Paradise Springs Winery, Clifton, Virginia

“In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is strength, in water there is bacteria.”

David Overbach

While visiting our friends, Steve and Erin in Virginia, Erin asked us if we would like to go check out a nearby winery in Clifton, Virginia. We did not hesitate to say that we would love to go. We piled in her car and off we went driving the beautiful back roads of Northern Virginia. The narrow curvy road curved passed scenery that couldn’t be more beautiful in this rolling countryside. Erin announced, “We’re here.”

Joe and Brien

Paradise Springs Winery sits on 36 acres near the Fairfax County line and borders Hemlock Regional Park. This winery has the distinction of being the closest winery to Washington, DC, the first winery in Fairfax County, and the first Bi-coastal winery in the US. They have opened a tasting room in Santa Barbara, California within the last few years.

After we parked, Erin told us about the unusual looking tree across the street from the parking lot. “This is the symbol they use on their labels and we must get a picture taken by it.” Just beyond the tree was the vineyard. It was beautiful with a high fence around it protecting the grapes from the deer. What a gorgeous property.

Yes, that is me with three legs in the picture. What....?   

We headed up to the tasting room. The sign above the door states, “Welcome to Paradise.” How perfect. We entered the building and into paradise. This was an old red barn they moved here in 1956 from just off Main Street in the town of Fairfax, Virginia. When it was taken down, each board was numbered, and then put back together piece by piece in this new location to make this amazing winery. Who would have guess it was so beautiful inside.

The inside of the tasting room.

When we walked into the tasting area, we found ourselves standing in a large open room. The high, wooden vaulted ceilings added a decorative element to the room and was accented by beautiful lighting. There was a large glass window where you see into the climate controlled room where they store the oak barrels stacked four high. There were oak barrel tables scattered around this room to sit and enjoy the wine and ambiance. The bar for tasting was lovely with displays of their wines and showing ribbons of the award winning wines.

We did a tasting of seven different wines that would have cost $15 dollars a person but since Erin is in their wine club, we were able to taste for free. The wines were very good but the pours for tasting could have been a bit larger to get a better feel for each wine. We learned they grow Cab Franc grapes on the property and they get the other grapes from private growers in Virginia. They do plan on expanding the vineyard.

This winery is owned by Jane Kincheloe Wiles, Founder and her son, Kirk who is the Founder and CEO. This land was a part of a thousand acre land grant that Lord Fairfax gave this family back in 1716. They still own several hundred acres. When trying to come up with a name, they decided to call it Paradise Springs after the well known mineral springs by that name located on the west side of Clifton. It was rumored the water had healing powers and people came from all over to be healed and drink from this crystal clean water. Since their property as well had a spring, they went with that name.

The Old Log Cabin.

The old log cabin sitting next to the winery was owned by Esther Kincheloe Podolnick, Jane’s aunt. The log home was built somewhere between 1800 – 1825. While Esther lived in the home, she needed some extra room and hired Howard Richter, who was a protege of Frank Lloyd Wright, to do a major renovation in 1955. At that time, she had another wing added to the home including a kitchen, bathroom, and plumbing and electricity. When Esther passed away, she deeded the log cabin to Jane. They found out the taxes were so high, they needed to do something with the property to be able to keep this log home.

The Vineyard

Since Kirk had heard Jane and Esther talk for years about how this property would make a great winery, he put the project in motion after he graduated from University of Miami. It took some work as Fairfax County thought a winery was more of an industrial or manufacturing business verses agriculture. They hired a lawyer and were finally able to open their doors on January 16, 2010 after years of fighting the courts.

Joe and Heather

Brien, Joe, and Heather

They offer many varieties of white wines, red wines, and Rose’, sparking and dessert wines. Their Chardonnay 2010 won the Virginia’s Governors Cup. Kirk, gives credit to his executive wine maker, Chris Pierman, Rob Cox, his head winemaker, and Colin Mehaffey, his assistant wine maker. Kirk said attention to detail is what makes all the difference in his wines.

Erin and Joe

In fact, the Chardonnay is the wine I liked best so I ordered a glass to take with me to the patio overlooking the woods. Joe and Erin like red wine and ordered a bottle of Norton to share. Erin’s son, Brien was with us and was able to get a soda. If you are hungry, you can order snacks like cheese and crackers to buy or you can bring in your own food. The patio was lovely with a large fire place and nice views. They had heaters going and it was quite nice sitting enjoying our wine and company. What a great place to relax with friends.

Gift Shop

They offer tours on Saturdays from 2 – 4 and Sundays at 3 for $25 a person. They tours take 60-90 minutes and include seeing the inside of the historic cabin, the vineyard, tank room, production area and barrel room. You get a complete tasting flight with the tour. You can also check out their gift shop for unique gift ideas. 

Events building

The gorgeous crystal chandelier. 

After we finished our wine, we headed out and went inside to see the event building. One of the workers was nice enough to let us in and take a look. There is a room downstairs that leads to an outside patio. When we walked upstairs and the first thing we saw was the huge crystal chandelier and the lovely fireplace. What a great venue for a special event. I just love this place.

Outside patio

Another outside patio at the events center.

On September 17, 2019 Kirk was selected by the Wine Enthusiast one of the top 40 winemakers under 40. That is quite an honor.

Picnic tables scattered across the property to sit a spell and enjoy the day.

The famous tree was used in the design for the wine labels. 

The winery is open seven days a week from 11-7 and on Fridays from 11 – 9. They are only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas and close early on Superbowl Sunday, Christmas Eve, and New Years Eve. They are located at: 13219 Yates Ford Road, Clifton, Virginia and their phone is 703-830-9463. Here is a link: www.paradisespringwinery.com.

Check them out. I highly recommend this winery. The wine is excellent and the staff is super friendly. We will be back the next time we are in town. Cheers. Bye for now.

“I cook with wine. Sometimes I even add it to the food.”

W. C. Fields