Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008
New winery opens doors
by Angie Cochrun | Staff Writer
Maryland Community Newspapers Online
A new winery in Mount Airy recently opened their tasting room doors, a culmination of years of preparation and research.
"It's exciting getting the doors open and finally seeing it all coming together," said Sarah O'Herron, co-owner of Black Ankle Vineyards with husband Ed Boyce.
The Silver Spring couple chose Mount Airy for their vineyard because of the way the land lies, the soil type and altitude, said O'Herron.
The vineyard, located on Black Ankle Road, was a 145-acre farm in 2002 when the couple bought it. Grapes were planted in the next few years, with the first harvest occurring in 2005.
The doors to their eco-friendly tasting room officially opened Oct. 4.
"We got our permits Friday afternoon, and said ‘OK, we're opening,'" she said. O'Herron added there would be a grand opening celebration on Nov. 1.
She said it was a busy time for the vineyard
"We're about 80 percent through harvest right now," she said. "It's a little nuts around here; it's very exciting when it's busy."
The business has recently racked up some awards, winning the 2008 Maryland Winemasters' Choice Award with their 2007 Bedlam, an award selected by all the winemakers in Mayland, and the Governors cup in the 19th Annual Maryland Governor's Cup Wine Competition. An independent panel of chefs, sommeliers and various others chose the 2006 Crumbling Rock as best in show.
"Those are our very first wines," O'Herron said.
The vineyard, though not farmed 100 percent organically, has avoided herbicides and uses biodiesel for the tractors, and is working toward being eco-friendly in pest management.