RDV
- RDV is located in Delaplane, Fauquier County, between I-66 and US Route 50. Though just over a decade old, it is already one of the best-known wineries in Virginia, and winning applause from many quarters for its wines. RDV is all about quality, and makes no bones about it: their website proclaims “we dare to do something great – create an iconic American wine”. Owner Rupert de Vink (which is where you get RDV from) set out to create a top-end winery, with a focus on quality across the board. Don’t come here for cheap wine, or a cheap tasting. At $65, a tasting at RDV will set you back.
- Wine. One of the Top 10 wineries in Virginia. For several people, RDV is the best winery in the state and produces the best wine in Virginia. Prices for the wines, when you can find them, underline its popularity – it is one of the very few wineries whose wines can go for over $100 a bottle. Two RDV wines were part of the 2018 Wine Spectator’s 12 best of Virginia: their high-end Lost Mountain (rated a 92 by WS), and the Rendez Vous (rated a 90). RDV was on the 2017 Washington Post list of best wines of Northern Virginia. And it is one of top four Virginia wineries, with a four-star rating, from Hugh Johnson’s 2020 wine guide. Note that RDV does not participate in winery competitions, so a full relative comparison of RDV wines is not available from this channel.
- Setting: One star. Delaplane is a beautiful place, and the winery overlooks the valley of Crooked Run Creek and the ridge of the Shenandoah Mountains. Sky Meadows State Park is across the road, and the Appalachian Trail cuts across the top of the Park. It’s also a great place to try multiple wineries in a small area, as Delaplane claims to have more wineries per capita than any town in America!
- Stories: One star. Virginia’s Wineries keep evolving. RDV has pushed the boundaries of quality reputation for Virginia’s vineyards and wineries, and helped change how the rest of the world (and some Virginians) sees Virginia wine. The story here is about building a winery, and channeling centuries of experience from France, California, and elsewhere in Virginia. RDV has succeeded in setting itself apart from the start, and is a unique case study.