Port Of Leonardtown Winery 2019 Chambourcin Reserve Named Best Maryland Wine At 2021 Maryland Governor’s Cup

Photos by Stephen Elliason, shared by the Port of Leonardtown Winery

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Boasting a deep crimson color, bold red berry flavor, and spicy aromas, the 2019 Chambourcin Reserve from Port of Leonardtown Winery earned the 2021 Maryland Governor’s Cup. After residing for 18 months in French and American Oak barrels, this award-winning wine stunned judges in early September and was awarded as the best in class for Maryland red wines prior to taking the competition’s top award.

“We are especially proud to win top honors for our Chambourcin Reserve, made from grapes grown in our Southern Maryland vineyards,” said Lauren Zimmerman, the winemaker for the Port of Leonardtown Winery.

The Maryland Governor’s Cup Competition judges wines that are produced in Maryland and made with grapes or other fruit grown exclusively within the state. The timing of the competition takes place as wineries and vineyards throughout the state harvest the current year’s vintage. Local terroir and climate in the vineyard play an enormous role in shaping the flavor and quality of the future wine.

“The fall season of 2019 was particularly dry and sunny, which helped concentrate the sugars and flavors in the grapes, resulting in a complex, refined wine, with a silky smooth finish,” said Zimmerman.

Big Cork Vineyards Wins Jack Aellen Cup

The Governor’s Cup Competition also awards the Jack Aellen Cup, recognizing the state’s best fruit wine. Rohrersville’s Big Cork Vineyards earned this year’s acclaim for their Black Cap Port, made from locally grown black raspberries.

“This beautiful port-style wine highlights the region’s heritage as a major producer of black raspberries,” says Kevin Atticks, Executive Director of the Maryland Wineries Association.

The Jack Aellen Cup is the second major cup won by Big Cork Vineyard in 2021. Earlier this year, the winery was awarded the Comptroller’s Cup for their 2019 Viognier.

The Port of Leonardtown Winery 2019 Chambourcin Reserve and the Big Cork Vineyards Black Cap Port are currently available for purchase. To learn more about these great wines, visit the winery websites or plan a trip to their tasting rooms. For more information about Maryland’s growing wine industry, or to locate a winery near you, visit the Maryland Wineries Association website at marylandwine.com or download the Maryland Craft Beverages App on Android and iOS.