especially the hot mulled wine! One of my new favorite things.
Parking is easy but don’t get tricked by the parking below, drive past that up and to the front. There’s parking there, and you skip walking up a kinda steep hill.

Book a wine tasting! Very much worth it!

Hands down one of the best wineries I’ve ever been too. From the stunning views to the incredible service and top notch wine, you can’t go wrong.
We enjoyed a tasting inside and then purchased a bottle of wine to enjoy on the patio. I could have sat and enjoyed the views all day. Will definitely be coming back!

Great wine here and a beautiful view from the tasting room, very open with outdoor seating. I would suggest coming here for the tasting, buy a bottle with some cheese/​bread, sit outside, and enjoy the views.
Free wine tasting for military and 20% off any purchase… thats a win

I’ve visited several times before but this rating is for my latest visit. Their wine-​making style trends towards bolder reds (when they aren’t sold out!) which I definitely go for, even if they are a bit pricy. And the patio has an amazing view! I felt underdressed in my flip-​flops, but otherwise really enjoyed the trip.
My tasting was $ 8 for 6 wines, which is pretty reasonable. They have 10 acres of vines on the property and get another 10 acres worth from elsewhere. And they have Tannat… for now at least. Sadly their Tannat vines aren’t doing well in the up-​and-​down weather, so you had better enjoy them while I can.
Wine: 4 stars… although I may bump that up to 5 stars in the future. My biggest complaint is the rate at which the good stuff disappears (or maybe goes to club members?). I think they have even more stellar wines behind the counter — I’ve heard rave reviews about the Williams Gap Bordeaux blend — but either it was sold out or is rather expensive.
Facilities: Another tough call. The building is modern and spacious, and the excellent patio and huge windows gave a 5 star view. It certainly didn’t scream ‘casual’ like Barrel Oak or ‘rustic’ like smaller mom-​and-​pop wineries that I’m accustomed too, but that’s not a bad thing either.
Service: I guess 4 stars… even if the stingy part of me is tempted to bump them down a small notch because no matter how much I (almost) begged, I couldn’t get a sample of anything that wasn’t already on the tasting menu (although they did generously let me re-​taste two). But I did like the music and on a previous visit they had someone selling food outside. And kudos to my server for changing out my glass between the red and white pours; while they admitted they don’t often have enough glasses on hand to do a change-​out for everyone, little attention to detail things like that aren’t something I see all the time.
I want to recommend the Cab Franc and Tannat which I previously tasted… except they are both gone. They DO have the Williams Gap by the bottle but it’s beyond what I want to pay.
Luckily the 2013 Cinq4 was pretty good. The best on the tasting was the $ 42 Mélange Rouge Bordeaux style… but again, price point! The only one I didn’t care for was the Petit Verdot. And the biggest surprise was the red Zinfandel, which is only the 2^nd Zin that I’m aware of in VA. I wasn’t a big fan but the vanilla palate made it interesting.
The whites were decent, although I carry my standard caveat that I’m not a big white drinker. The 2014 Mélange Blanc tasted heavy somehow; I wasn’t sure how else to describe it. And the 2014 Petit Manseng was (as advertised) a total fruit bomb, if that’s what you like.
I’ll go again, but I think I’ll fit in better with a colarred shirt.

