Memorial Day Weekend Celebration
May 25, 26 & 27
Celebrate Memorial Day at SMV! Bring a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic to enjoy the day! Live Music at the Tasting Room, 2 - 5 pm each day: Radio Caroline on Saturday, Jim Counter on Sunday and Denny Grizzle on Monday. Saturday we will also host the Poolesville Relay for Life Fundraiser from 12 - 5 pm. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted on the premises.

Poolesville Relay for Life Fundraiser
May 25, 12 - 5 pm
Join us for a wine tasting event hosted by Poolesville Relay for Life team Ladies for the Fight, benefitting the American Cancer Society. The cost is $15 per person. The price includes tastings of select wines, light refreshments and live music. All proceeds of the event and 10% of a la carte purchases will benefit the American Cancer Society.

New Vintages Released May 4
We released six new 2012 vintages May 4th, including the much anticipated debut of our newest white wine, Penelope. Named after Odysseus' wife from Homer's classic poem, our Penelope is a pure marriage of joy and pleasure exhibiting aromas of apricot, lemon grass, and intense tropical fruit. We also released our other new whites, Viognier, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay, as well as Rose and the ever-popular Stomp. Come enjoy a taste and buy a case!

2010 Evoe! Voted "Best Red Wine"
SMV's 2010 Evoe! was voted "Best Red Wine" in the Drink Local Grand Tasting and Twitter Taste Off. The contest was the highlight of the 5th Annual Drink Local Wine Conference held in Baltimore on April 13. Over 400 people tasted wines from 26 Maryland wineries, then tweeted their comments about the wines and voted for their favorites.

2010 Evoe! Wins Double Gold
at Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
2010 Evoe! won Double Gold and 2011 Circe and 2011 Comus both won Silver medals in the "Red Blend - Vinefera" category at the 13th Annual Finger Lakes International Wine Competition to benefit Camp Good Days, the world's largest charitable wine competition. 3,505 wines were entered from 20 countries, including wines from all 50 US States and 4 Canadian Provinces. The wines were judged by 70 of the World's top judges from 14 countries.

SMV Wins Big at the 2013
International Eastern Wine Competition
In the 2013 International Eastern Wine Competition, SMV's 2011 Comus won a Best of Class and Gold in the Red Bordeaux type blend category, and the 2011 Circe and 2010 Evoe! won silver medals in the same category. Over 800 wines were entered in the competition, which is the oldest, largest professional wine competition in the United States. All of the judges were professionals in the wine industry.

2010 Evoe! Wins Gold Medal
in the 2013 World Wine Championships
The Beverage Tasting Institute has awarded our 2010 Evoe! a 2013 World Wine Champlionships gold medal, in the Bordeaux Varietal Blend, Red category, after a tasting on February 11 at their Chicago Tasting Room. They gave it a rating of 91 points (exceptional). Click here to check out our listing at Tastings.com.

SMV Voted the Washington Post Express
"BEST OF 2012: Vineyard"
We thank YOU, our loyal customers and the voting public for honoring SMV as the best vineyard in the annual "Best Of" issue, published by The Washington Post Express on October 18! Conducted through a region-wide nominating and voting process with thousands of participants, the issue presents "the best of everything D.C. has to offer" - favorite restaurants, bars, attractions, people and... vineyards! With locations ranging from Delaware to North Carolina, the "Best Of" list traverses well beyond the DC Metro area. In our "Vineyard" category, we faced an impressive list of competitors, with kudos to our good friends in Virginia - Barboursville Vineyard and Bluemont Vineyard - for their second and third place finishes. With this honor, it is clear that Maryland wineries have made a definitive mark on the wine trail! Check out all of the results, and SMV's listing. Thank you again for your votes!

Local Blogger Features SMV in
"Buying Local for the Holidays" Series
Washington DC photographer Bob Cullen has featured SMV in his entertaining and informative "Buying Local for the Holidays" blog. This season, he has been writing of local holiday gift ideas from the DC area, highlighted with his beautiful photography. In his November 29th blog posting, he profiles the vineyard and our winemaker, Manolo Gomez, and he praises our Comus vintage. Check out his blog by clicking here.

SMV Story Profiled in Washington Post and The Gazette.net
Maryland Winemaking Family's Idea Becomes Prized Tradition
Journalist St. John Barned-Smith wrote a wonderful profile of Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, its family history, and its stature as a leading Maryland winery. The article was published October 24 in both the Washington Post and The Gazette.net. Click on either of the links to read the full article.

