Mazzaroth Vineyard

Wine with a sense of place

Notables by Anna El-Eini

Disappear into the countryside and enjoy some world-class local wine by visiting Mazzaroth Vineyard, outside of Middletown, Maryland. It’s a beautiful family-owned, small-scale production perched on a hillside, overlooking wide-open fields and mountains.

One of just a handful of vineyards and wineries in the Catoctin American Viticultural Area, co-owners Garry and Micki Cohen produce award-winning Tannat, Petit Verdot, Vidal Blanc, and a seasonal rotation of select varietals ready for drinking or to put down for aging.

They’ve earned a dedicated fan base who snap up their well-priced cases by placing a reservation sticky note with their name on the tanks of wine still in production. Despite the demand, Garry and Micki want to stay small. “We could double or triple our production, but we like it like this. We got into this work to be hands-on with every aspect of production, and get to know the people who love our wines.”

Bottles are available at select local stores, farmers’ markets, or at the vineyard.

Insider Tip: Reservations for their small tasting counter sell out quickly, but Garry loves sharing his wine with others, so ask nicely, and he’ll do his best to accommodate you.

Available at Bethesda Central Farmers’ Market and at Mazzaroth Vineyard, Middletown, Maryland, 301-639-0303

Anna El-Eini is a novelist and the former director of a network of NGOs, government officials, and citizens working together to protect and improve the urban and natural environment of DC, Maryland and Virginia.

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