Three Fox Vineyards – Taste & Tour

Located among the gently rolling hills of northern Fauquier County, Virginia, Three Fox Vineyards has something–and space–for everyone, right down to your kids and your dogs. Blending well-crafted wines, park-like serenity, and vast spaces that will satisfy your craving for freedom, Three Fox gets it all right.

Three Fox Vineyards – Welcome Sign

Three Fox Vineyards – Rolling Hills

The hills are alive with . . . well, Pinot Grigio!  And Viognier, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.  Fifteen acres of Three Fox Vineyards’ sprawling 50-acre parcel is dedicated to growing these varietals. Though when you cross over the small bridge at the entrance, you’ll briefly forget you’re visiting a vineyard. That hill will bring out the kid in you. My daughter noted its complete awesomeness for sledding potential!

But as you ascend the hill, you’ll soon remember the reason for your visit. . . .

Three Fox Vineyards – Vines and Cobbler Mountain

At a plateau near the crest, you’ll park near the farmhouse which serves as the main area for wine tastings. It is hard not to notice how abundantly the space is utilized, rich with dense gardens and varied seating areas. Few wineries in Virginia offer such a generous array of choices for enjoying a visit, with carved out spaces for any purpose, from a cozy table for sharing a bottle with a loved one to a widespread picnic for a dozen friends and family.

Three Fox Vineyards – Garden

Three Fox Vineyards – Patio

The farmhouse maintains its country charm in both architecture and décor, but don’t let the rural ambiance fool you into thinking Three Fox is serving up perfunctory wines. They offer a diverse assortment, and their tasting covers the spectrum.

Three Fox Vineyards – Tasting Bar

The $11 tasting included the following ten wines:

Whites: 2015 Leggero Chardonnay, 2015 Calabrese Pinot Grigio, 2015 La Boheme Viognier, Gatto Biano (non-vintage white blend);

Rosés: Cano Pazzo Rosé (non-vintage);

Reds: 2012 Volpe Sangiovese (75% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Chambourcin), 2012 Piemontese Nebbiolo, 2014 Alouette Cabernet Franc, 2013 La Trovatella Merlot, Rosso Dolce Chambourcin (non-vintage).

In case you haven’t noticed, Three Fox puts an emphasis on Italian varietals. It is not overly common to find a Nebbiolo among Northern Virginia vineyards, or even a Sangiovese. But vintner and proprietor Holli Todhunter has taken the task to heart–and taken it seriously. In particular, I enjoyed the Nebbiolo (if you’ve had a Barbaresco, you’ll pick up the notes) which was wonderfully fruit-forward and rich with dark cherry and currant. Lovers of Zinfandels take note. I also found the Cabernet Franc exceptional, loaded with coffee, light toast, and the Cab Franc’s notorious green pepper.

As delightful as those wines were, I ended up bringing home bottles of others! I am ultra-picky when it comes to Chardonnays and Three Fox’s Leggero Chardonnay was such a treat–less butter, more citrus and vanilla–that I bought a bottle, as well as blindly buying a bottle of their La Giacosa Springlot Reserve Chardonnay. The ultimate pairing for the Leggero Chardonnay? The sun. Speaking of drinking beachside/poolside/yardside, the Calabrese Pinot Grigio also impressed, with crisp lemon on the front end and a soft honey finish.

I also purchased a bottle of their Chambourcin. With less than 6% alcohol, its port-like composition was killer, with loads of cherry, blackberry and dark chocolate. Dessert in and of itself.

Three Fox Vineyards – Jana and Holli

I had the pleasure of meeting Holli Todhunter, and you would be hard pressed to find a sweeter gal. As the vintner and owner at Three Fox (along with husband John Todhunter), she shared the goodies and history of the land and vineyard. I learned about the influence the countless trips to Italy and Southern France have had on her and John, and how those trips have influenced their craft. Even the names of their wines have a playful Italian influence. (Gatto Bianco!) The way an artist may study in Paris, the Todhunters have earned their skills from the Tuscany region.

Three Fox Vineyards – Vines

More than most vineyards, Three Fox allows you to roam the vines freely, even encouraging you to be part of the grape-growing experience. With tables embedded within the rows of vines, the full vineyard experience is at your fingertips. You can look over your shoulder and say, “In two years, I’ll be drinking you.”

Three Fox Vineyards – Sitting Among Pinot Grigio Vines

As lovely as it is to sit among the vines, the layout of the land really makes you want to (eventually) get up and take a walk. There are places for many activities: a sun-drenched picnic, an umbrella covered meal, a walk in the woods. There could be a hundred people on these grounds, each with their own private space. You might never see most of them.

At the foot of the mountain is a creek-lined path along the property, dotted fortuitously with large hammocks. Sure makes it easy to stay awhile!

Three Fox Vineyards – Hill Towards Creek

Three Fox Vineyards – Hammocks by Creek

Three Fox Vineyards – Jana in Hammock

If you’re looking for an escape from the brutal summer sun (for those of you not familiar with Virginia summers, the heat index can reach over 100 on any given day) a forest-covered creekside walk may be just the answer. The water runs clear, and a gentle breeze carries cool air over the area.

Three Fox Vineyards – Creekside

The outdoor options seem to never end. In addition to the indoor tasting rooms, there are an enormous outdoor covered tasting bar (heated in the winter), an additional covered patio, and tables galore.

Of note, these are not the only things outdoor–so are the bathrooms. Remember how I mentioned the farmhouse was still in its original architectural layout? I will say the ladies’ port-a-johns are the nicest I have ever used: running water, mirrors, and fans. However, Holli did mention that interior bathrooms are slated to be installed in the coming months.

Three Fox Vineyards – Forest Tables

Three Fox Vineyards – Outdoor Covered Tasting Bar

Three Fox Vineyards – Hillside Tables

Three Fox Vineyards – Outdoor Seating

Three Fox Vineyards – Winery Grounds

Three Fox Vineyards – Wines

Three Fox delivers not only delightful wines, but a breath of fresh air. My guess is you could probably use both. Enjoy!

Three Fox Vineyards, located at 10100 Three Fox Lane, Delaplane, Virginia. While you’re in the area, less than three miles away are Barrel Oak Winery and Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery.

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