A Growing Paradocx
by Marcella Peyre-Ferry
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Daily Local News
FRANKLIN TWP., PA - Paradocx Vineyard is ready to take the next big step in advancing its business with the grand opening of its new tasting room, wine production facility and outdoor event area.
We want to let our light shine and get the word out, said co-owner David Hoffman.
Creating a first-class vineyard from scratch is a project that takes time.
Planting the first section of what is now 30 acres of vineyards on the 100-acre site began 10 years ago, with the first wine-making in 2002.
Starting with a Viognier and a red table wine, made in cooperation with another local winery, Paradocx now produces almost 20 varieties of wine throughout each year.
We knew it wasn’t going to happen without a lot of effort and commitment, Hoffman said. It’s a good start and it’s going to take a lot more.
In Pennsylvania, a vineyard is permitted up to five outside sales locations.
In 2006, Paradocx began with a tasting and sales shop in The Shoppes of Longwood Village, but shoppers there frequently ask if there are winery tours available.
Our customers have always wanted that, Hoffman said. There’s an interest in wineries. You’re never going to see exactly the same setup and never going to see exactly the same wines. People are looking for a different experience at each winery.
In August 2005, Paradocx broke ground for its new facility, which features a 950-square-foot tasting room, 7,600 square feet of production space and a 1,200-square-foot outdoor patio. The site can accommodate a variety of special events, concerts, private parties and weddings.
Work was still progressing at a rapid pace all through this week to be sure the new facility will be ready for the grand opening celebration on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
After the grand opening weekend, the tasting room will be open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., and can be reserved in advance for private special events any day of the week.
Paradocx has plans for its own concert series at the facility, with a wide variety of musical styles so that there will be something to appeal to any taste.
There isn’t one type of music for wine lovers as there isn’t one type of wine, Hoffman said.
Paradocx is owned and operated by the Hoffman and Harris families. The name of the winery is a play on words, as the four principals are practicing physicians (pair of docs).
The winery has combined traditional methods with the latest modern innovations, such as a rotary fermentary, to produce award-winning varieties.
The customers are realizing there is wonderful wine and a wonderful experience here, said tasting room manager John Caldwell. I would say it’s a growing market.
Wine grape growing and wine production are on the upswing in Chester County.
Paradocx is a member of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail, which promotes all the local wineries and hosts special events throughout the year to spotlight the industry.
We all kind of work together. We’re all supportive of each other, Hoffman said.
Paradocx Vineyard is at 1833 Flint Hill Road, just off Route 841.