We actually did not have a visit to Zephaniah Farm Vineyard on our agenda as we knew that we needed to make an appointment for a tasting. However, luck was on our side this past Sunday. We went to Willowcroft Farm Vineyards for a tasting, and we met Tremain and Meredith Hatch, whose father, Bill Hatch manages the small operation known as Zephaniah Farm Vineyard. Bill Hatch is the winemaker and vineyard manager. Tremain and Meredith offered to give us a tasting; of course, we could not refuse their generous offer. Once we were all done with our tasting at Willowcroft Farm Vineyard, we followed Tremain and Meredith to their family house, and before long we were swirling and savoring.

Zephaniah Farm Vineyard is actually part of a family farm, and the farming property and its facilities date back to the 1830s. In fact, the farm and vineyard is named after the Hatch’s great-grandfather, Zephaniah. Zephaniah Hatch had been a successful business man, and it was Tremain and Meredith’s grandfather who purchased the farm property in 1950. Vineyards were planted in 2002 with one and a half acres planted in vines. Varietals grown include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Petit Manseng, and Chardonnay. Zephaniah Farm Vineyards can also claim to be one of the smallest wineries in Virginia with 150 cases produced this year. Tremain has studied viticulture and is dedicated to quality management of the vineyards. Why the emphasis on red varietals? Also grown on the family farm is Angus beef!

So on to the tasting! The tasting room is part of the 19th century family house and is furnished with period antiques. On tap for tasting were two red wines—the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2007 Cabernet Franc. I was quite impressed with both of them. The Cabernet Sauvignon was a fruit forward pour with dark plum and cherry characteristics, and I detected some violet on the nose, too. Of the two, I did prefer the 2007 Cabernet Franc which teemed with raspberry, spice, and some black pepper. Vibrant fruit flavors here with a nice backbone yet accessible due to aging in neutral French barrels.

Tremain and Meredith seemed to relish the challenges of vineyard management and winemaking, and I think that they are off to a very good start. Tastings are indeed held by appointment only, but their beef products can be purchased year round at the Loudon Farmers Market in Leesburg as well as the Cascade Farmer’s Market during the summer. So here’s a plan—make an appointment for a tasting, but stop off at the farmer’s market first to grab some steaks. With dinner already secured, show up for the tasting and purchase a favorite red. Now I’m hungry!

With our tasting completed, we thanked Tremain and Meredith for the impromptu tasting, and we know that we will return to sample future releases. Be sure to visit Zephaniah Farm Vineyard and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Now what about that tasting at Willowcroft Farm Vineyard? Stay tuned for our next post to find out.

Yes, we went back on the Loudoun Wine Trail.  With so many new wineries to visit in Loudoun County, we knew that we had to return to sample the wares of more newbies.  We also tossed in an oldie but goodie for good measure.  So where did we go?  In the next several posts, you will learn all about Dry Mill Vineyard and Winery, Zephaniah Farm Vineyard, and Willowcroft Farm Vineyards.

Our first stop was to Dry Mill Vineyard and Winery.  Although the winery is brand new, the vineyard is twelve years old, and Chardonnay was the varietal planted.  Dry Mill sold its Chardonnay to Naked Mountain Vineyard & Winery; however owners Nancy and Dean Vanhuss along with daughter Michelle decided to give their own winery a go.  Of course, we had our heralded gold stars in hand.  It’s rare that Paul and I concur on our gold star presentations, but this time we both agreed that the strongest wines at Dry Mill Vineyard and Winery were the 2008 Steel Chardonnay and the 2007 Cabernet Franc.  The 2008 Steel Chardonnay is the perfect summer picnic wine but could also grace a dinner table if poultry or shellfish are being served.  This Chardonnay is crisp with green apple and pear aromas and flavors.  A nice citrus undertone was present too.  As the name implies, there is no oak aging involved.  We also favored the 2007 Cabernet Franc with its notes of dark cherry and black pepper.  Aging in French oak gave it body with a nice finish.

Fans of sweeter Roses should give the 2007 Rose a whirl.  A composite of juices from all grapes crushed at Dry Mill Vineyard and Winery, this Rose has a residual sugar content of 2%—just sweet enough to be enjoyed on its own, with a summer salad, or even barbeque.  If steaks are on the grill, then opt for the Cabernet Franc or the intense 2007 Norton with its smoky edge and distinctive Norton nose.  Opulent flavors of plums and cherries were on display with this one!

