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Meet the Owner
Rappahannock Cellars
Root to Table Partner Profile
“Our farm was built to bring people together — to raise a glass, celebrate the land, and feel at home in Virginia wine country.”
Farm Facts – Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery
Founded: 2008 (Purchased in 2022 by Ken and Kavelle Bajaj)
Location: Delaplane, Virginia (in the heart of Hunt Country)
Signature Crops: Petit Manseng, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Norton
Experiences: Winery, brewery, festivals, live music, farm-to-table dinners, and family-friendly events
Website: barreloak.com
Get to Know Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery
Barrel Oak Winery was founded in 2008 from a shared dream to create a place where community, family, and Virginia wine could come together in harmony. Nestled in the rolling hills of Delaplane, Virginia, the first vines were planted with a simple vision — to blend sustainable farming with genuine hospitality.
Over time, that vision blossomed into one of Virginia’s most welcoming destinations. When Ken and Kavelle Bajaj purchased the property in 2022, they brought renewed investment, care, and creativity while preserving the heart of what makes Barrel Oak special: a deep love of the land and the people who gather here.
Today, Barrel Oak stands as a vibrant farm, winery, and brewery that celebrates the bounty of Virginia. Every bottle and every pint tells a story of soil, season, and shared experience.
Mission & Values
Cultivate with care. Craft with passion. Connect through community.
At Barrel Oak, the mission is to steward the land responsibly while crafting wines and beers that express the character of Virginia’s Hunt Country. Every choice—from how the vines are pruned to how guests are welcomed—is rooted in respect for the earth and the belief that farms should bring people together.
Sustainability in Practice
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Low-impact “gentle farming” methods focused on soil health and biodiversity
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Cover crops to naturally enrich and protect vineyard soil
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Minimal chemical inputs and organic-minded vine care
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Composting of grape skins, seeds, and stems to nourish the land
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Partnerships with local growers for brewing ingredients
“Our goal is to leave the land better than we found it — so every bottle of wine or beer carries forward that promise of stewardship.”
— Adriana Lucca, Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery
The Art of Growing & Crafting
Farming at Barrel Oak is both science and soul. Each grape varietal — from the crisp Petit Manseng to the bold Petit Verdot — is nurtured through Virginia’s ever-changing seasons. The vines demand care, patience, and timing, with every decision shaping the vintage ahead.
Beyond the vineyard, the brewery shares the same philosophy: using carefully sourced grains and ingredients to create craft beers that complement the wines and reflect Virginia’s agricultural richness. Together, they form a celebration of local terroir and craftsmanship.
“We don’t just grow grapes and brew beer — we grow connections, memories, and moments worth sharing.”
Signature Varietals
Barrel Oak’s Chardonnay and Petit Verdot have long been favorites among guests, known for their balance and depth. The Chardonnay shines with its gentle oak aging, while the Petit Verdot delivers Virginia’s bold, expressive character.
But ask the winemakers, and they’ll tell you Petit Manseng is the hidden gem — vibrant, tropical, and uniquely suited to Virginia’s climate. It’s a varietal that captures the adventure and artistry of winemaking in the region.
Seasonal Rhythms
Spring: Bud break and renewal — the vineyard awakens.
Summer: Canopy work, pest management, and tending every cluster.
Fall: The excitement of harvest and grape-stomping traditions.
Winter: Though the vines are sleeping, the farm is still full of life.
Events & Experiences
Events are at the heart of Barrel Oak’s mission to bring people closer to the land. Throughout the year, guests can enjoy:
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Harvest Grape-Stomping Parties – Experience winemaking the old-fashioned way.
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Farm-to-Table Dinners – Seasonal menus with local chefs in the Winemaker’s Cottage.
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Oyster & Crab Festivals – A celebration of Virginia’s coastal bounty.
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Oktoberfest & Après Wine Weekends – Pairing brews and wines with local food and music.
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Live Music Every Weekend – Family, friends, and pets all welcome.
Private tours and tastings are also available for those who want to explore the craft behind the scenes.
“At Barrel Oak, there’s always something to celebrate — a harvest, a friendship, or just a beautiful day in Hunt Country.” — Adriana Lucca, Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery
A Year-Round Destination
Visitors can sip wine or beer while enjoying sweeping Blue Ridge views, cozy up by the fire in winter, or picnic on the lawn in summer. Barrel Oak welcomes guests of all ages (and their dogs) to relax, explore, and savor the beauty of Virginia wine country.
Workshops, like floral design, calligraphy, and candle-making, offer creative ways to engage, while the brewery and winery provide a dynamic balance of tradition and innovation.
The Heart of the Work
For the Barrel Oak team, farming and winemaking are about connection — to the earth, to one another, and to every guest who walks through their doors.
“The most important part of our work is creating authentic moments that connect people to this land. If our wines and beers can spark joy, conversation, and a sense of belonging, then we’ve done what we set out to do.”
Final Thoughts
Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery embodies the Root to Table spirit — cultivating sustainability, community, and connection through Virginia’s rich agricultural traditions.
Whether you’re raising a glass of wine, a pint of craft beer, or both, you’re sharing in something larger: a love of the land and the people who care for it.
“Our farm has always been about more than what’s in the glass — it’s about the experience, the people, and the place that make it possible.”
Top Chefs
One thing is for certain when you dine in the Valley, you’re in good hands. Our Top Chefs are dedicated to finding the best local sources to provide a phenomenal food experience which will “wow” you.
Local Farmers
From protein to produce, our local farms are passionate about their product. Learn about what is in your backyard and start your healthy lifestyle centered around locally sourced food.