If you are looking for a reason to trade city noise for mountain air, let me point you
toward Crimson Lane Vineyards in Delaplane, Virginia. This place feels almost
cinematic from the moment you arrive.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Tom and Deanna Herrity, Crimson Lane was more
than a decade in the making. Tom spent years searching for the right property before
finding this dramatic mountainside site overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. Deanna,
an interior designer, helped shape the stunning tasting room and hospitality experience,
while winemaker Dominick Fioresi, whose background includes working alongside
Virginia wine legend Jim Law at Linden Vineyards, brings serious credibility and
intention to the wines themselves.

Recently, during a rainy weekend, we traded city drizzle for a misty drive into Virginia
wine country, and it could not have been a more perfect reset. The winding ride out to
Delaplane feels transportive. We even made a quick stop at Red Truck Bakery for some
necessary road-trip provisions before continuing on our way.

We arrived to a warm welcome and glasses of bubbles before settling into seats directly
in front of the tasting room's massive windows. Beyond them, fog draped itself across
the mountains, creating a view so beautiful it almost looked staged.

While we sipped and chatted, we learned more about the vineyard, the property, and
the winemaking philosophy. Crimson Lane feels very much a part of Virginia wine
country's exciting evolution, a place where thoughtful hospitality and a strong sense of
place are just as important as what's in the glass.

We opted for the tasting a mix of whites & reds and soon, the generous charcuterie and
cheese board arrived, and we happily worked our way through the lineup.
The Sauvignon Blanc was bright and refreshing. The Albariño practically begged for a
seafood tower. And then there was the Parral, which quickly became the crowd favorite
at our table.

What I appreciated most was the balance. These wines felt approachable without
sacrificing character. Of course, some of my favorite travel memories are never really
about the wine alone. They're about the company you keep while enjoying it. Sitting with
friends, watching the rain move across the mountains, grazing from the charcuterie
board, debating favorite pours, and having absolutely nowhere else to be for a few
hours. That's the kind of luxury I appreciate more and more these days.

Eventually, the rain let up just enough for us to wander the property. We strolled among
the vines, snapped photos and took in the rolling landscape.

Good wine is easy enough to find. Beautiful scenery isn't particularly rare. But when you
combine both with genuine hospitality and a setting that encourages you to slow down
that's when a place becomes worth remembering.

Crimson Lane is that kind of place.
Looking for an excuse to spend an afternoon with people you enjoy, Crimson Lane
Vineyards is absolutely worth the drive.