Welcome back! Another winery experience review for you guys. This time, we are reviewing Va La Vineyards in Avondale, Pennsylvania. Definitely one of our favorites so far!
Last weekend we took a day to visit three wineries in Southeastern Pennsylvania (Delaware & Chester Counties). We visited Grace Winery, Penns Woods Winery, and Va La Vineyards. All three were great, but Va La Vineyards was definitely the highlight of the trip! They were awarded a spot in the Top 101 wineries in the United States for four years in a row. That’s saying something!
The experience is unique. The vineyard offers five styles of dry wine only. All styles are blends made from a variety of varietals and clones grown on the estate. The five styles of wine we tasted were:
La Prima Donna (2014)- Amber colored white blend made from Malvasia Bianca, Petit Manseng, Pinot Grigio, Tocai, and Fiano varietals
Zafferano (2015)- Bronze colored white blend made from four clones of Pinot Grigio, Fiano, Tocai, and Petit Manseng
Silk (2016)- Dry Rosato (Rose) blend made from Corvina Veronese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Petit Verdot, and Lagrein
Castana (2015)- Red wine blend made from Petit Verdot, Carime, Barbera, Lagrein, Sagrantino, and Teroldego
Mahogany (2015)- Their flagship black wine made from Barbera, Malvasia Nera, Charbono, Petit Verdot, Carmine, Teroldego, Lagrein, and Sagrantino
Each of these wine blends were magnificent and unique. We thoroughly enjoyed all five styles and their complimentary food pairings (included with the tasting). We ended up leaving with a bottle of La Prima Donna, Zafferano, Silk, and Castana. The only one we did not purchase was Mahogany; although not for any specific reason!
We are fairly unfamiliar with the majority of varietals and clones used in their blends (some we have never heard of!). Some of the varietals used are very uncommon to wineries in the Northeast (and possibly even the US). Their team of Tasting Associates were extremely knowledgeable about each one and walked us through each blend thoroughly.
If you’re a lover of unique, dry, and full bodied wines, we highly recommend stopping in to Va La Vineyards for a tasting. Tastings are $20/person and include a food pairing for each blend.
See below for our score card for Va La Vineyards. If you visit, please let us know how your experience is! Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend, all!
Wine is calling, we must go!
Nick & Ed