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GrapeView: Syrah
Syrah, also called Shiraz in New World growing regions, is a thick skinned, dark grape that produces a dry, dense wine. Origin unknown, the grape’s history is deep in the Rhône region of France. Some say the grape was brought to France from the city of Shiraz, in Iran. This was one of the worlds earliest wine producing regions, and the similar name may be a clue towards tracing the grape’s history.
Elk Run Vineyards and Black Ankle Vineyards are two Maryland wineries that grow Syrah. It is a reliable variety that is resistant to most pests and diseases. Syrah is known to have rot problems in other regions, but Ed Boyce from Black Ankle Vineyards has had three to four years of crops with no problems of rot. Fred Wilson from Elk Run first planted the grape in 2001 with no specific problems.
According to Boyce, Syrah is a vigorous variety that grows fast and produces bunches weighing up to a pound each. Read more.
Citizens Ask: Wine by Mail?
A serious effort to change Maryland's laws regarding wine shipping is underway in Annapolis. The legislature will hear two bills designed to allow a winery or retail store the ability to ship wine directly to a Maryland consumer. The first round of legislation will be heard by a Senate committee on Feb. 18 @ 1 p.m. Learn more.
Wine/Grape Annual Meeting
Feb 28 in Ellicott City
The meeting promises to offer educational sessions for new and experienced growers, new and experienced wine makers, and new and experienced winery owners.As always, the meeting will provide the opportunity to see friends, chat with fellow growers, wine makers, and winery owners, and taste some of Maryland’s great wines. The keynote session will focus on the relationships between the grower and wine maker. See the program and register online.
Visit MD Wine at the D.C. International Wine & Food Festival, Feb 14-15
Maryland wine will be promoted at the 10th Annual Washington D.C. International Food & Wine Festival being held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on February 14-15. Join our wineries at this premier event to taste some of the hundreds of wines from around the world that will be presented. Read more.
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Wine News
What's a Class W? If the legislation passes, it's a new license for Maryland wineries that clarifies the state's confusing and antiquated alcohol law.
Winery Wins Award. Linganore Winecellars and Berrywine Plantations has received Agricultural Business Award of the Year from the Frederick County Office of Economic Development's Business Advisory Council.
Another Reason to Drink Wine. Old Dominion University chemistry professor offers a new article outlining the health benefits of drinking wine, and why it should be included even when dieting.
Wine Trail in the News. The Frederick Wine Trail continues to showcase Maryland's wine industry.
Wine down the Food Aisles? Although liquor stores are lobbying against the proposed bill, New York State may soon allow the sale of wine in grocery stores, to follow the trend of 34 other states.
Consumer Choice. Wine advocates are once again pressing for new laws to ship wine to Maryland homes. And this time, they are offering to uncork new revenue for state coffers thirsting for cash. |
Laws & Regulations
Did you know Maryland's wine laws are some of the most antiquated
in the country? Read
about some of the restrictions.
Festivals
& Events
Our wineries offer a variety of special events—from
barrel tastings to concerts, wineries host events each weekend.
See the full
list of upcoming events.
Wine in the Woods [details]
May 16-17, 2009
12 - 6pm
Symphony Woods
Columbia, Howard County
Chesapeake Bay Wine Festival [details]
May 30-31, 2009
12 - 6pm
Stevensville, Queen Anne's County
See all 2009 festival dates!
Learn More
There's so much more to learn about wine on our site!
• Food & wine pairings
• Guide to MD
grapes
• Know your limits
• History
of MD wine
• Profiles
of MD winemakers
• Wine industry statistics
• Read or submit FAQs
• MD wines winning
awards
There's
so much more information available on www.MarylandWine.com.
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February 2009 