Meet Tannat—a bold, robust red wine grape with deep roots in France and a promising future in Virginia. Once known primarily for its intensity and structure, Tannat is gaining a following for its age-worthiness, health benefits, and powerful character. And here in Northern Virginia, it’s finding its stride. Originally hailing from the Madiran region in the French Pyrenees, Tannat earned a reputation for being deeply tannic—so much so that it was traditionally softened by blending. But when the grape made its way to the New World, particularly Uruguay and now Virginia, winemakers discovered something special: warm climates and careful handling transformed it into a richly textured wine with bold fruit,…

August 4, 2025 Cabernet Franc may be best known as the parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, but this ancient grape has a unique personality all its own—fresher, more aromatic, and often more food-friendly. Here in Northern Virginia, Cabernet Franc is not just surviving—it’s thriving. At Hiddencroft Vineyards, we’ve crafted an estate-grown Cabernet Franc that captures the grape’s trademark peppery spice and red fruit brightness, aged gracefully for over five years in oak barrels. This is a vintage that tells a story—of patience, place, and bold decisions. Tasting Notes Our 2017 Cabernet Franc opens with a rush of crushed black pepper, wild herbs, and dried cherries, followed by subtle earthy undertones and just a hint of leather. After 5½ years…

April 19, 2026 A Floral Whisper from the Ancient World Long before the hum of modern machinery and the gleam of stainless steel, there was clay, sun-warmed grapes, and the patient art of time. Back then, white wine grapes weren’t pressed and rushed away from their skin. Winemakers allowed them to linger together, mingling juice and tannin in earthy clay vessels buried beneath the soil. The result was a wine unlike the pale whites we know today: deep, amber-hued, and richly layered. Today, it is called orange wine. Or more poetically, amber wine or skin-contact white, a style as ancient as it is alluring. Our Expression: Corsage We didn’t bury Corsage in a Georgian qvevri,…

April 18, 2026 From “Little Green” to Bold Virginia Beauty Estate Grown and Bottled at Hiddencroft Vineyards In the world of wine, Petit Verdot has long played the role of a supporting character—an aromatic and tannic splash in Bordeaux blends, added in small amounts for depth and structure. Its name, which translates from French as “Little Green,” reveals its biggest challenge in its native France: inconsistent ripening. Vintners in Bordeaux often found their grape clusters spotted with stubborn, unripe green berries. For centuries, it was a finicky grape—capable of greatness but only under ideal conditions. Here in Virginia, however, Petit Verdot finds its voice. Our vineyard’s climate and soils coax this once-temperamental…

April 18, 2026 A Tribute to Time and Terrain Some wines tell a story. Dutchman’s Creek Blend tells several—of the land, the seasons, the grapes, and the people who helped shape it. This fifth release of our signature red blend brings together Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Tannat—bold varietals from three different vintages, blended into a seamless expression of structure, depth, and harmony. Richly layered with dark fruit, spice, and forest-floor complexity, this wine reflects not just expert craftsmanship, but a vineyard’s memory across time. Tasting Notes This is a wine with old-world bones and Virginia soul—made to complement bold, flavorful dishes or stand beautifully on its own. Origin & Craft Why We…