Though Mike Fiore's winemaking knowledge and skill have been honored by wine professionals throughout the U.S., it was his childhood in Italy that built his foundation of great vineyard and winemaking skills.

"My family has been growing grapes for centuries," says Mike, of his family's operations in Italy. Mike grew up in the industry and was Italy's youngest winemaker before he left for America.

When Mike arrived in 1963, he met his beautiful bride Rose and began working for BGE – but he always knew he'd plant vines and make wines. It was more than 20 years until Fiore Winery began production in 1986. The winery vineyard, located in Pylesville, is one of the state's best-known and respected wineries.

As Maryland's most award-winning winemaker, Mike recalls a major highlight when Robert Mondavi congratulated him for an award given to a Fiore wine that beat out other popular California wines, including those of Mondavi. "He walked right over and shook my hand," Mike says.

Fiore Winery is known for many of its wines, but it's the Chambourcin that gets the most attention. "Nobody makes Chambourcin like Mike Fiore," says Maryland Wineries Association director Kevin Atticks. It's big and bold, spicy, fruity and able to be paired with everything from pizza and pasta, to wild game to filet mignon."

"It's my pride and joy," says Mike of his Chambourcin.