The story of R Five Wines traveled thousands of miles, across oceans, lakes, and fields. Winemaker and co-owner Kieran Robinson first discovered his love of wine in the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York. Kieran worked in small production wineries that specialized in Alsatian white wine. After returning home from college, Kieran continued his journey in the countryside of Philadelphia. He encountered some challenges, as the region was not a traditional place to make wine.
Along with his co-owner and wife, Kristie Sheppard Robinson, Kieran moved to the Northern Rhone region of France. Working and living in France, satisfying his thirst for knowledge, Kieran immersed himself in French viticulture and winemaking philosophies and techniques. From Côte-Rôtie to Napa Valley, the couple went on to build upon their winemaking knowledge.
“After working at Cakebread Cellars, we moved to Sonoma, working at Paul Hobbs Winery and then to being winemaker at Jericho Canyon Vineyard alongside famed winemakers Aaron Pott and Michel Rolland.” said Kristie.
Together, Kieran and Kristie created Kieran Robinson Wines with the 2009 harvest, focusing on Rhone varieties.
In 2018, the couple launched their new label, R Five Wines, with the goal of bringing the California wine tasting experience to the east coast.
“Production increased to include wines from a variety of American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) in Northern California such as Russian River, Dry Creek Valley and Sonoma Valley.” Kristie explained. In August 2021, the R Five Wines Tasting Room officially opened.
Hand-Crafted Wine and Events
R Five Wines features an impressive lineup of wine that is hand-crafted by Kieran himself at the company’s winery in south Napa Valley.
“Kieran makes them from grape to bottle there and once bottled we ship them to the tasting room in Downingtown.” Kristie said. R Five Wines mostly produces Rhone varietals such as Syrah, Grenache, Mourédre, Marsanne, Roussane, and Viognier. Wine can be served by glass, carafe, bottle, and to go.
“We also have a selection of PA beers, spirits, and ciders for those interested in something aside from wine.” said Kristie. The tasting room partners with the owners of Sweet Amelia’s, chefs Zack and Karessa Hathaway. The Kennett Square-based business runs the R Five Wines kitchen, featuring cheese and charcuterie, shared plates, and delicious pizzas.
Check out some of their upcoming and recurring events:
Happy Hour | Thursdays & Fridays | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Pizza Thursdays|A pie and ½ bottle of wine for $35 all day
Guided Tastings at the Bar | Saturdays 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Join R Fives Wine every Saturday for a guided tasting bar side with their wine educators. Choose one of two flights (all red or red & white flight) and learn about how their wines are made, about the grapes, and anything else you ever wanted to know!
Let’s Get Nerdy about Sparkling Wine | Saturday, April 19 @ 12:00 PM | Spend a Saturday afternoon exploring the history of sparkling wine from Champagne to Prosecco to Cava.
Rosé Tasting Class | Sunday, May 11 @ 12:00 PM | Throughout the session, you’ll learn about the different methods of producing rosé, from direct press to saignée, and discover the range of flavors, aromas and textures they can offer.
Stages of Winemaking, Current Lineup
Each year, the winery goes through various stages. Though a complex process, it can be easily broken down into seven steps.
- Winter: Pruning
- Spring: Bud Break
- Late spring – midsummer: Growing
- August – October: Harvest (“When grapes are harvested depends on the grape, the weather, and the winemaker’s preferences” Kristie explained.)
- Crushing and pressing
- Fermentation
- Aging and bottling
Right now, R Five Wines are in the aging stage. The wines from their 2024 harvest are aging in barrel. The 2024 whites will be bottled in late spring and the 2024 red wines will continue to barrel-age.
The current wine lineup is as follows:
2021 Sheppard’s Syrah, Sonoma Valley
2023 St. Joe’s White Wine Blend, Lodi | 75% Roussanne, 25% Marsanne
2021 Whippet White Blend | 65% Roussanne, 35% Viognier
2021 Grenache, Judge Vineyard, Bennett Valley
2023 Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg
2021 Chardonnay, Shea Collins Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley
2023 Grenache Gris, Mokelumne River, Lodi
2021 Cottonwood Vineyard Red Blend, Carneros, Napa Valley | Grenache & Syrah
2021 Syrah, Jemrose Vineyard, Bennett Valley
A Story of Love and Business
Kristie and Kieran met in 2002 at… a winery, of course! Chaddsford Winery, to be exact. Kieran was working in production there, helping to assist with the very event that Kristie brought her parents to. Their relationship evolved harmoniously, now involving business!
Kristie said, “Kieran focuses mostly on the winemaking and I manage the tasting room and administration side of the business. We’re very fortunate to have the best tasting room staff too!”
Their popular tasting room offers a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere; somewhere to catch up with friends and meet new ones. As the weather warms up, the garage doors will be open, yearning for that soft, summer breeze.
“It’s the kind of place you can hang out,” Kristie said. “It’s a little bit of Somona in Downingtown.”
The business is more than just a delicious drink, it’s an experience. It’s hospitality, community, customer service, and love.
“Our passion for wine and winemaking inspires everything we do. We believe wine brings people together, creating memorable experiences that last a lifetime.” Kristie shared. “Whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned oenophile, we invite you to explore, learn, and savor every moment with us.”
A Heart for Downingtown
Community is at the heart of the business. Kristie proudly represents R Five Wines and other local business owners as the President of Downingtown Area Chamber of Commerce.
Kristie added, “We support organizations such as Camphill Soltane, Downingtown and Great Valley High School sports, Downingtown West High School Theater and CHOP.”
Some of the couple’s favorite spots in Downingtown are East Branch Brewing and Station Tap Room. The community is welcomed into the doors of the tasting room through events – even private events! For private event inquirers, please visit their website or email Kristie at kristie@krwines.com.
As small business owners, they work nearly round the clock. When Kieran and Kristie do manage to get a free moment, they enjoy traveling abroad, relaxing on the beach, and hiking with their dog.
Their wine can be purchased at Sweet Amelia’s in Kennett Square, at the tasting room, or through their website.
R Five Wines is open Thursday 4PM – 9PM, Friday 4PM – 10PM, Saturday 1PM – 10PM, and Sunday 1 PM – 6 PM.
Participate in Downingtown Library’s Spring Used Book Sale! Details here.
