Indian Summer warmed the 11th Annual Riverside WineFest at Sotterley Plantation in Hollywood on Saturday, drawing a large crowd to sample the fruits of the labors of Maryland’s vintners. The festival every year highlights the fact that Southern Maryland has become a hotbed of winemaking activity. Many of the almost two dozen wineries offering samples were local, displaying proudly alongside Maryland’s heritage operations such as Boordy.
Of course the Riverside WineFest is about more than wines. It’s about just soaking in the history and culture of the National Historic Landmark that is Sotterley Plantation. Tours of the plantation house and the slave cabin were available.
And then there was a new feature this year: exhibits and demonstrations at the Buy Local Café including samples from local restaurants.
Music is always a big feature of the festival. This year American Idol Season 11 finalist Elise Testone entertained with a blend of contemporary and blues music, her own as well as classic favorites. Others performing on the first day were Windfall and Groovespan. On the schedule for Sunday are Pax Rats and Hydrafx.
A number of vendors offered the right mix of food to go with the wine. This year Ruddy Duck was available for those who just couldn’t resist a brew on a warm day.
The wineries present this year are:
·
–>
