A Sip of Tranquility at Linden Vineyards, VA

Linden Vineyards is a dear place to me. Growing up my mom took us to Linden not for wine, but to pick heirloom apples. They had rows and rows of gnarly apple trees growing on wires similar to how you grow grapes planted on a slope in front of Hardscrabble. I can still taste those crisp, slightly sour black twig apples. The apples were naturally imperfect, but out-of-this-world in taste.

In the early 2000s, the plot of apple trees in front of a picturesque Blue Ridge Mountain style lodge was replaced with grape vines. Little did we know, but that had been the plan dating to the property’s purchase by owner Jim Law in 1983. Starting in the 80s he had been growing grape vines and their first vintage came out in 1987 and the vineyard opened its doors in 1988. All of this escapes the notice of a little girl.

While you may think that I am nostalgic for those amazing apples (and at times I am), I am actually so happy to see Linden evolve into the vineyard it was destined to be. The feel of the land has not changed even though its “crop” has. It remains beautiful, tranquil and there’s a peace to the place. The Hardscrabble lodge sits a top of a hill and there is a rolling hill below.

Linden Vineyards places an emphasis on its craft as true wine artisans and educators. You can feel that Jim Law espouses a deep connection with the French term “terroir.” (Wine Jargon Toolkit) You are encouraged to taste their wines and talk to the people involved in their creation. He discourages the entertainment oriented winery experience and is a bit controversial in the area. To read more about the interesting Jim Law, click this link to a Washington Post article on him.

At Linden a wine tasting at Hardscrabble is $7, but no charge to case members and their guests. Groups are limited to parties of 6 or less. Hardscrabble’s lovely porch is now reserved for those who purchase a case per year, but all are welcome to taste inside the charming lodge. On weekends, a special reserve cellar tasting is also available for $25. Educational cellar tours are also held on Saturdays and Sundays. They also offer tasty French bread, cheeses, and sausages to enjoy while drinking a glass.

The Washington Post also wrote a good read on six Linden Vineyard wines to try (click here to read). Standouts include the Hardscrabble 2009 red blend, Hardscrabble Chardonnay 2011, Petit Verdot 2010. My personal favorite at Linden Vineyards is their Chardonnay. I have really enjoyed it over the past 10 years.

Linden Vineyards continues a special family spot for us. Today, when I go home to visit my parents in Fairfax, we often drive out towards Front Royal and go along the curving road to Linden. Instead of picking apples we catch up, reminisce, enjoy the beauty of the land beneath while sipping a glass of one of their lovely wines.

Photo: “002” by Kirybabe is licensed under CC BY 4.0