Desert Rose Winery

“We here at the Desert Rose Ranch & Winery have a passion for classic cars, beautiful horses and fine wine. Each in their own way brings a zest to our life that we love sharing with our friends and family. We are far more interested in learning how our customers describe our wines rather than attempting to develop the latest catchy phrase. The only “leather” and “terroir” then that you are likely to hear us discussing will be our saddles or mud on our boots. We will gladly, however, discuss the more scientific aspects of our products for those interested but are far happier when we hear our customers simply say – “that wine was pretty good”!!!!!!”

Tasting Room Hours: Open year round. Friday through Tuesday, 1:00am – 6:00pm (closed major holidays). Tastings cost $6. Large group tastings in the barrel room with finger foods, $20.

We visited Desert Rose in June 2011. Desert Rose owners Bob and Linda Claymier are on their third career (at least), and when you talk with them, it’s clear they’ve loved each one. Decades of traveling the world in service of the federal government preceded their second job – running a horse breeding, boarding, and training business. (If you miss the winery turn-off and end up at Bob and Linda’s house – as many people do – you’ll see their stunning Arabians.)

All photos from this winery

The third career, launching Desert Rose Winery, allows them to weave together many of the threads they’ve gathered over the years. A warm, Western theme dominates the woody tasting room, where Bob presides in a cowboy hat and boots – a nod to his Oregon ranch roots.
While they get off the ground, Desert Rose is getting some winemaking guidance from Rappahannock Cellars, just down the road.
Kids are welcome (there’s even a “Kiddie Korner” in the tasting room), as are pets.
Limousines accepted with advance notice; no buses or RVs.

An off-dry (slightly sweet) white blend, an oakey Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, a 100% Chambourcin, and European-styled Rose, along with a sweet dessert wine, called Starboard (because legally it can’t be called port, funny!), made from Norton.

If the driving instructions directs you onto “Fiery Run Road “for the last leg then it is suggested that you disregard and modify the following as necessary. When coming west on I-66, take exit 27 to the stop sign; turn left back over top of I-66; immediately turn right onto Rt 647 and follow for 4 miles; turn right onto Hume Rd (Rt 635) and follow for 9 miles; the winery is on the right; approximate driving time from Washington D.C. is 1 hour.