Every year, the Maryland Governor’s Cup Wine Competition celebrates the very best of the state’s wine industry. Organized by the Maryland Wineries Association, the competition highlights outstanding wines made with locally grown fruit and showcases the diversity and craftsmanship of the region. In Montgomery County, Maryland, the awards shine a spotlight on wineries and cideries on the Tastemakers Trail who placed in the competition.
Windridge Vineyards
Windridge Vineyards in Darnestown captured the Best In Show | Governor’s Cup Award and multiple medals this year. Their 2022 Cabernet Franc was the showstopper in Best in Class for a red varietal and Best in Show, which showcases the county’s unique terroir that led to the winning bottle. Its Double Gold winners were the 2022 Cabernet Franc and 2022 Ithaca Reserve. For Silver, the 2024 Portrayal, 2024 Albarino, and 2021 Seneca took home medals, while their 2024 Rose and 2022 Encampment took home Bronze.
The Crossvines
More than a winery, The Crossvines is also a teaching hub with its own custom grape-crushing facility and bistro. The NV Hit It Hard Cider “Long Drive Cherry” took home the Best in Show | Jack Aellen Cup Award. The Double Gold Winners were their NV Hit It Hard Cider “Peach Par-Fect” and “Long Drive Cherry” as well as their 2023 Cabernet Franc. In the Silver category, their NV Hit It Hard Cider won a medal.
61 Vineyard
Family-owned and focused on sustainable practices, 61 Vineyard in Damascus impressed the judges with medaling Double Gold with their 2024 Cabernet Franc. And in the Silver category, their 2024 Albarino, 2024 Pleasant Plains, and 2024 Cabernet Franc Reserve won medals. Their 2024 Drytown Rose also took home a Bronze medal.
Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
A long-standing MoCo favorite, Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard continues to shine as their 2024 Muscat brought home a Gold medal, their 2024 Penelope, 2024 Vidal Blanc, and 2024 Viognier took home Silver medals, and their 2022 Evoe and 2023 Comus won Bronze medals.
The Urban Winery of Silver Spring
Maryland’s first urban winery, crafting wines in the heart of downtown Silver Spring, won Silver medals with their 2023 Silver Spring White and 2020 Parea, while also taking home a Bronze medal for their 2022 Stella and 2019 Chambourcin.
Clear Skies Meadery
Bringing a creative twist to Montgomery County’s beverage scene, Clear Skies Meadery earned Bronze for their NV honey-based mead.
Metzger Winery
A boutique winery that sells its wine through pop-ups throughout Poolesville earned a Double Gold medal for its 2023 Melange and Bronze for its 2024 Autumn’s Revenge.
