To celebrate the Drink Local Wine Region Wine Week, we  visited Black Ankle Vineyards yesterday. The drive to the winery was very pleasant. After leaving Interstate 70 most of the drive was along shady, country roads. We passed by many farms with goats, sheep, cattle and llamas. Upon reaching Black Ankle, we saw acres of vines, many of which had been picked. The deep purple Syrah grapes were still hanging on this cold, rainy day. Judging by the weather it will be several days before these grapes can be harvested.

This relatively new winery opened in 2008. However, planning for the winery was done years in advance. Black Ankle is an environmentally friendly winery. The walls of the tasting room are filled with straw baled from the property. Straw provides excellent insulation. A small window in the tasting room shows a view of the straw inside the walls. The owners planted the vineyards years before building the tasting room. Part of the facility has a “living roof” which provides insulation during the summer and winter.

The wines at Black Ankle are predominantly dry. White wines offered include Bedlam, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner and Viognier. Bedlam 2008, a white blend of Viognier, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, Albarino and Muscat offered a sweet aroma that was floral and fruity with hints of orange blossoms. This refreshing wine had a dry taste with a crisp finish.  Red wines include Passeggiata, a friendly red wine that white wine enthusiasts may enjoy. Other red wines were Syrah, Rolling Hills (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Pinot Noir), and Crumbling Rock. The winery received the Governor’s Cup for the last two years for Crumbling Rock 2006 and Crumbling Rock 2007.

It is important to note that Black Ankle Vineyards is supporting National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The winery has joined with Mount Airy’s Team Hope. On October 24 from 12 to 6pm the winery is donating a portion of its sales towards helping to find the cure.

Enjoy a visit to Maryland’s Black Ankle Vineyards. For more information about Black Ankle Vineyards visit the Wine Trail Traveler article.

Cheers! Kathy