Anyhow, I finally draggged two friends on a weekend daytrip to Vala on a weekend where there was barbeque and a jazz band and the weather was just right. Traffic as we drove North the beach was all headed South toward the beach so we made it in less than 2 hours. We arrived to find parking right nest to the main building even though there were many cars in the adjacent field as well.
For $10 at Vala you get a souvenir glass and tastings of about 6-8 wines, all paired with delicious cheeses or pasta or chocolates. Ahhhhh...and if you're lucky you'll get Ken. We three chicks digged on his candid delivery and wry humor. Most of the food was also available for separate purchase and there was a second wine bar upstairs with tables and chairs and an outdoor deck to savor your favorite wine upon. Our unanimous (a very rare occurrence) pick "Prima Donna" - a blend of Malvasio Bianco, Tocai of Fruilli, Pinot Grigio and Viognier. The following words are not mine, but they sound darn close to what I got from it. "from hints of wild flowers, eucalyptus, and grapefruit to lemon grass and Asian Pears." In summary: It's a total knockout.
Vala is kid-friendly too, plenty of room for them to run around, and if they're not too busy one of the wine makers might even talk to them about the process of winemaking.
My only complaint would be the one bathroom. Not quite enough for a room of 30-40 people drinking wine.
Getting There: From Lewes: Take Route One North. Exist at Route 41 to Avondale. Stay on Route 41 South through Avondale. Vala is approx. 1/4 mile south of the town of Avondale. Look for white fence on your right. Lost? Phone: 610-268-2702.
www.valavineyards.com