I am actually sad to feel the need to post this review. First, let me start by saying that Delaplane Cellars has decent wine; although their price point is high for their demographic area. The basis of this review and my subsequent two-​star rating is based on a number of visits to their winery and to events hosted by them most of which relate to poor customer service and service experiences. While not all of my visits have had challenging or negative staff encounters, the majority have been impacted negatively; hence this heartfelt review.
It begins when you enter the door, see the signage that rather than be welcoming is demeaning and commands that you are not welcome with children (anywhere) on their property. While I don’t have children, I do find the bold statement offensive to my friends and family who do and a significant inconvenience considering most all other local area wineries have either no objections to children and/​or make accommodations for children on their property by creating family-​friendly areas. Couldn’t the signage be more welcoming and not be a numerated list of rules/​expectations? I understand the importance of posting these, but to be your first impression creates an element that you are just one of a number of customers who are assumed to not comply without any prior infraction. On numerous occasions, I have seen families enter the door only to be greeted by a management team member who turns them away and «reminds them» that they are not a kid-​friendly facility; in one case, the staff member said, «it is clearly posted on the other side of the door you just entered». Could that be any more unwelcoming or aggressively demeaning? I suppose awarding that family a ‘free-​tasting coupon’ for a future visit is their consolation prize for their denial of admittance. Does this really soften the blow?
Anyway, I digress; back to my continued review — Upon walking into the tasting room, only one time ever do I recall being greeted by any staff member who smiled and welcomed me or my group to the bar. Instead, a tasting sheet was thrust in front of me and the wines were poured without little or no commentary. In fact, I had to inquire about the tasting fee which I was told, «is printed on the tasting sheet». The low employee morale is clearly evident and on all weekend occasions they have been tremendously understaffed.
In attending several events hosted at and by the winery, again there was lack was in positive customer service and experience. Having attending numerous barrel tastings over the years at a number of area wineries, the barrel tastings at Delaplane Cellars are beautifully adorned with food, but both times I attended at Delaplane, there was no pattern of progressing through the barrel room for sampling, it was obnoxiously cramped and crowded, and there was great competition between guests attempting to get to the food that was allegedly paired with the wine samples. There was no explanation of the wines in barrel or their background and the personnel sampling from the barrel were often not employees, but instead volunteers. What winery staffs an event where the sole purpose is to sell futures with volunteers who are not educated about the wine they desire to sell? Additionally, the owners of the winery were vaguely present, but again not in any educational manner, but instead at the register asking all guests if they intend to purchase wine rather than engaging them in conversation or thanking them for their attendance, patronage and support. It was quickly obvious to me that their barrel tasting events were not about appreciating their customers, but instead about hurrying them along through the experience and all while hoping to swipe a credit card. I do understand that any business is dependent upon sales for success, but at the cost of the experience of your customers/​guests seems quite counterintuitive to true future sales. And lastly, one of my guests who wanted to resample a wine that was being considered for purchase, was denied another pour because the volunteer was told that they were to only pour «one small amount».
While the scenery at the winery is beautiful on the inside and out, that beauty is not evident in their business model or the way they interact with their customers. While there was a time this would have likely been more tolerated because there was little competition, there are now so many other area wineries that combine great facilities, great wine and even great customer experiences. If you’ve not explored Blue Valley Winery, RdV and/​or Linden Vineyards, you should — I am certain that I will not be back to Delaplane Cellars until there is a dynamic shift in focus to customer service and customer appreciation.

Beautifully pristine landscaped grounds, modern aesthetic tasting room and friendly service. We arrived at 11:15am on a weekday. We were the only patrons there. I am more of a Reds fan and my husband is more of a whites… Our compromise was the Cab Franc, more in the light side for me but at least one we can share.
I was impressed with the 7.00 tasting fee. Great value! I also do like the fact there is no fees to join their wine club. Out of all the programs we have heard in the area, it was the best value with nice perks. We wanted to hear the other winery options first. I must say we have chosen to join this one.
They clearly emphasis the fact they will not accept groups larger than 6, no limos, and buses. Parking is at the back of their building so drive all the way up and around the back.

We’ve been coming here for quite a while now and have always enjoyed their wines, their view and most importantly, their customer service. No matter how busy they get, they always find a way to greet you and ensure that they can fit you in at the tasting bar or give an idea what the wait might be.
But the wines they make and offer are spectacular! Easily one of our favorites in VA, and we’ve visited over hundred wineries (so far!). We recently spent time in Temecula, CA and enjoyed their wines too, but were so happy to come right back to Delaplane Cellars to compare… As always, we were not disappointed… Everything was perfect!
If you like reds, then you’ll probably enjoy their blends. Williams Gap and Left Bank are a couple of VERY popular wines for them.
Give them a try!

8 dollars tastings and sophisticated wine with a classy view ! Drive around the house and park in the back and bring a picnic :-)

I LOVE THIS PLACE! Loved our tasting so much that my husband and I as well as our other fiends joined their wine club! Carol was such an amazing host. She definitely knew her stuff. She provided us with so much history on the winery and educated us on the wines that I was in awe. The wines were delish. I was obsessed with their Rose which we ended up getting two bottles especially since there was a special to get a bottle for $ 10! Awesome! I loved the entire experience, the grounds and the staff. The live performer was an added bonus! My husband and I as well as our friends have decided to make it our couples retreat every three months to get our wine club membership perks and just enjoy being away from our busy lives and the hustle and bustle of the DC and MD! I can’t wait for our next trip!

