Me: B.O.W… like Bow wow because they’re dog-friendly?
Stephen: No, it’s probably for their initials for Barrel Oak Winery.
Me: Well it would be funny since they make it obvious that they’re super dog-friendly if it was for bow wow.
(A few days later arrive on site and see sign)
Barrel Oak Winery: BOW as in BOW WOW! Kids, dogs… (etc. I stopped reading after dogs!)
That was our introduction to Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane, VA. We found out about it from a suggestion provided on our blog and it’s one of those times that we’re so glad we were able to get there before we left the area. I will admit, we were pretty excited and had our doubts in the first few minutes, but our doubts were banished once we met Jeannine.
When we arrived we were shocked at how large the property was. It’s huge. It has tons of outside seating, a pizzeria, there was a BBQ stand and large inside seating area. There are two bars serving wine and another area for their brewery. Dog-friendly signs, water bowls, snacks and pets abound as well. It’s every dog and wine lover’s dream!
We approached the main bar and there were tastings happening, the staff were busy but no one acknowledged us for several minutes, even to say they’d be with us shortly. I tried to get someone’s attention several times (and if you’ve met me I’m hardly a shrinking violet), so it felt like we were being deliberately ignored. That may not have been the case, but we were just about to leave when I tried a different (farther away) person with my “classroom voice”. She (and a few other staff members) looked our way and I was able to ask where we needed to go to check in for a wine tasting. We were directed across to the secondary bar area and made our way over.
The server there was working hard and equally busy but acknowledged us the best he could and started our tastings. Stephen and I both decided on the slightly more expensive tasting experience (WOW) since it had more red than white options and were not disappointed. We were given little crackers and started our tasting. After a taste or two, Jeannine came over to take over the remainder of our tasting. She was delightful from the first moment. She was friendly, engaging, busy (but didn’t make us feel unwanted) and efficient.
She listened to us talk about our trip. She asked the most practical questions I think we’ve ever been asked: How do you do laundry? (Usually at a hotel or laundromat.) What about your special keepsakes, where are those? (We store a few special things at my mom’s.) What do you do with your seasonal items? (We usually keep a suitcase in the trunk for seasonal items.) Jeannine said she had some folks to introduce us to – they’re RVing (Hi Tanya and Pedro!) and use Harvest Hosts to stay for free at wineries around the country. After our tasting, she went the extra mile to take us out to find them and introduce us so we could swap travel stories.
Outside the sun was setting over the gorgeous vineyard and we relaxed and chatted with our new travel friends. We met a few other couples as well and were sad to have to rush off. We definitely recommend Barrel Oak Winery if you’re anywhere near the area. They have so many wonderful wines, great staff like Jeannine, tons of seating and food that looked and smelled amazing.
If you have a dog with you, all the better, because they will be well treated and welcome everywhere on site. Big dogs (Great Danes) to small dogs (Frenchies, Sausage Bois and Truffles – Oh My!) were able to come in and out of the buildings. As a result, Truffles gives this pet-friendly location her coveted 4 paws (Pawfection!) AND the golden tail wag.
Address
Barrel Oak Winery, 3623 Grove Ln, Delaplane, VA 20144
I’m really glad that Truffles and you both enjoyed BOW!
Interesting to know about Harvest Hosts. I know someone who can really benefit from that info. Thanks!