Springfield Manor Winery and Distillery
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Just a short distance from Frederick, Maryland, Springfield Manor Winery offers a delightful spot to sit outside and enjoy the countryside views. The winery and distillery is only two minutes from Route 15. The owners want Springfield Manor to be known as a “happy place to come” and “a happy place to be.”
John and Amie St. Angelo purchased the former dairy farm in 2004, with the intention of dividing a portion of the property into home building lots. John owns a construction business. By the time the lots had been subdivided, the real estate market had changed significantly. They decided to establish an inn with a historic country estate on the property and add a winery and a distillery.
Today they have a home vineyard and also own a nearby vineyard in Middletown, Maryland. The home property has a large manor house with an event space, winery, distillery, two tasting rooms and a large patio. The name Springfield was chosen because every field on the property has a spring.
The manor house was built by Johnson in 1765. Johnson was the owner of the Catoctin Iron Furnace. Today the manor house functions as an inn. An adjacent ballroom has been added.
Nearby the original dairy farm, built as a milking parlor, has been renovated and now is the site for the distillery, spirits tasting room and wine tasting room. In the front of the facility a large patio has been added which features a wine bar. Seating includes numerous wrought iron tables and chairs. The patio overlooks a large field of lavender.
A Focus on Lavender
Lavender lovers will enjoy a visit to Springfield Manor. The estate has a large field of colorful purple lavender in front of the tasting room patio. Inside, visitors will discover numerous lavender products available for purchase. We asked John if he produces the essential oil. He noted that even though he has a still for the spirits distillation, he can not use it for distilling lavender essential oil. The aroma notes of the lavender left in the still would also affect the spirits.
Wines
The wines are produced with estate grown and sourced grapes. Currently, Springfield Manor is producing 4,000 cases of wine and the owners expect that number to increase.
The tasting counter is L-shaped and can accommodate several people. The barn’s original beam work is seen as well as stone walls. Dark colored woodwork forms the tasting counter. Windows, opposite one side of the tasting room, provide a glimpse into the distillery.
Locust Blossom was a light yellow color with floral aromas especially blossoms. The taste was sweet with floral notes. The aftertaste was earthy. This wine offered a smooth mouthfeel.
Chardonnay, with 12.8% alcohol, was a light yellow color and lightly oaked. The wine offered notes of apple and pear with a very slight hint of caramel. The aftertaste was of apple and caramel.
The Cabernet Franc, with 12.8% alcohol, was a translucent ruby color with a sienna hue. The aroma was fruit driven with notes of blackberry. The wine was medium-bodied and dry. Tannins were on the finish.
The Inn
The Inn at the Springfield Manor is only feet away from the winery and distillery tasting rooms and adjacent to the ballroom. Eight manor rooms are available. The rooms are are delightfully decorated with vintage-style furniture and decor. Guests at the inn will enjoy a country breakfast and a complimentary wine tasting in the winery tasting room.
Springfield Manor Events
Springfield Manor offers public events as well as space for private events. The ballroom is equipped to hold up to 300 guests. Public events include live music events and unusual painting sessions such as Paint Signs and Painting MD Flag Crab.
Springfield Manor is an easy to find destination located within view of Route 15 just outside Frederick, Maryland. If you enjoy wine, spirits and lavender this is an ideal location for you to stop. John wants the visitors to Springfield Manor to discover that this is a happy place to be especially on a beautiful day. While visiting and tasting wines and distilled products, visitors are likely to discover a gentle wine and spirits education.
Springfield Manor Winery & Distillery
11836 Auburn Rd,
Thurmont, MD 21788
GPS: N39º 33.509’ W77º 26.093’
Article written October, 2016
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