I stopped here with my BF this past Sunday after taking a great hike at Sky Meadow Park. Since we were right down the road and had never been to Delaplane before, we decided to give it a spur of the moment try. Parking was strange — we parked in the front (or the back? — first try parking around on the opposite side of the bldg).
It was a beautiful Fall day, and there were a good number of people there enjoying the views and the wine. The room was striking with floor to ceiling windows — very pretty and seemed to have a good energy. We were greeted by a woman as soon as we walked in who set us up for a tasting… she told us where to stand along the bar, and then went back to greet the next people walking in the door. We stood for several mins waiting for someone to do our tasting — felt like an assembly line almost. We were just left there, that was until Matt finally came up to us.
MATT WAS HORRIBLE — Now honestly, I never pick on individuals on Unilocal,and understand how hard it is to wait on people all day long (I have been there myself). He was doing tastings for at least 4 other couples that we saw — he seemed rushed, uninterested and a bit irritated. He would leave us for up to 5 mins at a time (that’s a long time in a tasting) and for some reason, he barely put any wine in my glass — just MY glass. Not that my friend got a generous pour, but it became a joke by the 3^rd time he came around and gave me my squirt as he dully told us what we were getting ready to taste. (NO — that is not why I am only giving them a 2). He was just plain rude, and honestly ruined the experience for us. We had planned on buying a bottle of wind and sitting out on the deck, but we couldn’t get out of there fast enough — I will not be back.
I am not picky or uptight in the least, but there is no excuse for poor service in an environment like this. We went down the road to Barrel Oaks and had a wonderful lady do a tasting for us — she was friendly, answered our questions, and at least acted like she was glad we were there. We bought a bottle to enjoy there and one to bring home — just what we had planned on doing at Delaplane — won’t be back and can’t reccomend you either. You get the two stars for the beautiful room with the view.

Pro tip:
Park at the top behind the building. Go there first to see if there is parking then back down and walk up if there is not.
There are yummy food options to enjoy a bottle/​glass on their fabulous deck.
Unless you buy a good quantity the tasting is $ 7 for 5 tastings… hrmph.
I popped int after a hike as a «reward» for my hard work! The staff was very friendly. the location is Be-​a-​utiful! So gorgeous! The décor the view, the people! The staff is beyond friendly! The give the full spiel no matter what you look like — as i mentioned i had just finished a hike, so i wan’t as «put together» as i might have liked! But they talked about the wines, the preparation, the flavors and what it goes with!
I would definitely go back, probably early in the visit with the family to get the amount needed for the free tasting! :)
Vidal Blanc — a sweeter white wine. Tastes great alone, supposed to go with spicy
Cinq3– a lovely red — tasty and enjoyable
Rose — nice strawberry nose — dry — not for me
chardonnay — interesting flavor, pretty even keeled and plain

Wow! Delaplane Cellars knocked my socks off. This may be the first time I’ve enjoyed every single wine at a tasting.
The tasting room is stunning, lots of light and warm wood (with space for live music) and the patio view is beautiful. This is not your usual boisterous dogs, kids, and bachelorette parties galore kind of winery. It is adults only, no pets, and much more sedate and elegant than the other wineries I’ve visited.
I thoroughly enjoy the cute kids and dogs when at other wineries, but it is so nice to have an alternative with a more peaceful (dare I say romantic) atmosphere.
Just to clarify, I don’t mean stuffy. We showed up scrubby and sweaty after a day of hiking and still felt completely comfortable here.
If you are exploring Virginia wineries, put this on your must-​visit list!

Great view here and the tasting room is great. I myself like white wines more than reds. This place has more reds than whites, but I would still give it four stars based on the drink-​ability of the reds and the feel of the place overall.
This is not just some cheap winery, you can tell they take time and have spent some money on this place.

We visited Delaplane Cellars this past Friday with some good friends and fellow wine lovers. There is a small parking area right as you come up the drive to the winery, but don’t stop there unless you want to take a short hike up a gravelly drive. There is more parking if you drive around to what appears to be the back of the building which is actually right by the entrance to the tasting room. It was a beautiful day so luckily we didn’t mind the walk.
The tasting room is huge and modern. There are tables available inside and outside on the deck. Their is a wall of windows and French doors where construction of a second deck has begun. There are lovely views to enjoy while sipping a glass or sharing a bottle. Picnicking is allowed on the tables in the grassy area.
We were greeted as we entered and offered a tasting — 4 wines that day for a nominal tasting fee of $ 6, not a bad deal. They offered a white, a rose and two reds. The white, Mélange Blanc, was my favorite of the tasting. It was the perfect summer porch wine, citrusy and fresh without being tart. The Rose I could see pairing fairly well with a nice summer salad. This was not the best Rose I have ever had — just ok. It had a lingering flavor that just didn’t work for me, but others in our small group enjoyed. The other favorite for me in this tasting was a Mélange Rouge — a nice fruity, easy drinking red. The other, a Cabernet Franc, was quite dry — tough all on it’s own, but would be quite good with grilled meat or a hearty pasta.
The staff was super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the wines offered. We decided to enjoy a glass outside before heading to our next destination. Overall a great experience at Delaplane Cellars — great service, nice wines and perfect location/​atmosphere.
A few tips:
1) They offer live music on weekend afternoons — the tasting room is definitely large enough to accommodate a small acoustical set up.
2) There is additional seating upstairs which I believe is reserved for members.
3) They do not accommodate parties over 6, bus tours or limos.
4) This winery is not a place for kids — in fact visitors under the age of 21 are not permitted in the tasting room or on the farm winery.
5) They offer a military discount!