Large Group Accomodations as Weather Gets Colder
Unfortunately, as it gets colder, we cannot accommodate large groups inside the tasting room, due to limited seating. Walk-in service is limited to parties of no more than four persons inside the Tasting Room during regular business hours. Walk-in groups of more than four persons are required to use outdoor tables only on a first-come, first-served basis; weather dependent. We have heaters and a fire pit on the patio during the autumn and winter.

SMV Winners at 2012 Maryland Governor's Cup
The 24th Annual Governor's Cup Competition was held on August 19 in Timonium, and after a long day tasting through 29 flights of over 140 wines, the judges have identified some of the best wines in Maryland. Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard's Comus 2010 won Gold; Chardonnay 2011, Evoe! 2009, and Pinot Grigio 2011 won Silver; and Circe 2011 won Bronze. Judges awarded 23 gold, 40 silver and 35 bronze medals to wines throughout the day.

Savory Gourmet Joins SMV as Preferred Caterer
Serving Montgomery County, MD including Washington DC and Northern Virginia, Clarksburg based Savory Gourmet has partnered with Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard as our recommended caterer. Chef, owner, and CEO Danielle Rozier's food is a combination of Savory (delicious flavor) yet Gourmet (using the freshest and best quality ingredients when preparing her food). Order a picnic lunch from Savory Gourmet by clicking here, then come to the Vineyard and pair with your favorine SMV wine.

SMV Partners with Hyatt House, Gaithersburg
Hyatt House Gaithersburg is an all-suite hotel featuring newly renovated one bedroom and two bedroom/two bathroom suites. Complimentary amenities include a full breakfast buffet and high speed internet. They are offering discounted rates (15% off our best available rate) to guests of Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard through our website, by clicking here.

Bacchus Club Members
If you have not already done so, please pick up your April package. The April package includes one bottle each of Circe 2011, Pinot Grigio 2011, and Cabernet Franc 2011. If you cannot pick up your April package and would like it shipped (for $12) to you, please contact SMV at 301.605.0130 or email susan@smvwinery.com.

Membership Benefits for 2013
Bud Break 2013 will be a tasting room event, and no longer a ticketed event. However, we will be holding a new BBQ & Bluegrass Festival July 20 & 21. Bacchus Club members will receive two free tickets for this event, as well as for Stomp 2013.

SMV is developing a Bacchus Club-only station outdoors on those busy summer days. We will update you with more details as these plans develop.

2013 Events
We will be holding Bacchus Club pick-up parties in July and October. See calendar below for the full listing of SMV events.

Cabernet Franc 2010 is available by bottle or case, exclusively for Bacchus Club members. $28.95/bottle, $318.45/case plus the 10% club discount.

For more information on becoming a Bacchus Club member, click here.

Congratulations to Joshua Parker!
Joshua Parker, a long-time and beloved SMV employee, is now a Certified Sommelier. After intensive instruction and training in the world of wine, Joshua passed a two day examination to become a professional who specializes in all aspects of wine service, tasting and food pairings. SMV is proud of Joshua and his accomplishments and, as always, we learn from his passion for wine.

Joining Forces with Sugarloaf Regional Trails
SMV is happy to join with Sugarloaf Regional Trails, a non-profit focusing on conservation of the cultural landscape in rural Montgomery County. The SRT organization began in 1974 and conducts cultural research and educational activities, holds preservation and environmental conferences and publishes trail guides which can be read and downloaded from their website.

Travel the Maryland Countryside with a Maryland Wine Passport
SMV is a member of the Maryland Wine Association and is participating in its Maryland Wine Passport program. Passports are available at participating wineries, simply pick one up and present it at each MD winery you visit. You will be given a code and stamp at each winery. The MD Wine Association is finalizing its new website and once live, you will be able to log on and enter your Passport codes collected from each winery. Using your Passport and collecting codes will make you eligible for discounts and invitations from the MD Wine Association. For example, after 8 winery visits, you will receive notification of discounted tickets to events happening around the state; after 16 visits, you will be invited to receptions around the state; after 32 visits, you will be eligible for discounted tickets, invitations to receptions and an annual drawing to win a basket full of MD wine valued at over $120. Notifications will be sent via email. The Frederick Wine Trail, which consists of the eight wineries in Frederick County, including Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, is also developing special perks for Passport participants. For more information, click here.

From the Tasting Room

Tasting Room Notes
We are currently tasting 11 wines for $10!

