Linden Update | January 9, 2025

Linden Staff at Capstone Vineyards, January 5, 2025

Linden: The Village

I purchased this hillside and started a vineyard in 1983. Lots of decisions were involved, one of which was what to call ourselves. We landed on "Linden," the location of the vineyard. Not very creative, but effective. For many years we were the only winery. Now there are four, with a fifth coming soon. I'm encouraged by the high elevation vineyard sites selected by our neighbors. Linden (the region) has unique terroirs and is defined by elevation. The cooler, later ripening grapes can give finesse and freshness to the wines.

Linden Vineyards is closed until January 17. Perfect time for staff training and continuing education. So we arranged staff visits to our three Linden colleagues: Fox Meadow, Capstone, and Crimson Lane.

Each winery has distinct wine styles, but there is a common thread. We found many different grape varieties expressing individual preferences, but elevation (from 1,300 to 1,800) speaks. The whites have refreshing acidity, and the reds are vibrant. It excites me that we now have more winegrowers focused on discovering our greater Linden terroir.

Each winery and tasting room is also distinctly different. No cookie cutters here. Individuality comes from the diverse backgrounds of the families who own, operate, and obsess about their vineyards. These are real wineries not entertainment venues or rural wine bars. Each Linden winery grows their own grapes and makes their own wine. While this shouldn't sound unique, it is. We share ideas and sometimes equipment. We taste each other's wines. It is a community.

Next time you're out this way, I encourage you to also explore the other Linden wineries. Our staff are now very knowledgeable and can help direct you to the winery that best fits your agenda. You may find that this little region has a lot to offer.

New Tasting Line up: 2021 Boisseau Viognier (new release), 2017 Village Chardonnay, 2018 Village Chardonnay, 2019 Village Chardonnay, 2021 Claret, 2021 Avenius Red (new release), 2021 Hardscrabble Red (new release).

Geek Out

After a restful month off, Linden will be reopening on Friday, January 17. Because winter is a quiet time, we are offering some focused in-depth tastings for dedicated wine geeks.
 
We’ll start with Boisseau Viognier 2021. Because of its limited production, this wine is rarely offered for tasting. Viognier’s weight and texture accompany hearty winter fare. Given our current cold winter, we thought it appropriate.
 
Linden’s Chardonnays age with grace and finesse. We’ll guide you through a flight of three diverse vintages of Village Chardonnay: 2017 has focused power and length; 2018 is fresh and pure; and 2019 is ripe and generous.
 
For our red wines, Vintage 2021 is the theme. Claret, Hardscrabble, and Avenius each have distinct personalities. 2021 is a vintage that shows classic terroir characteristics. This tasting will mark the official release of the 2021 Hardscrabble and Avenius Reds.

Linden Direct

If you can't make it out to the winery, our wines are always available for shipping (VA, MD, and DC only for now). 

the Winegrower’s Selection

Learn about and join our new wine subscription - the Winegrower’s Selection.

Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Update: January 9, 2025

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