Miracle Valley Vineyard – Taste & Tour

After my visit to Delaplane Cellars, I decided to make a stop at nearby Miracle Valley Vineyard, as well. The Delaplane region has evolved into one of my favorite spots for discovering great wineries. A jump from the interstate and a short country ride will bring you to some of Virginia’s greatest wineries. And if you’re looking to combine some great wines with outstanding country atmosphere, Miracle Valley Vineyard should be added to your tour. Located atop rolling land against Little Cobbler Mountain, this family-friendly winery and vineyard welcomes on every level.

Welcome Sign

I’ve mentioned before how I love the gravel trails that lead you through the vineyards. Miracle Valley’s is something out of a novel. The stacked stone entry, the twisting lane, the long vista of vines, a distant tree-lined pond, a 19th century farmhouse. Your blood pressure will drop a few points by the time you reach the parking area.

Miracle Valley Vineyard – Winery Lane

Gravel Lane to Winery

The farmhouse serves as the main tasting facility. Built in 1850, the house was carefully restored by winery owners Joe and Mary Ann Cunningham.

Miracle Valley Vineyard – Winery

Tasting Room Sign

Miracle Valley Vineyard – Entrance

The period-specific details remain in tact and give you a taste of country living from centuries past. Any place that survives the Civil War has a story to tell. Much like the Winery at La Grange, a visit to the tasting room is a lesson in history in and of itself–with wine. Which is how all lessons should be learned.

Miracle Valley Vineyard – Tasting Room

Miracle Valley Vineyard – Sunroom Tasting Area

Miracle Valley’s site is composed of 50 acres, with over ten dedicated to growing these varietals: Chardonnay, Viognier, Vidal Blanc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Concord. Ninety-five percent of the grapes in their wines are grown on this land, with everything crushed, barreled, and bottled on site–at a production of about 800 cases per year. And all of Miracle Valley’s wines are vegan. I love that!

Miracle Valley Vineyard – Tasting

The ten dollar tasting included these seven wines:

Whites: 2014 Chardonnay, 2012 Cobbler Mountain White – Dry (blend of White Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Niagara); 2014 Cobbler Mountain White (blend of Vidal Blanc, Rkatsiteli, and Viognier), Sweet Michelle (non-vintage blend of Vidal Blanc and Rkatsiteli);

Reds: 2014 Merlot, 2014 Cabernet Franc, 2015 Cobbler Mountain Red (rosé blend of Touriga and Niagara).

Miracle Valley Vineyard – Jana and Kathy

Our wine educator, Kathy, was just delightful. Highly knowledgeable and rightfully enthusiastic of Miracle Valley’s wines, she made it easy to get excited about each successive pour.

Of note, one of the things that makes Miracle Valley stand out is the composition of their blends:

The Cobbler Mountain White (Dry) is a crisp blend of Chardonnay, Niagara (yes, the grape used in Welch’s grape juice), and White Cabernet Franc–achieved by removing the grape skins during processing. The result is a fruit-forward, delicate wine with notes of citrus, lemongrass, and floral earth, with a sweet pear finish.

The Sweet Michelle was a unique wine in its own right. A blend of Vidal Blanc and Rkatsiteli (a spicy, floral Russian grape) aged in stainless, the result is a semi-sweet treat with 3% residual sugar serving up distinct notes of pineapple. But most interesting is its color–or should I say, lack of color. The wine is clear, like water. You’ll linger on this wine for a while (and likely buy a bottle).

Miracle Valley Vineyard – Awards

Favorite of all was the Cobbler Mountain Red, which warranted a bottle for home as well as a glass for checking out the grounds. This rosé blend was a fruit blast, with pear and honey on the nose and strawberry, nectarine and peach on the palate.

Miracle Valley Vineyard – Kathy, Jana, and Mary Ann

As a bonus to my visit, I had the pleasure of walking the grounds with owner Mary Ann Cunningham. She told me of the history of the vineyard, the project of restoring the farmhouse (check out the pictures on the tasting room walls when you visit!), and their approach to winemaking–including a tour of the barrel room and production facility.

Miracle Valley Vineyard – Barrel Room

Miracle Valley Vineyard – Stainless Steel Tanks

Around the facility are gardens galore, an abundance of flowers and cozy spots to call your own. Whether you are sipping with a loved one or part of a group, the grounds make for a nice stroll while you’re visiting.

Miracle Valley Vineyard – Patio

Miracle Valley Vineyard – Adirondack Chairs

Miracle Valley Vineyard – Outside Barrel Room

One thing Miracle Valley offers its visitors is space. With only 20% of their 50 acres dedicated to growing grapes, the rest rolls out like parkland.  While some wineries are limited with the size of groups they can accommodate, Miracle Valley welcomes buses, limos, and large groups (reservations appreciated). Whether you prefer sipping indoors or al fresco, you’re in good shape here.

And as I mentioned, the winery is very family-friendly. Check their schedule for activities per season, but they are known for the grape-stomping events during harvest time, as well as their competitive scarecrow making contest in the fall. They also routinely have live music on the weekends!

Miracle Valley Vineyard – Pavilion

Miracle Valley Vineyard – View from Pavilion

Escaping the city and looking for a quiet, picturesque moment? You can find a little hideaway in the gazebo perched upon a little knoll overlooking the vines. What a perfect setting for a little snack with that bottle of Cab Franc!

Miracle Valley Vineyard – Vines

Miracle Valley Vineyard – Gazebo

One more reason to visit the Delaplane region of northern Virginia, Miracle Valley Vineyard delivers serene surroundings with unique, wonderful wines. Make it part of your next wine tour!

Miracle Valley Vineyard – Rolling Fields

Visit Miracle Valley Vineyard, located at 3661 Double J Lane, Delaplane, Virginia.

Want to tour another winery with me? Check out my full list of winery and vineyard visits!

Miracle Valley Vineyard Collage