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Wine Families: Why Certain Grapes Share Similar Traits

If you’ve ever wondered why Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot often feel like siblings in a Bordeaux blend—or why Sauvignon Blanc seems to “get” Cabernet Sauvignon so well—there’s a good reason for that. Like people, grape varieties have lineages, and once you trace their “family trees,” the patterns in flavor, structure, and style start to make a lot more sense.

Let’s explore some of the most fascinating grape family connections and how they show up in your glass.

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most celebrated red grapes, and it's actually the result of a spontaneous crossing between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Yes, a red and a white grape got together in 17th-century France and created something bold, structured, and deeply age-worthy.

This lineage explains Cabernet Sauvignon’s herbaceous edge and high acidity (from Sauvignon Blanc), as well as its structure and red-fruited depth (from Cabernet Franc). At Willowcroft, we celebrate this legacy with our own elegant, hillside-grown Cabernet Sauvignon.

As one of the parent grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc tends to be lighter and more floral, with notes of red cherry, violets, and gentle spice. It’s often used as a blending grape but is captivating on its own—especially when grown in Virginia, where it shows bright acidity and savory character.

At Willowcroft, our Cabernet Franc is a perennial favorite. With a soft spice profile and polished tannins, it captures both the old-world charm and new-world vibrancy of the grape.

While not a direct descendant, Merlot is considered a close relative in the Bordeaux family. It shares Cabernet Sauvignon’s red and black fruit notes but leans softer and more plush. Think velvet instead of leather.

In blends, Merlot offers a roundness that complements Cabernet Sauvignon’s power—proof that sometimes the best family traits come out when siblings collaborate.

Another Bordeaux native, Petit Verdot, is often the last to ripen and the first to impress. It brings dark color, robust tannins, and brooding black fruit to the table. Though it’s used sparingly in blends, its impact is undeniable.

Here at Willowcroft, we bottle Petit Verdot as a varietal wine to let its dark intensity shine—proof that even the wild cousins have their place at the table.

You might not expect a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to be related to one of the most robust reds, but genetics tells the story. As one of Cabernet Sauvignon’s parents, Sauvignon Blanc contributes aromatic lift and high acidity.

You can still see that DNA shine through when enjoying a glass of Willowcroft Cabernet Sauvignon—especially in its structure and finesse.

Understanding grape family trees isn’t just trivia—it can change how you taste. If you love the smoky elegance of Cabernet Franc, you might find yourself drawn to a structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoying the citrus pop of Sauvignon Blanc? That zing might feel familiar when you taste a young Cab.

At Willowcroft, we honor these lineages by crafting wines that let their heritage speak. Dry-farmed on the Catoctin Ridge and nurtured by nature, each of our grapes tells a generational story—one rooted in history and expressed in every bottle.

Next time you visit us, ask for a flight that highlights our Bordeaux-family reds. You’ll taste the genetics at work—and maybe discover a new favorite among the wine world’s most fascinating family tree.

Old Vines, Timeless Wines: What 40+ Years Means in the Vineyard

A Willowcroft Perspective on the Power of Age

In wine, there’s something magical about the word “old.” Old cellars, old barrels, old vintages—and, of course, old vines. But what does “old vine” actually mean? Is there a specific age? A special certification? Or is it simply marketing?

At Willowcroft, many of our original vines—planted in 1981—are now over 40 years old, making them among the oldest in Virginia. These vines, with decades of seasons behind them, produce fruit that reflects both history and resilience.

Let’s explore what makes an old vine special—and how their quiet strength shows up in your glass.

Surprisingly, there’s no universal legal definition for "old vine." In most wine regions, it’s a subjective term. That said, here’s a general guide:

Vines 20-30 years old often start to qualify as "old" in terms of reduced yields and increased concentration.

Many producers and organizations see 50+ years as the gold standard for truly old vines.

At Willowcroft, our 40+ year-old vines sit comfortably in that distinguished middle, with maturity that shines through vintage after vintage.

As vines age, their growth slows. They produce smaller yields, but the fruit tends to have a greater concentration of flavor and aroma. These berries often pack more intense sugars, acids, and phenolic compounds, translating into wines with depth and complexity.

