Willowcroft Farm Vineyards Review
Address: 38906 Mt. Gilead Rd. Leesburg,Virginia 20175.
Phone Number: 703-777-8161
Tasting Hours: Thurs-Sun 11:00-5:30
Region: Virginia
Reviewer: Richard Rynders
Review Date: 1/15/2015
Reviewer: Richard Rynders
Rating: 4
The Review
Even on a post-snowy day in January, the view from the Loudoun Countys Willowcroft Farm Vineyards is spectacular. And as one of the Virginia’s elder wineries, the winery’s experience shows through in all areas. According to Tasting Room Manager Susan Mitchell, they want to be known as the kinder, gentler winery and offer several venues to make it possible.
The main tasting room is warm and comfortable and for a $10 tasting fee visitors are offered a choice of seven wines. Lew Parker, owner & winemaker plies his craft well. They grow mostly their own grapes, and anything they purchase comes from other local Virginia vineyards.
The two Chardonnay offerings were both high quality. The Reserve is aged in Hungarian oak providing a classic buttery smoothness, while the Cold Steel version, un-oaked and cold fermented in stainless steel, is crisp & fruity.
The Rose of Sharon, named after Lews wife, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, and a little Petite Manseng. This one is definitely a top seller and is perfect for relaxing on warm days at the outdoor tables overlooking the vineyards.
The reds consisted of a Chambourcin, a full-bodied Merlot, a Petite Verdot (winner of several medals for its 2012 vintage), and a delightful Cabernet Franc.
The winery has an upstairs wine room with big, comfortable leather chairs. The room looks like it could easily accommodate 25 30 guests and can be rented for business meetings and/or birthday parties. There is also a second, even cozier tasting room usually used for wine club member events and overflow service on busy days. Housed in this room is the Hall of Fame with the many, many medals the winery has won over the years.
Susan mentioned that visitors can bring their own food or choose from a light food menu of items available. Although boasting we are here to sell wine, food is just an aside the winery is hosting wine & food events throughout the winter months. March events include a St. Paddy’s Day celebration with seafood and a lasagna lunch on March 28th and 29th.
I am very much looking forward to returning to Willowcroft in BOTH the spring and fall to enjoy the fabulous setting and warm hospitality.
Note: Do not use your GPS to find Willowcroft go to their website (www.willowcroftwine.com) to get better directions that do not wind you through unpaved dirt roads (as I found out), but provides a paved route all the way to their driveway.