The 2018 “Best in Show” award went to Catoctin Breeze for the 2016 Cabernet Franc.

Last June, Kathy and I were invited to the Maryland Wine Comptroller’s Cup Awards at Catoctin Breeze Vineyards in Thurmont, Maryland. Catoctin Breeze hosted the event. They won the top prize “Best in Show” for their 2016 Cabernet Franc. It is not easy to repeat. Just look at the Washington Capitals early exit in the 2019 NHL playoffs. But repeat is exactly what Catoctin Breeze did, again with their Cabernet Franc, this time with the 2017 vintage. We congratulate Voytek Fizyta and his wife, Alicja along with the winemaking team at Catoctin Breeze for their outstanding job with Maryland Cabernet Franc. 

The 2019 Best in Class awards included:

White: Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards • Legacy 2017

White Blend: Big Cork Vineyards • Russian Kiss 2018

Rosé: Port of Leonardtown Winery • Chaptico Rosé

Red: Catoctin Breeze Vineyard • Estate Cabernet Franc 2017

Red Blend: Port of Leonardtown Winery • Captain’s Table 2016

Off-Dry: Big Cork Vineyards • Vidal Blanc 2018

Sweet: Far Eastern Shore Winery • Ruby NV

Dessert: Janemark Winery & Vineyard • Sweet Heidi 2017

Mead Blend: Loew Vineyards • Honey & Grape NV

Fruit: Red Heifer Winery • Blueberry NV

Although Catoctin Breeze took the “Best in Show” award in 2018 and 2019 there were other repeat winners. For the Best in Class awards Port of Leonardtown Winery won Best in Class Rosé for both 2018 and 2019. Far Eastern Shore Winery repeated as Best in Class Sweet wine.

As summer goes into full gear, visited these award winning wineries and taste their “Best in Class” wines.

Cheers,
Terry