Kathy and I were invited by the Maryland Wineries Association to attend the presentation of the Maryland Winemasters’ Choice Awards at Big Cork Vineyards in Rohrersville, Maryland. We had visited Big Cork Vineyards the previous week and were looking for another reason to visit this winery. The winery took the Best in Show award for their 2014 Chardonnay. At the media meeting, the wineries that won an award for Best in Class were on hand to pour tastings of their wines.

Comptroller of Maryland, Peter Franchot presents Randy Thompson, President of Big Cork Vineyards (BCV) the award for Best in Show. Pictured from left to right: Dave Collins, Winemaker at BCV, Peter Franchot, Randy Thompson and Heather Tapper, General Manager at BCV

The Maryland Winemasters Choice Competition is a wine judging that is twofold. First the wines are evaluated by judges. The wines are also evaluated by winemakers. This peer evaluation helps the winemakers in the state recognize what other winemakers in the state are doing. Once the Best in Class wines are identified, the judges select from that group of wines the Best in Show. The judging is blind. The judges only are aware of a flight category. They do not know a wine’s producer, price or details about the wine.

Kevin Atticks, long time head of the Maryland Wineries Association, spoke to the assembled winery personal and media about the competition. He then introduced the guest from Annapolis that helped hand out the awards.

The awards were presented by Comptroller of Maryland, Peter Franchot. Mr. Franchot has been a supporter of the wine industry in Maryland. Kathy asked the Comptroller about the state of Maryland wine. Mr. Franchot noted that Maryland wines have improved tremendously in recent years. “Now the state is making world class wines.” Mr. Franchot went on to say that Maryland wineries have a bright future.

Big Cork Vineyards hosted the event. The wineries that won the Best in Class Award were on hand to talk to the media and pour wines.

Best in Show

Big Cork Vineyards • Chardonnay 2014

Best in Class

Best white: Big Cork Vineyards • Chardonnay 2014

Best white blend: Old Westminster Winery • Greenstone 2014

Best rosé: Boordy Vineyards • Dry Rosé 2014

Best off-dry: Turkey Point Vineyard • Vidal Blanc 2014

Best red: Catoctin Breeze Vineyard • Adagio 2013

Best dessert: Linganore Winecellars • Indulgence 2012

Best cider: Great Shoals Winery • Hard Pear Draft 2014

Best fruit: Linganore Winecellars • Blackberry

Best mead: Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery • Cobbler

Cheers,
Terry