Had the extreme pleasure of judging at the Maryland Governor's Cup in Baltimore in early September of this year. What a great experience. The event was well organized and well attended. The star studded East Coast contingent included (just a few) Dave McIntyre of the Washington Post, Kelly Dudeck and Janna Howley both of Maryland Wine, Kathy Lang Wiedemann, Maryland Secretary of State Kevin Atticks, Anna Kietzerow , Jeryl Cole Sr., Alisha Blackwell-Calvert, Desiree Harrison-Brown, Titus Green, and Maryland wine professor Joe Fiola, And many more!!!
The wines were really impressive overall. Well wrought and very drinkable. Many, many sophisticated wines that deserve serious consideration. Lovely, vibrant whites, thirst quenching and fruit filled rose's, and big sophisticated and well-balanced reds. Indeed, to follow the old Hollywood rubric - Maryland wine is ready for it's close up!
Maryland Governor’s Cup Wine Competition 2024
09/13/2024 by Janna Howley
Results from the Maryland Governor’s Cup Wine Competition, hosted on 9/8/24 at The Grand Baltimore.
Best In Show | Governor’s Cup Award
Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards – 2022 Bliss
Best In Show | Jack Aellen Cup Award
Far Eastern Shore Winery – NV Bramble
Best In Class
• Sparkling •••••••••••••••• Big Cork Vineyards – NV Chenin Blanc Brut
• White Blend ••••••••••••• The Urban Winery of Silver Spring – 2023 Silver Spring White
• White Varietal ••••••••••• Big Cork Vineyards – 2023 Muscat Canelli
• Blush/Rosé •••••••••••••• Big Cork Vineyards – 2023 Syrah Rosé
• Red Blend ••••••••••••••• Cabin Vineyard – NV Red Blend
• Red Varietal ••••••••••••• Boordy Vineyards – 2020 Cabernet Franc Dry Bench Reserve
• Sweet/Dessert •••••••••• Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards – 2022 Bliss
• Fortified ••••••••••••••••• Far Eastern Shore Winery – NV Bramble
Double Gold
• 61 Vineyard – 2023 Drytown Sparkling Rosé
• Big Cork Vineyards – NV Chenin Blanc Brut
• Big Cork Vineyards – 2023 Syrah Rosé
• Big Cork Vineyards – 2021 Petit Verdot
• Cabin Vineyard – NV Red Blend
• Far Eastern Shore Winery – NV Bramble
• Port of Leonardtown Winery – 2023 Chaptico Rosé
• Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards – 2022 Generations
• Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards – 2022 Bliss
• Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard – 2022 Comus
Gold
• 61 Vineyard – 2022 Merlot
• Big Cork Vineyards – 2023 Muscat Canelli
• Big Cork Vineyards – 2023 Sauvignon Blanc
• Big Cork Vineyards – 2022 Bank Road Vidal Ice
• Big Cork Vineyards – 2021 Black Label Nebbiolo
• Big Cork Vineyards – 2020 Big Finish Muscat Canelli Port
• Boordy Vineyards – 2020 Cabernet Franc Dry Bench Reserve
• Boordy Vineyards – 2023 Albariño
• Chesapeake Manor Vineyard – 2023 Grüner Veltliner
• Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery – 2022 Lazy Day White
• Libertas Estates – 2023 Barbera
• Loew Vineyards – 2021 Posterity
• Loew Vineyards – 2023 Mazal
• Love Point Vineyards and Winery – 2022 Red Sky
• Serpent Ridge Vineyard – 2023 Pinot Gris
• Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard – 2023 Circe
• The Urban Winery of Silver Spring – 2023 Silver Spring White
• Windridge Vineyards – 2019 Cabernet Franc
FOR THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS: