Zephaniah Farm Vineyard

When we were in college, Meredith Hatch told me that her father, Bill Hatch had started making his own wine. I didn't ask for many details, but basically pictured a "bathtub gin" sort of operation. As someone who had been commuting to D.C. from Leesburg for two decades at that point, I figured Mr. Hatch could use a relaxing hobby. Next thing I knew, the family had a vineyard.

Since 2002, when the first grapes were planted at Zephaniah Farm Vineyard, it has transformed from a small family business to one of Loudoun's most noteworthy wineries. When you visit Zephaniah, you see the best that Loudoun County has to offer: lush scenery, rolling hills, and classic architecture.

The winery itself is located on the Hatch family farm in a home built around 1830. On the main level you'll find the tasting room, while the bottom level is where everything else happens: the winemaking itself, the bottling and the labeling. From growing the grapes, to the harvest, to the winemaking and bottling, just about everything Zephaniah does is done on-site by the Hatch family and an army of dedicated volunteers.

While growing grapes is a relatively new development for the Hatch family, farming isn't. A different branch of the family also runs Mill Road Farm on the same property. Mill Road produces grass-fed Angus beef and honey that they sell at the Leesburg Farmer's Market.

While Zephaniah used to sell their wine at the Farmer's Market alongside Mill Road Farm's offerings, they have since been able to offer regular weekend hours in their tasting room. From noon to 5 PM on Saturdays and Sundays you can visit Zephaniah's historical tasting room and enjoy a sampling of Chardonnay, Chambourcin, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, their flagship wine. You have to hurry if you want the Chardonnay though; they're nearly sold out.

When you visit Zephaniah, feel free to bring a picnic and enjoy food, wine and warm weather on one of their many outdoor tables, or you can just sit in the glider and enjoy the beautiful farmland scenery.

If you're more of a serious connoisseur, the Hatch family offers barrel tastings as well as tours of the vineyard itself. Come by and take a peek inside the workings of Loudoun's smallest winery.

Regardless of how you choose to spend your time during your visit to Zephaniah, one thing is certain: you will enjoy some truly delicious, hand-crafted wine.