New Market Plains Vineyard, A Fresh New Face to Maryland’s Wine Scene

Always on the hunt for good wine, I heard rumors about a new vineyard opening near Mt. Airy, MD.  I headed west to confirm the rumors.   Stopping at Serpent Ridge Vineyard and Black Ankle Vineyard during my quest, I asked the tasting room staff if they knew about this new place.  Some heard the same rumor but did not know the name of the new winery in Frederick, MD .  Finally, I found one person who had a name…New Market Plains. But, she was not quite sure of its location.  Armed with Google Maps, I was confident I could find it. Minutes away from Mt. Airy, New Market Plains Vineyard is located in New Market, MD.  The entrance is not obvious. The Vineyard shares the same road with Adventure Park USA.  The road appears to dead ends, but it is actually the beginning of its driveway.  Success, the rumors are true!  (Hint: If you are using GPS, you should enter Monrovia, MD instead.  The GPS may not locate the Vineyard if you use New Market, MD.) When you enter the property, modern day noises are blocked out and you are taken back in time. The farm dates back to the 1700s and many of the original buildings remain intact.  You forget New Market Plains is nettled between a major highway and a business park. You are warmly greeted by Sue Wilson and invites you to enter their modest tasting room.  She, along with her husband Howard Wilson, is the co-proprietor and co-winemaker.  New Market Plains's wines are all estate wines. Its first vintage was harvested in 2014 and bottled in April 2015.  The first release included Chardonnay, Rich Forest Chardonnay and Rosé.  Both Chardonnays are from the same vineyard. The Rich Forest Chardonnay was aged in oak and the other in steel.  The Rich Forest has a very distinct character and is appealing to the palate.  The wines are sophisticated and well-balance considering this is New Markets first vintage.  The Rosé is a blend of reds.  Its color is strikingly bold. I expected the nose to be fruity, but it was floral. The taste was reminiscent of a French Syrah Rosé.  It is perfect to drink year-round. There wines are reasonably priced. ($25.00) Sue and Howard proudly display the vineyard’s 2015 Governor’s Cup Silver Medal.  An impressive feat for new winery. During my visit, Sue offered to give me a tour of the property.  I gladly accepted.  Along the tour, Howard and Sue shared with me the history of the property.  The property has been in Sue’s family for 10 generations.  We toured their processing facility where they are aging their red wines.  Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah are aging.  Looking forward to trying the reds. It was a great adventure.  Thrilled to try new Maryland wines. New Market Plains is a welcomed addition to Maryland’s wine community and a new winery in Frederick, MD.  I encourage you to visit. New Market Plains is opened Friday through Sunday or by appointment.