When Nature Reminds Us Who's in Charge

If you've been following the news, you've probably heard about the unusually cold temperatures that swept across Virginia this spring. Like vineyards throughout the region, we felt their impact here at Briedé Family Vineyards.

One of the questions we've been asked most often is, "Aren't your grapes cold hardy? Shouldn't they have been okay?"

The answer is yes...and no.

Many of the grape varieties we grow are indeed considered cold-hardy. They are bred to survive harsh winter temperatures that would damage many traditional European varieties. During dormancy, these vines are remarkably resilient.

The challenge begins when spring arrives.

As temperatures warm, the vines awaken. Sap begins to flow, buds swell, and eventually bud break occurs. At that point, it doesn't matter whether a vine is cold hardy or not—those tender new shoots become extremely vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Once those delicate buds are damaged, the crop for that season can be dramatically reduced.

Timing becomes everything.

This year, our Marquette vineyard reached bud break just before the freeze, making it especially vulnerable. Sadly, we lost the entire Marquette crop. It was heartbreaking, as Marquette has become one of the wines many of our guests look forward to each year.

Our other varieties experienced varying degrees of damage. Thankfully, many were able to recover enough to produce at least some fruit. While yields will certainly be lower than normal, we're grateful that the season isn't a complete loss.

Every vintage tells a story, and 2026 will certainly have one to tell.

As a small boutique winery, these weather events affect us differently than larger producers. We pride ourselves on crafting small-lot, single-varietal wines that allow each grape to express its unique personality. It's something we've become known for and something we truly love creating. With smaller harvests this year, producing some of those wines may simply not be possible.

Yet that's also part of what makes wine so special.

Wine is agriculture. Every bottle reflects the weather, the season, and the challenges Mother Nature presents. While we can't control the climate, we can continue caring for our vines, adapting when necessary, and making the very best wine possible from what each vintage gives us.

We're optimistic, we're resilient, and we're already seeing the vineyard continue to grow and develop. It will be an interesting harvest, and we look forward to sharing that journey with you.

Thank you for supporting small, family-owned wineries like ours. Your visits, encouragement, and enthusiasm mean more than you know—especially in years like this.

We can't wait to raise a glass with you this harvest season.

Cheers,The Briedé Family Vineyards Team