• 💧 Deep Roots:
  Older vines develop extensive root systems, reaching deep into the soil to access water and nutrients younger vines can’t. This not only helps in dry conditions but also allows the grapes to draw from a broader palette of minerals, adding layers of terroir expression to the wine.
• 🌞 Resilience:
  With decades of adaptation, old vines can better handle environmental stresses—whether it’s a hot, humid Virginia summer or an unusually dry season. Their established systems make them naturally hardy.
• 🪞 Terroir on Display:
  Because they rely less on surface water and nutrients, old vines are more influenced by the deeper subsoil. This means their fruit often captures the true character of the vineyard’s terroir—soil, slope, and climate in harmonious balance.

While every vineyard and varietal is different, old vine wines are often described as:

• More concentrated in fruit flavor
• Silky in texture with fine, integrated tannins
• Complex, offering layered aromas and a longer finish
• Balanced, thanks to consistent, even ripening

At Willowcroft, you may notice these qualities in wines like our Chardonnay or Cabernet Franc, crafted from vines that have been growing since Ronald Reagan was president and MTV still played music videos.

When we planted our first vines in 1981, we couldn’t have known how their deep roots would shape not only our wines but also the history of Virginia winemaking. These vines, now over four decades old, are living proof that patience in the vineyard pays off in the glass.

Each harvest is a reflection of their long relationship with the land, through droughts, storms, and sunny seasons alike.

So next time you see “old vine” on a bottle—or sip a Willowcroft wine made from 40+ year-old fruit—pause for a moment. You’re tasting not just grapes but the echoes of years past: the summers, the storms, and the steady work of roots digging deep into Catoctin Ridge.

Visit us and experience wines crafted from some of Loudoun’s oldest vines. Every pour is a piece of Willowcroft’s 40+ year legacy.

Rooted in Resilience: The First Grapes at Willowcroft and Their Legacy Today

When Lew Parker first planted grapes at Willowcroft Farm Vineyards in 1980, there was no roadmap—only a dream, a hillside, and the hope that Virginia could one day rival the great wine regions of Europe. At the time, the very idea of growing European grape varieties, known as Vitis vinifera, was considered risky, even reckless, by local advisors from the Virginia Extension Service. But like many pioneers, Lew believed that the best way to grow was to take a chance.

The first vines planted, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Seyval, didn’t make it. A harsh introduction to the challenges of Virginia viticulture resulted in the entire initial planting failing. But that didn’t stop Lew. He replanted in 1981, and this second planting survived. Many of those vines continue to thrive today in our home vineyard, their deep roots telling the story of Willowcroft’s perseverance and vision.

Each variety chosen in those early days represented a bold step toward redefining what Virginia wine could be:

• Cabernet Sauvignon, a bold red grape from Bordeaux, was selected for its potential to bring structure and aging ability to Virginia reds.
• Riesling, a grape native to Germany’s cooler climates, offered aromatic white wine potential and acidity that could balance Virginia’s warmth.
• Chardonnay, the queen of white grapes, was a natural choice for producing elegant, versatile wines.
• Seyval, a French-American hybrid, provided insurance—hardier and more disease-resistant, Seyval could deliver reliable harvests when other vines struggled.

At the time, little was known about how to cultivate these varieties successfully in the unique microclimates of Virginia. It was all trial and error. The soil, slope, canopy management, and disease pressure were all things that had to be learned the hard way. But these early choices laid the foundation for what would become one of the most exciting wine regions in the country.

The decision to plant Vitis vinifera was a revolutionary one. Native American grapes and early hybrids had been cultivated in Virginia for centuries, but their wines were often considered musky, overly sweet, or lacking finesse. European settlers longed for the wines of home, and Vitis vinifera was the key.

Today, these European varieties make up more than 75% of Virginia’s grape production by tonnage. They have transformed the state’s reputation from a fledgling curiosity into a nationally recognized wine region with over 300 wineries. At Willowcroft, we continue to honor that legacy by producing high-quality vinifera wines—Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Albarino, and yes, still our original Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling.

