The Brandywine Valley Wine Trail
By Dawn Harvey

The history of wine in Southeastern Pennsylvania started when William Penn planted the first grapes
in modern day Fairmount Park in 1684. Although his efforts failed, wine in this region was not without
hope. America’s first commercial winery, the Pennsylvania Vine Company, was established along the
Schuylkill River in 1793. Since only the Alexander grape thrived, the winery was closed in the 1820’s.
Although a pioneer, Pennsylvania lost its status as a viable wine-making state. That is, until Eric and
Lee miller founded Chaddsford Winery over 25 years ago.   

Chaddsford is the oldest winery on the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail, an area consisting of six
wineries located about 45 minutes from Philadelphia.  All of these wineries are in close proximity and
can be visited in one day or spread out over one weekend to include other area attractions and
charming B&Bs.  In fact, the area is becoming increasing popular as a girlfriend getaway.  It’s also
not uncommon to see limousines filled with bachelorette parties driving from one vineyard to the
next.

The most well-known stop on the wine trail is Chaddsford. Established in 1982, Chaddsford features
a gift shop, live music throughout the summer, self-guided tours, wine education classes, and
outdoor seating on the patio for customers to enjoy a picnic basket lunch. The proprietors produce a
wide variety of wines from Riesling to Sangria, but are best known for their Chardonnay and Pinot
Noir. Daily tastings are $7 and include samples of nine whites, reds, and sweet blush wines.
www.chaddsford.com.














Paradocx Vineyard’s tasting room is located in Kennett Square, PA in the Shoppes at Longwood. The
101 acre winery is located a few miles away in Landenberg and is run by two married couples who all
happen to be doctors. They refer to themselves as a pair of docs (hence the name). You won’t find all
of the bells and whistles here. The focus is on the wine – and it pays off.  Many consider Paradocx to
be the best winery in the Brandywine Valley. Paradocx offers tastings of 5 wines from a list of 15 for
$7. The award-winning Leverage 2004 (red) is superb.  Also try the Viognier 2005 and the Muscat
Ottnel 2005. Paradocx produces a fair amount of estate grown wines quite well. There’s also a gift
shop in the tasting room featuring items such as aprons and cookbooks. Paradocx should be a
priority for anyone visiting the wine trail.  www.paradocx.com.

Housed in a farmhouse dating back to 1837, Folly Hill Vineyards is located on 4 acres next to
Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. This self-billed small, boutique vineyard produces a
unique unfortified Port as well as their own private label chocolate wine sauce. Their focus is on
producing a fewer amount of wines well. Tastings are $7 and include samples of 5 wines including a
tank sample of their Le Pas De Trois 2005 (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and
Merlot). Imported cheeses and gourmet jams are also available for purchase. Customers are
encouraged to relax in the Adirondack chairs overlooking the vineyards. Their current tasting room is
located in their new barrel room under the old barn. Foley Hill runs a B&B on premises comprising of
two units, one of them being the old tasting room in a restored cottage. www.follyhillvineyards.com.














Va La Family is located in nearby Avondale, PA, and is probably the most picturesque of all of the
wineries in the valley. The vineyards are on premises and there is an upstairs art gallery for patrons
to enjoy. Va La focuses only on unusual Italian wines made in small batches. Tastings are $7 and
include samples of 8 wines paired with artisan cheeses. Va La provides a very friendly and welcoming
atmosphere. www.valavineyards.com.  















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Chaddsford Winery
Folly Hill Vineyards
Va La Family Vineyards