ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Monday, May 27, 2024) – The Maryland Wineries Association is proud to announce that the 2023 Bubbly Blonde from Port of Leonardtown Winery has been awarded the coveted Comptroller’s Cup, claiming the best-in-show title at the 2024 Maryland Winemasters Choice competition. This prestigious event was hosted at Linganore Winecellars in Mt. Airy, MD.
The 2023 Bubbly Blonde from Port of Leonardtown Winery is a brut sparkling white wine with delicate floral aromatics and mouth-watering crisp citrus flavors. It is made from 90% Cayuga and 10% Chardonel grapes grown in three St. Mary’s County vineyards. The winery works closely with 25 Southern Maryland Wine Growers Cooperative vineyards.
In 2018, Port of Leonardtown Winery borrowed equipment from neighboring wineries to produce their first sparkling wine. Sales of this release proved growing demand for the style and the winery invested in the proper equipment to consistently produce white and rosé bubbly offerings.
“I have been passionate about sparkling wine for many years,” said Lauren Zimmerman, winemaker at Port of Leonardtown Winery. “With sparkling wines gaining popularity in the wine market, I was eager to prove it deserved a spot in our portfolio.”
This victory marks the winery’s third best-in-show award in five years and solidifies its reputation for excellence. In addition to earning top honors, Port of Leonardtown Winery was recognized as best-in-class in five of the competition’s ten judged categories.
Nearly 150 entries were evaluated in this year’s Winemasters Choice competition. Judges included esteemed winemakers, vintners, and wine industry professionals. The panel awarded nine wines with double gold and ten wines with gold medals. Silver and bronze medals were awarded to 111 more competition entries. According to judges, the caliber of submissions reflects the growing prestige of Maryland wines on the national stage.
Janna Howley, Executive Director of the Maryland Wineries Association, praised the remarkable quality of this year’s entries. “The 2024 competition was elevated by the exceptional wines submitted,” said Howley. “The industry’s dedication to quality is paying off, with Maryland wines exhibiting amazing quality comparable to those from other renowned Mid-Atlantic wine regions, including New York and Virginia.”
2024 Maryland Winemasters Choice Top Winners
- Best in Show & Controller’s Cup: Port of Leonardtown Winery, 2023 Bubbly Blonde
- Best Fortified/Dessert Wine: Corteau Vineyards, NV Corteau Porteau
- Best Fruit: Port of Leonardtown Winery, NV Crackin Mac
- Best Mead: Clear Skies Meadery, NV Fairs Vanity
- Best Red Blend: Linganore Winecellars, 2022 Bacioni
- Best Red Varietal: Port of Leonardtown Winery, 2021 Barbera Reserve
- Best Rosé: Port of Leonardtown Winery, 2023 Vintner’s Select Rosé
- Best Sparkling: Port of Leonardtown Winery, 2023 Bubbly Blonde
- Best Sweet/Dessert: Big Cork Vineyards, 2022 Siberian Ice
- Best White Blend: Port of Leonardtown Winery, 2022 Vintner’s Select White
- Best White Varietal: Big Cork Vineyards, 2023 Viognie
Double Gold Medal Awards
- Double Gold is awarded to each wine receiving unanimous gold medal decisions from the competition judges.
- 61 Vineyard, 2022 Merlot
- Big Cork Vineyards, 2023 Viognier
- Linganore Winecellars, 2022 Bacioni
- Linganore Winecellars, 2023 Lumine
- Port of Leonardtown Winery, 2021 Barbera Reserve
- Port of Leonardtown Winery, 2023 Vintner’s Select Rosé
- Port of Leonardtown Winery, 2023 Bubbly Blonde
- Port of Leonardtown Winery, 2022 Vintner’s Select White
- Simple Theory Wine Company, 2022 Barbera
Gold Medal Awards
- Big Cork Vineyards, 2023 Russian Kiss
- Big Cork Vineyards, 2022 Muscat Canelli
- Big Cork Vineyards, 2021 Malbec
- Boordy Vineyards, 2023 Albariño
- Crow Vineyard & Winery, NV Sparkling Vidal Blanc
- Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery, 2023 Vignoles
- Links Bridge Vineyards, 2022 Malbec
- Links Bridge Vineyards, 2022 Monocacy
- Loew Vineyards, 2022 Malbec
- Windridge Vineyards, 2019 Blanc de Blancs
For more information about the 2024 Maryland Winemasters Choice competition and a complete list of winners, please visit the Maryland Wineries Association website.
About the Southern Maryland Wine Growers Cooperative & Port of Leonardtown Winery
Southern Maryland Wine Growers Cooperative was formed in 2007 as the region transitioned from tobacco production to other agricultural pursuits. The potential for the emerging wine industry to positively affect agriculture and tourism in Southern Maryland was recognized and supported by the state of Maryland, the local government, and farmers. The SMWGC formed as the first agricultural cooperative in the state of Maryland leading the way for viticulture and future wineries.
The cooperative includes 12 vineyards from St Mary’s, Calvert, Charles, and Kent counties. Winemaker, Lauren Zimmerman, continues the tradition of high standards for award-winning wines. The selection of fine wines continues to grow as new selections are added to an outstanding list of wines. Since opening in 2010, the winery has won over 150 awards including multiple Best in Class awards & many international medals.
About Maryland Wineries Association
The Maryland Wineries Association, formed in 1984, is the non-profit trade association representing wineries in Maryland. The MWA consists of a board of winery owners – and over 80 members representing wineries and associate members from across the state. MWA’s mission is to develop and expand Maryland’s grape and wine industry – through education and promotion.