The SMV Tasting Room is now open 7 days a week, noon until 6 pm with last call at 5:30.

Sangria is now available on weekends for the spring and summer months.

Walk to Stop Diabetes Fundraiser
June 8, 12 - 5 pm
Team Krazy KATS (Kind-hearted Angels that Support) will sponsor a fundraiser to support the Walk to Stop Diabetes. Tastings of selected SMV wines, a tour of the winery, light refreshments, goodie bag, a silent auction, door prizes and a 10% discount on bottle or case sales will be part of the festivities. Admission is $20. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and picnic to enjoy. No outside alcohol. For more information, contact Kathy DeHart at 240.285.2875 or kdehart520@gmail.com or Stacey Eiker 240.357.1941 or raidersfan43@yahoo.com.

Maryland Wine Week
June 14 through 24
Maryland Wine Week celebrates Maryland wine. Look for specials on Maryland wine throughout the state and check marylandwine.com for more information on activities. SMV will celebrate by providing a free tasting to anyone who brings us a cork from a bottle of Maryland wine during that week.

Dogs Day of June:
Picasso's Place Min Pin Rescue Fundraiser
June 22, 12 - 5 pm
SMV's Dogs Day of June will benefit Picasso's Place Min Pin Rescue. The organization's mission is to facilitate the rescue and adoption of stray, abandoned, neglected and abused miniature Pinschers. The events will include tastings, goodie bags, raffles and vendors with canine treats and goods. Admission is $20 at door, or $15 if you pre-register at picassosplace.org. For more information, visit picassoplace.org.

SMV Tasting Room Events & Festival Calendar
May – October: Live Music every Saturday and Sunday 2 - 5 pm
May 19 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Shane Gamble, 2 - 5 pm
May 18 & 19* – Wine in the Woods, Columbia, MD
May 25, 26 & 27 – Memorial Day Celebration
- May 25 – Poolesville Relay for Life Fundraiser, 12 - 5 pm
- May 25 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Radio Caroline, 2 - 5 pm
- May 26 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Jim Counter, 2 - 5 pm
- May 27 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Denny Grizzle, 2 - 5 pm
June 1 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Rob Thorworth, 2 - 5 pm
June 2 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Freddie Long, 2 - 5 pm
June 8 – Walk to Stop Diabetes Fundraiser, 12 - 5 pm
              Live Music at the Tasting Room, Kenny & Joel, 2 - 5 pm
June 9 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Jayme Salvati, 2 - 5 pm
June 15 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Radio Caroline, 2 - 5 pm
June 16 – Father's Day Celebration
                Live Music at the Tasting Room, Shane Gamble, 2 - 5 pm
June 22 – Dogs Day of June - Picasso's Place Min Pin Rescue Fundraiser, 12 - 5 pm
                Live Music at the Tasting Room, Denny Grizzle, 2 - 5 pm
June 23 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Damion Wolfe, 2 - 5 pm
June 29 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Angie Miller, 2 - 5 pm
June 30 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Jason Masi, 2 - 5 pm
July 4 – Fourth of July Celebration
             Live Music at the Tasting Room, Denny Grizzle, 2 - 5 pm
July 6 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Rob Thorworth, 2 - 5 pm
July 7 – Pick Up Party for Bacchus Club
             Live Music at the Tasting Room, Freddie Long, 2 - 5 pm
July 13 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Kenny & Joel, 2 - 5 pm
July 14 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Jayme Salvati, 2 - 5 pm
July 20 & 21 – BBQ & Bluegrass Festival
- July 20 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Denny Grizzle, 2 - 5 pm
- July 21 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Shane Gamble, 2 - 5 pm
July 27 – Dogs Day of July
               Live Music at the Tasting Room, Radio Caroline, 2 - 5 pm
July 28 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Damion Wolfe, 2 - 5 pm
August 3 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Rob Thorworth, 2 - 5 pm
August 4 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Freddie Long, 2 - 5 pm
August 10 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Kenny & Joel, 2 - 5 pm
August 11 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Jayme Salvati, 2 - 5 pm
August 17 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Denny Grizzle, 2 - 5 pm
August 18 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Shane Gamble, 2 - 5 pm
August 24 – Dogs Day of August
                   Live Music at the Tasting Room, Radio Caroline, 2 - 5 pm
August 25 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Damion Wolfe, 2 - 5 pm
August 31 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Jason Masi, 2 - 5 pm
September 1 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Freddie Long, 2 - 5 pm
September 2 – Labor Day Celebration
                       Live Music at the Tasting Room, Denny Grizzle, 2 - 5 pm
September 7 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Rob Thorworth, 2 - 5 pm
September 8 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Jayme Salvati, 2 - 5 pm
September 14 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Kenny & Joel, 2 - 5 pm
September 15 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Shane Gamble, 2 - 5 pm
September 21 – Dogs Day Finale
                         Live Music at the Tasting Room, Denny Grizzle, 2 - 5 pm
September 22 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Radio Caroline, 2 - 5 pm
September 21 & 22* – Maryland Wine Festival, Westminster, MD
September 28 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Jim Counter, 2 - 5 pm
September 29 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Damion Wolfe, 2 - 5 pm
October 5 & 6 – STOMP Festival
- October 5 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Rob Thorworth, 2 - 5 pm
- October 6 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Freddie Long, 2 - 5 pm
October 6 – Pick Up Party for Bacchus Club
October 12 & 13 – STOMP Festival
- October 12 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Kenny & Joel, 2 - 5 pm
- October 13 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Jayme Salvati, 2 - 5 pm
October 19 – Howl-O-Wine – Wags for Hope Fundraiser
                    Live Music at the Tasting Room, Denny Grizzle, 2 - 5 pm
October 20 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Shane Gamble, 2 - 5 pm
October 26 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Radio Caroline, 2 - 5 pm
October 27 – Live Music at the Tasting Room, Damion Wolfe, 2 - 5 pm
November 28 – CLOSED Thanksgiving Day
November 29 – Black Friday Sale – All wine on sale
December 7 – Pet Photos with Santa Paws
December 24 – Closing at 3 pm
December 25 – CLOSED Christmas Day
Jan 1, 2014 – CLOSED New Year's Day
*indicates off-site event

