Old Vines, Timeless Wines: What 40+ Years Means in the Vineyard

A Willowcroft Perspective on the Power of Age
In wine, there’s something magical about the word “old.” Old cellars, old barrels, old vintages—and, of course, old vines. But what does “old vine” actually mean? Is there a specific age? A special certification? Or is it simply marketing?
At Willowcroft, many of our original vines—planted in 1981—are now over 40 years old, making them among the oldest in Virginia. These vines, with decades of seasons behind them, produce fruit that reflects both history and resilience.