Southern Maryland Wineries Make Their Mark

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- September 28, 2004 -- To say that the Southern Maryland wine industry is new is a bit of an understatement. Three wineries were licensed just this year and for the first time all three - Solomons Island Winery, Cove Point and Chapel Cellars - attended the Maryland Wine Festival in Westminster, Md., September 18-19.

In a surprise to the established Maryland wine industry, Solomons Island Winery took “Best of Class, Best Dry White Wine” for its Sauvignon Blanc in the 2004 Governors Cup Competition. Solomons Island Winery also took a Silver Medal for its White (Rose) Merlot. Kevin Atticks of the Association of Maryland Wineries remarked, “It certainly makes a statement when a new winery takes Best of Class in their first statewide competition and bodes well for the future of the new generation of wineries in Southern Maryland.”

All three local wineries will be attending The Riverside Winefest at Sotterley Plantation in St. Mary’s County, October 2-3.

For more information on the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; or send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com