Serve SMV Wines at Your Event
When you are planning your next event, SMV’s award-winning wines are a perfect complement to the festivities. Whether a business, community or personal occasion, our selection of wines will suit the taste of your guests. Recently, SMV wines have been served at wine dinners at the Kennedy Center, the Knights of Malta event at the Mayflower Hotel, the Chesapeake Dinner at the Cosmos Club, and many other galas, weddings, anniversaries, holiday parties, country club events, and private dinner parties. For details please contact carolyn@smvwinery.com or anne@smvwinery.com.

Group Visits, Private Parties, Events and Meetings at SMV
Consider hosting your next private party, family gathering, or business meeting at SMV. We have facilitated many such events for individuals and groups, banks and corporations, Chambers of Commerce, commercial and private businesses, associations and charitable organizations. Private Event fees include wine tastings and a tour of the winery. Download our Private Events scheduling and fee information by clicking here.

Due to the volume of customer patronage during certain business hours, events must be scheduled. GROUPS PLEASE CALL AHEAD: we require two weeks advance reservation for large parties, with a 25 guest minimum. Groups of less than 25 guests can be scheduled on certain days and times.

Due to limited indoor seating, WALK-IN SERVICE FOR GROUPS IS LIMITED to parties of no more than four persons inside the Tasting Room during regular business hours. Walk-in groups of more than four persons are required to use outdoor tables only on a first-come, first serve basis; weather dependant. If inclement weather, we cannot facilitate large walk-in groups in the Tasting Room.

As with all our vineyard guests, private party attendees must follow our Vineyard policies.

Catering of your choice is permitted. SMV's recommended caterer is Savory Gourmet, which offers a variety of fresh and delicious creations for your event. For additional information, recommendations, or to arrange your event, contact Susan Reed at susan@smvwinery.com or 301.605.0130.

From the Vineyard & Winery

We finished pruning just in time for the buds to appear on the vines in mid April. Our new approach of pruning the late ripeners first seems to be paying off in that those vines are also budding. Next we will remove the trunk buds and position the trellis wires. The 2013 season is going well.

In the winery, we have just finished painting the fermentation room floor. Winemaker Manolo is blending the 2012 Evoe, Cabernet Franc and Comus. The Cabernet Franc and Comus will be bottled in mid-July.

Around Town

Volunteers
Volunteer opportunities will be available at both on-site and off-site festivals. See our full calendar of festivals and events above. Volunteer for a three hour shift and you will receive free admission and a bottle of wine and a complimentary wine glass. For the most part, SMV volunteers pour samples of SMV wine. Training is required. To volunteer, contact kristin@smvwinery.com.