Baltimore, MD (October 1, 2024) – The 2024 Maryland Governor’s Cup Wine Competition celebrated its 33rd year with an impressive record number of entries, with 181 submissions judged by an esteemed panel of 19 world-class sommeliers and wine experts at The Grand Baltimore on September 8, 2024. This year’s competition showcased the rising quality and diversity of Maryland’s wine industry, culminating in a Best in Show victory for Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards with their 2022 Bliss, a white wine reflective of the state’s unique terroir and exceptional craftsmanship.
Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards, a historic establishment founded in 1955, planted its first grapes in 2014 and officially opened as a winery in 2017. Since then, it has steadily gained recognition, with this significant win marking a pinnacle in Maryland wine achievements. The Bliss captures the essence of local viticulture and stands testament to the winery’s dedication to quality and innovation.
“We are thrilled and honored to have been chosen as the winner of the 2024 Maryland Governor’s Cup Wine Competition with our Bliss, which is produced from our estate-grown Vidal Blanc grapes”, said Susan Watson White, owner/operator of Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards. “Farming since 1955, including tobacco, hogs, nursery and agritourism, we diversified the farm once again in 2014 when we planted our vineyard and opened up our winery in 2017. Our five generation family has been working hard in creating our newest agricultural endeavor, as we grow our own grapes and make the wine right here on the farm. We are proud of my husband and winemaker, Bob White, who has had a passion for wine making since his teens. It’s definitely a team effort because great wine is made from great grapes and that starts in the vineyard with our amazing crew. We feel so blessed to be recognized for this accomplishment and to share our wines that are handcrafted from grapes to glass!”
Alongside Bliss’s Governor’s Cup Award, Far Eastern Shore Winery’s NV Bramble received the Jack Aellen Cup Award, another accolade for its brilliance in fruit-based, fortified wine. The competition awarded numerous medals across four categories, revealing the depth of Maryland’s wine offerings. The Jack Aellen Cup specifically highlights the top-scoring fruit wine, cider or mead. The cup is named after Linganore Winecellars founder, Jack Aellen, who pioneered wines made from fruit and honey in Maryland. The “Jack Aellen Cup” is presented annually alongside the Governor’s Cup.
“The 2024 competition reiterated, once again, the diversity and high-quality of the wines being made in Maryland, from Maryland-grown ingredients,” said Janna Howley, Executive Director, Maryland Wineries Association. “From brand new wineries to legacy wineries with decades of experience under their belts, we continue to produce wines that hold their own against any other winemaking region.”
2024 Governor’s Cup Medal Highlights:
Best In Show:
- Governor’s Cup Award: Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards – 2022 Bliss
- Jack Aellen Cup Award: Far Eastern Shore Winery – NV Bramble
Best In Class:
- Sparkling: Big Cork Vineyards – NV Chenin Blanc Brut
- White Blend: The Urban Winery of Silver Spring – 2023 Silver Spring White
- White Varietal: Big Cork Vineyards – 2023 Muscat Canelli
- Blush/Rosé: Big Cork Vineyards – 2023 Syrah Rosé
- Red Blend: Cabin Vineyard – NV Red Blend
- Red Varietal: Boordy Vineyards – 2020 Cabernet Franc Dry Bench Reserve
- Sweet/Dessert: Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards – 2022 Bliss
- Fortified: Far Eastern Shore Winery – NV Bramble
Double Gold Winners included outstanding entries from Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards, Big Cork Vineyards, and Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, among others, demonstrating a range of styles from sparkling rosés to intense red blends.
Gold and Silver Medals were awarded to numerous wineries, each showcasing the vibrant and dynamic wine landscape of Maryland. The competition emphasized both long-time leaders and emerging wineries contributing to the state’s reputation for quality wine production.
Through the commitment of these distinguished wineries, Maryland continues to reinforce its place on the map of esteemed wine-producing regions. The Governor’s Cup is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of local heritage, innovation, and the exceptional dedication of Maryland’s wine artisans.
The announcement of the Governor’s Cup Awards comes just in time as the Maryland Wine Association joins the National “Come Over October” Campaign. Created by wine journalist Karen MacNeil—and public relations and communications veterans Gino Colangelo and Kimberly Noelle Charles DipWSET—Come Over October (a campaign under the trio’s mission-driven company, Come Together— A Community for Wine Inc.) encourages friends, family, and colleagues to “come over” during the month of October. Focusing on sharing wine, celebrating friendship and in-person connection.
On the heels of Come Over October, The Maryland Wine Association will be offering a Governor’s Cup Case for sale. Featuring the competition’s highest awarded wines, the Governor’s Cup Case will be for sale in October and November and invites wine lovers to bring the best of this year’s Maryland Wines home with them, to share with family and friends for the holiday season. More information on how to purchase the case will be available via https://marylandwine.com/ and the Maryland Wine social media channels.
About the Maryland Wineries Association
Maryland Wineries Association, a non-profit, member based, trade association, represents more than 80 wineries across the state. MWA’s mission is to cultivate a sustainable wine-growing community by expanding agricultural products and by increasing awareness through special events, industry education, advocacy, promotions, and tourism. MWA is represented by the management group, Cultivate + Craft. For more information, please visit www.marylandwine.com.
