The heart of Northern Virginia has always been known for horses and foxes, and now Three Fox Vineyards in Delaplane is helping to make it known for fine wine. The boutique winery, situated on 50 undulating acres, produces several award-winning estate wines from varieties native to or grown in Italy, like Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Here, proprietors Holli and John Todhunter have combined their passion for life, wine, and Italy to bring a little bit of la dolce vita (the sweet life) to Virginia.
Grinning statues of three foxes provide the first friendly welcome along the treelined drive. Vintner Holli and Winemaker John are usually in the tasting room ready to chat about vines and wines. There’s a brick patio and flower gardens, a tented al fresco terazza, and a barrel-table garden where guests can relax, plus a “barrel bar” right next to the vineyard. The rolling grounds are dotted with hardwood tables that invite wine tourers to appreciate the splendid views, reminiscent of Tuscany. Crooked Run, a vast meadow with more picnic tables and hammocks, can be easily reached in one of the winery’s four seat “winemobiles.”
But the views aren’t the only things to savor at Three Fox Vineyards. Several of the wines have brought home many medals, including the Alouette Cabernet Franc, one of the highest-rated reds ever to come out of Virginia.
Located just 40 minutes from Washington, D.C.’s beltway, Three Fox Vineyards hosts many fun events for wine lovers seeking a quick getaway. The “Lucy Stomp” in mid-September is a perennial favorite. Then, in mid-October, the winery hosts an annual show-off classic of British, German, and of course, Italian automobiles. There’s also a marvelous Post Harvest Roast in November. It’s easy to see why the Todhunters say, “Every day is a festival of life at Three Fox Vineyards.”
WHAT TO BUY
’10 La Trovatella Merlot – $26
Red fruit, plum, hint of spice
’09 Piemontese Nebbiolo – $31
Black cherry, dark red fruit, spice
’09 Volpe Sangiovese – $23
Leather, cassis, cherry, coffee, toast, light chocolate
Gatto Bianco – $22
Pineapple, mandarin citrus, hints of melon
CONTACT
540-364-6073
info@threefoxvineyards.com
threefoxvineyards.com
TASTING
Tasting Room Open Thur–Mon 11–5, Sun 12–5
10100 Three Fox Ln.
Delaplane, VA 20144
SPECIAL NOTES
10 to 12 wines available for tasting, picnic grounds, deli, complimentary tastings for guests at local inns.
Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.
Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
