The Maryland Wineries Association proudly announces the winners of the 29th Annual Maryland Governor’s Cup Competition. The judging for the prestigious awards took place on Sunday, August 13 at the Center Club in Baltimore, with over 30 wine experts from the region who tasted over 150 different wines, including sparkling, whites, rosés and reds. Gold medal-winning wines competed for Best in Class and Best in Show honors. Cool Ridge Vineyard Cool Red 2015 earned the Governor’s Cup Best in Show and Great Shoals Winery Hard Plum 2016 was awarded the Jack Aellen Cup.
“Agriculture is such an important part of our history, our heritage, and our economy,” said Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. “That is why it is in the best interest of our state to keep our farms growing and thriving, and that includes our vineyards and our rapidly growing wine industry.”
“Our wine producers are doing so much for Maryland, and the Governor’s Cup competition brings together the best of the best amongst Maryland-produced wines,” Governor Hogan said.
“Congratulations to Washington County’s Cool Ridge Vineyard, the recipient of the 2017 Maryland Governor’s Cup.”
“We’re so honored to receive this award for our inaugural release of our estate-grown wine,” said Gary Glocker, who with his wife, Suzanne, are proprietors of Cool Ridge Vineyard in Hagerstown.
The Jack Aellen Cup is a recent addition to the competition and specifically highlights fruit wine, cider and mead. The cup is named after Linganore Winecellars founder, Jack Aellen, who pioneered wines from fruit and honey in Maryland. The “Jack Aellen Cup” is presented annually alongside the Governor’s Cup.
“We are thrilled that our Hard Plum cider caught the judges’ attention,” said Great Shoals Winery proprietor, Matt Cimino.
Competition Director Al Spoler continues to be impressed by the world-class wines coming out of Maryland, “We held the 2017 Governor’s Cup at Baltimore’s prestigious Center Club, and the wines certainly rose to the occasion. Although we had a very tough and discerning judging panel, nearly one quarter of the wines took home a gold. All of our well-established wineries did well, but so did a number of newcomers, which is very encouraging for our industry’s future,” said Spoler.
See a full listing of the results.
The Best in Show Winners
Governor’s Cup Winner: Cool Ridge Vineyard • Cool Red 2015 (Washington Co.)
Jack Aellen Cup Winner: Great Shoals Winery • Hard Plum 2016 (Montgomery Co.)
Best in Class
Best Sparkling: Turkey Point Vineyard • Elk Neck Bubbly 2016
Best White: Boordy Vineyards • Pinot Gris 2016
Best White Blend: Cool Ridge Vineyard • Cool White 2016
Best Rosé: Crow Vineyard & Winery • Barbera Rosé 2016
Best Red: Big Cork Vineyard • Cabernet Franc 2015
Best Red Blend: Cool Ridge Vineyard • Cool Red 2015
Best Sweet: Dove Valley Winery • Mr. Bentley’s Choice 2014
Best Dessert: Black Ankle Vineyards • Terra Sol 2016
Best Cider: Willow Oaks • Gloaming NV
Best Fruit: Great Shoals Winery • Hard Plum 2016