So tasting was done but lunch was waiting in the car.  Grilled chicken filets with light cheeses and almonds were on order, and our wine selection was the 2008 Steel Chardonnay.  We enjoyed our lunch and wine outdoors but beneath the covered walkway where picnic tables and chairs were conveniently placed.  As we wined and dined, we observed several varieties of birds including starlings that swirled about as we ate.  We also met Dean Vanhuss who gave us an update on upcoming events and happenings at Dry Mill Vineyard and Winery.  The biggest event will be the grand opening of the winery which will occur next weekend!  Food and music will be on tap for the big event, and a sneak tasting of the Barrel Chardonnay will be offered, too.  The barrel-aged Chardonnay will then rest for a while longer and will be released in the fall.  Other upcoming releases include the Viognier and a Cabernet Sauvignon.  Dean also shared with us his own wine making preferences which will be reflected in the Dry Mill releases.  Dean favors low oak presence with a tendency to use French oak where oak is needed.  Fruit-focused wines are what he prefers, and this was certainly evident in the wines currently offered for tasting.  Dean also hopes to expand case production from the current 1000 cases to 2500 cases in the future.

With lunch consumed and wine appreciated, we bid our farewells to Dean Vanhuss.  We’ll return, but readers may want to visit soon.  In fact, the grand opening may be the perfect weekend outing.  Be sure, though, to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

So our final stop on the Loudon Wine Trail was at the newly opened Casanel Vineyards. We had heard great things about this new winery and were anxious to pay a visit. It turned out to be a perfect way to end our weekend of wine tasting on the Loudon Wine Trail!

A renovated 1800s barn now functions as a cozy tasting room, and the tasting room and a nearby farm house are surrounded by the lovely Catoctin Mountains. After a pause to take in the view from the parking lot, we entered the tasting room. Four wines were available for tasting including one white wine, the 2007 Viognier and three red wines. I was impressed by all four offerings, and my favorite was the 2007 Viognier with its floral aromas and tropical fruit flavors; eight months in oak gave it body and structure but the oak did not dominate the fruit characteristics. Paul’s palate, however, favored the 2007 Merlot with its layers of cherry and blackberry flavors. A well-rounded wine, this Merlot should pair well with anything that moos or oinks but is also just fine for sipping.

Of course, summer is all about lighter-bodied wines, and the 2007 Norton should do just fine with grilled fare slathered in a favorite barbeque sauce. The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon was by far the bolder of the red wines that we tasted and presented darker cherry and plum characteristics with undertones of dried herbs. I do think this one could sit on the wine rack for a bit longer and should be ready for prime time in the fall—game meats would be a perfect partner, too.

As we sipped and savored, we got to learn quite a bit about Casanel. Casey and Nelson DeSouza are the owners of Casanel; in fact, the name is an amalgamation of their two first names. Nelson DeSouza was born in Brazil and came to America to pursue the “American Dream”, and in time he became a successful contractor and businessman. Over the years, he and his wife Casey also developed an enjoyment of wines, and faced with a decision to retire or find yet another venture to pursue they opted for the latter. Nelson found the abandoned property with its 19th century structures and with his contractor’s mindset firmly in place imagined a diamond in the rough. The facility now includes the renovated tasting room, the renovated farm house, and vineyards, of course. Added to all of this is a manmade lake with a gazebo.

The vines are still young, so Casanel has yet to provide a vine to bottle product; however, their current wines are ones produced from existing, unfinished stock purchased from other vineyards. The winemaker is Kerem Baki of Hillborough Vineyards. Under Baki’s direction, Casanel Vineyards’ wines have already earned awards and accolades including a “Best of Virginia” designation for its 2007 Viognier. Casanel Vineyards’ current lineup of wines is known as the Chegada Collection which means “arrival” in Portuguese, and Casanel Vineyards has certainly arrived!

So with our tasting completed, we decided to enjoy the mountain views from the gazebo which juts into the lake as we sipped a glass of the 2007 Merlot. We do see bright things for Casanel Vineyards, and we will return to monitor the progress. Be certain to visit Casanel Vineyards and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.