by David Donalson
While visiting Delaney Vineyards, my wife remarked that if we were going to do our wedding over again we would have to do it in a winery like Delaney. Situated just off of Highway 121 in the Grapevine-Colleyville area, Delaney looks a little odd. Cynthaina vines are situated between the highway and the large stone structure that houses the winery. When we visited, the vines outside had just started budding and the weather was perfect for the patio, leading to a leisurely tasting of a few wines.
There are two different ways to enjoy Delaney. The normal tour happens between 12pm and 5pm Monday through Saturday. Your guide will walk you outside to see the vines, then inside to see the bottling line, lab and the massive, open room that houses the tasting bar, barrels and enough room for at least 75 people. This was interesting but for me, I think that the best time to go is Thursday night. On Thursday nights, Delaney will open late and set out tables throughout the hall for their Rhythm and Wine. A $10 cover charge per person gets you a taste of 4 wines and a seat to listen to various musical acts come in and play. You can buy wine by the glass or by the bottle, sit back and relax. We chose to sit outside on the patio and to do tasting of the different wines offered.
When we started tasting, there were a couple of things that caught our attention. First was the 1994 Texas Cabernet Sauvignon
($34.99). It is not often that you can encounter a wine with this much bottle age on it so I leaped at the opportunity to try it. The nose had some fading fruit flavors of dried plum and dried cherry mixed with vanilla and green pepper while the taste also revealed mineral and cocoa notes not readily found on the bouquet. We also tried the recently bottles Texas Claret ($19.99) with all of its bright red fruit aromas mixed with some pop rocks and white pepper notes on the palate. This was definitely one of those Big Red wines that many Texans just love. Finally, we got to try something a little different in the Jerry Delaney (also known as the Rose Lemonade), an alcoholic Arnold Palmer that blends ½ Texas Rose and ½ lemonade. Crisp and refreshing, this is going to be the porch-bender of the year when people try it.
My overall impressions of Delaney vineyards was positive. The space being used could have been more wine-centric but it is a beautiful facility and a great spot to people watch, especially on the patio watching everyone else move around. Another large draw is renting out the facility. There will be many spring weddings taking place at the vineyards so get some friends together to share a bottle and a table, listen to the music and relax.
On a side note, Grapevine has their annual Blessing of the Vines and New Vintage Wine Trail starting next weekend. The Blessing of the Vines is a ceremony where a priest will bless the vines to have a successful year, a tradition in its 19th year in Grapevine and a unique experience. Plus, the cost of admission to the Blessing of the Vines cannot be beat – free. Hope to see you there on April 9th from 11am to 12pm.
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