-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Nina Kelly, director of comunications for The Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau, submitted these photos and this account of the second annual Brandywine Valley Wine Camp, held this past weekend. The photos include the dinner at Chaddsford Winery and hayride at Paradocx Vineyard.
The second annual Brandywine Valley Wine Camp was a great success. Twenty-five "campers" descended upon the Chaddsford Winery on Friday night and were greeted by proprietors Eric and Lee Miller with a glass of their refreshing Spring Wine. Eric then toured the group through the winery and sampled barrels of various wines. A delicious dinner outdoors and concert under the stars followed - and more wine.
The weather cooperated and the evening was enjoyed by all. Two couples from Pittsburgh took off to watch their beloved Penguins in the hockey final; they contributed to the fun by winning Lord Stanley's Cup (to the chagrin of Flyers fans!)
Saturday began with a tour of Kruetz Creek Vineyards in West Grove. Jim and Carole Kirkpatrick hosted the morning portion of the camp with a walk among the vines. Jim spoke of the varieties of grapes, root depth, pest control, pruning, harvesting and much more about the actual "fruit" of their labor.
Nearby Paradocx Winery was the next stop on the tour. A hayride, with a stop for lunch among the vines, and wine tasting was on the agenda. Time for exploring on their own in the afternoon was filled with other winery visits (Penn Woods and Stargazers), shopping or even napping.
A Wine Dinner was delightful at the Innkeepers Kitchen at the Dilworthtown Inn with tours of their renowned wine cellar a highlight. Finally Sunday concluded with a trip to Twin Brook Winery where Tim Jobe explained the wine-making process from vine to wine.
The wine campers were a lovely group of people from various areas who fell in love with the Brandywine Valley. The accommodations (Bed & Breakfasts and Boutique Hotels) were gracious and so hospitable according to the visitors. The area offered so much to see and do that many are planning to return.
The next Wine Camp is planned for June 11-13, 2010 and a custom weekend is always available. Please contact the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau at
800.566.0109 for more details or visit BrandywineValley.com anytime for more information.