What makes those original plantings remarkable is not just their age—it’s their continued relevance. Despite decades of experimentation across the state, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Riesling remain cornerstones of Virginia’s premium wine scene. These grapes have proven adaptable, expressive of Virginia’s terroir, and capable of producing wines with elegance, balance, and depth.

As for Seyval, it remains a staple at Willowcroft—a reminder that hybrid varieties have an essential place in our portfolio, offering resilience and versatility, especially as climate unpredictability increases.

Walking through the home vineyard today, you can still see those early vines—knotted, gnarled, and wise. They’ve weathered frost and sun, drought and deluge. And they still bear fruit that tells a story: of vision, of patience, and of a belief in Virginia’s potential before the rest of the world was ready to believe with us.

Willowcroft is proud to be the oldest winery in Loudoun County, a cornerstone of Virginia wine’s modern era. As we continue to innovate and expand our offerings, we never forget the vines that started it all—those planted not just in soil, but in hope.

From Snow to Bud Break: The Promise of a New Season in Northern Virginia Vineyards

Northern Virginia has been blanketed by more snow and colder temperatures than usual as we find ourselves in the heart of winter. Notably, early January brought significant snowfall, with areas like Leesburg receiving more than 7 inches. While the landscape rests under this frosty veil, it's heartening to remember that the vineyards will begin their annual renewal in just about six weeks.

Grapevines are dormant, appearing as mere woody twigs amidst the snow. This essential period allows vines to conserve energy and prepare for the upcoming growth cycle. As temperatures start to rise and the ground begins to thaw, the first signs of life emerge with bud break. Tiny buds swell and burst open, revealing new shoots and leaves, marking the vine's reawakening.

Following bud break, the vines enter a phase of rapid growth. Shoots lengthen, and small, self-pollinating flowers appear. These blossoms, once pollinated, develop into tiny green berries. As summer progresses, these berries undergo veraison, changing color and beginning to ripen. The grapes reach their peak ripeness by late summer to early fall, ready for harvest.

The current winter conditions, though harsh, play a crucial role in this cycle. The cold ensures that vines remain dormant, protecting them and allowing for a more synchronized and healthy bud break come spring. So, as we navigate these chilly days, take comfort in knowing that the vineyards are merely resting, gathering strength for a vibrant season ahead. In just a few weeks, we'll witness the first signs of this transformation, a testament to nature's resilience and the promise of warmer days.

The History of Willowcroft Farm Vineyards: A Legacy Rooted in Loudoun County’s Rich Past

Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, nestled on the scenic Catoctin Mountains in Loudoun County, Virginia, is more than just a winery—it’s a living piece of history. With a residence dating back to 1789, the vineyard spans 30 acres and offers breathtaking views of the Loudoun Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. This land, rich in history, has been home to many notable figures and families, shaping it into the cornerstone of Loudoun County's wine industry today.

In its early days, the property was owned by Lord Fairfax and later by James Simpson, with William Jenkins managing the farm before purchasing it in 1877. The Jenkins family played a significant role in the farm’s history, passing it down through generations. Over the decades, the property changed hands numerous times, moving through families like the Tiffanys, Pangles, Garretts, and Kohlmeiers, each leaving their mark.

One of the most compelling stories tied to the land is that of Jane Pohl, daughter of West Point graduate Colonel Hermann Pohl, who purchased the farm in 1946. Jane Pohl was an accomplished equestrian who defied expectations with her horse Fitzrada, a once temperamental cavalry horse. Jane’s success with Fitzrada, despite their rocky start, led to significant achievements in the show-jumping world, helping to open the doors for women to compete internationally in the sport.

In 1979, Lew Parker purchased the land and established Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, planting the seeds for what would become Loudoun County’s first winery. Willowcroft’s creation marked the resurgence of the region's post-Civil War spirits industry, which had fallen dormant during Prohibition. Today, Willowcroft is a testament to the land’s deep agricultural roots and the pioneering spirit of Virginia’s winemaking industry.

With each glass of wine, visitors can taste not only the flavors of Virginia but also a legacy that spans centuries, from the Jenkins family to Jane Pohl’s equestrian triumphs and finally to the establishment of Loudoun’s first winery.