When one first hears about RdV vineyards in Delaplane, Virginia, it seems unusual that they aim to create the first American Cru. But as oenophiles find out, RdV might or already has succeeded. Upon arrival, the winery building makes a bold statement with a gleaming white silo reminiscent of a local farm.

Rutger de Vink is the owner and mastermind behind the vision to elevate American wine to a lofty level. Perhaps Rutger's training as a U.S. Marine with eight years in the service endows him with tenacity and vision to succeed? Whatever it is, Rutger has guided this dream of making America's best red wine and is gaining accolades and wine club members. 

One of the interesting aspects of Rutger’s past is that he didn’t come from a wine background. After the Marines he attended Colgate University for undergraduate and Kellogg to get an MBA , and then worked briefly at a Washington DC venture capital firm. The corporate lifestyle wasn’t for him; so he dreamt of working in a vineyard and enjoying the outdoors. 

A Wine Journey

To obtain a wine education Rutger worked at several wineries as a cellar rat, both in America and Europe. It was at Linden Vineyards where he met and worked with Jim Law, the godfather of Virginia wineries. Jim Law is known for mentoring several Virginia winemakers and his list of mentees is substantial.

When Rutger first laid eyes on the cattle farm just over the hills from Linden Vineyards, it wasn’t even on the market. But he returned shortly after and talked the farmer into selling. It came easy for the farmer to part ways with his farm because he thought the land was worthless for growing crops. Soil samples confirmed what Rutger thought: the land would be great for growing grapes. Visitors get an up-close look at the rock underneath RdV's soil when they venture into the b

Barrel sample display at RdV Vineyards.

RdV cheese and charcuterie board pairs well with their wine.

Karl Kuhn leads a wine tasting in front of the fireplace.