Nicole Eifler - EpicBend https://epicbend.com Live Your Best Life in Bend Oregon and Frederick Maryland! Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:56:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.3 https://epicbend.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/241208-EpicTotal-Logo-1-150x150.png Nicole Eifler - EpicBend https://epicbend.com 32 32 The Unique and Utterly Delightful Visit to Mazzaroth Vineyard https://epicbend.com/mazzaroth-vineyard/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mazzaroth-vineyard https://epicbend.com/mazzaroth-vineyard/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:58:19 +0000 https://epicbend.com/?p=3831 A visit to Mazzaroth Vineyard in Middletown Maryland is nothing like your typical winery visit. And that's what makes it utterly delightful.

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I was both excited and perplexed when Glenn told me we would visit Mazzaroth Vineyard on a recent Saturday afternoon.  I was excited because, well, I love wine and exploring new Frederick area wineries. I was perplexed because I had never even heard of Mazzaroth. 

When we pulled up for our 3:30 appointment, if it hadn’t been for the vines covering the south-facing hillside of the property, we would have thought we were rolling up the driveway of someone’s rural home.  It was a beautiful property with one of the most spectacular views of any private house I’ve visited in MD.

This was the beginning of one of the most interesting and enjoyable winery experiences Glenn and I have ever had. 

A Local Winery That Redefines 'Local', plus Garry!

Exiting our car, Glenn and I exchanged a look as there was literally no one there but us.  No one.  No tasting room.  No food truck.  No one-man guitar band, no locals, no guests at all. 

But we were almost immediately greeted at our car by Mazzaroth’s owner, Garry Cohen, and his schnauzer, Leo.  Both welcomed us very enthusiastically.

After introducing himself and welcoming us to Mazzaroth, Garry led us across the patio and down into what looked to be the basement of his house.  Inside was the first evidence of actual winemaking – the whole room was lined with stainless tanks and other equipment. Garry grabbed a couple of glasses and poured us a taste of Vidal Blanc right from the tank. 

The Mazzaroth Vineyard Tour

This was the beginning of the most intimate winery tour possible.  Garry proceeded to walk us through the entire journey of his wine-making process.  He gave us tastes straight from the barrel.  He explained in detail how he made his different varietals, why some tasted the way they did, and why they tasted different in different years. 

It was fascinating to listen to Garry discuss his successful journey from amateur to successful boutique Maryland wine maker.

For example, he explained the current Mazzaroth Vineyard partnership with local Middletown favorite Fratelli’s (one of the best Italian restaurants near Frederick).  Mazzaroth provides Fratelli’s with their house white wine – a tasty blend of whites (including pinot gris) that Garry allowed us to try from the tank.  It was delicious! 

The following white, also straight from the tank, was Garry’s signature white wine – Vidal Blanc.  This was a fruity, bright wine that was both of our favorites.

We were quickly warming to the wine and to Garry, who obviously takes pride in his wines and in being true to his roots. 

The Mazzaroth Journey to Boutique Wine Making in Maryland

While we tasted, Garry told us how he and his wife searched for the perfect property for years to grow their grapes.  The current location was chosen primarily for its orientation on the hillside and access to sunlight for the vines.

Garry and Mazzaroth have improved their techniques and grown their wine business ever since.  Today, they not only grow their own grapes but also source grapes from Maryland’s Eastern shore and from as far away as California.  

The operation is small, but the wine is reflective of the care that goes into producing it.  The next and notable white we tried (again from the tank) was a Moscato.  This wine has a sweet, fruity nose and a crispy, dry mouth feel.  I’m no sommelier, but I’d score this one high.  This winemaker knows what he’s doing.

Hear More About Mazzaroth Vinyard

Listen to this podcast from Steeples and Peoples to hear more from Garry Cohen from Mazzaroth Vineyard

The Most Intimate and Personalized Wine Tasting Experience You Will Ever Get

So far we’d been tasting in Garry’s production area, straight from tanks.  But Garry eventually moved us to his formal tasting area, literally a tiny counter bar in his basement! 

If not for the multiple award-winning wines lined up on the back bar, this would have been no different than being in a friend’s downstairs bar

We quickly got into serious Mazzaroth wine tasting as Garry started us on some reds.  We tried a progressive flight of Tannats.  Tannat is an attractive red varietal that we had only previously tasted once in the central coast of California (Paso Robles).  We ended up purchasing several bottles of the Mazzaroth Tannat!

Garry continued to pour more reds. Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are definitely Mazzaroth winners.  We eventually also tried his dessert wine (a ruby-style Port wine), which we also bought. 

But it’s Garry’s detailed explanation of everything associated with the wine-making business that makes a visit to Mazzaroth Vineyard so enjoyable.  As we sipped, Garry explained everything from procuring the grapes, fermenting and blending, the design of the label, and even demonstrating to us how a bottle is labeled.

We emerged from the basement bar totally enamored with Mazzaroth, plus a case of purchased wines in hand and a membership to Mazzaroth’s wine club!  We plan to return per Garry’s invitation during a bottling session to participate and help out!  Or just when it’s warmer to sip some of those lovely whites on the patio.

Where You Can Find Mazzaroth Wine

As mentioned, you can taste Mazzaroth’s wines for yourself at Fratelli’s in Middletown. It’s also in several local wine shops, including Frederick Wine House.  The dessert wine is also on the menu at Up on Market in downtown Frederick.

You can also order it directly from the Mazzaroth Website. 

What Else You Need to Know About Mazzaroth Vineyard

Other Wineries to Visit in the Middletown, MD Area

A tall, slender bottle of Orchid Cellar wine stands on a wooden railing in front of a green lawn and scattered patio furniture, with trees and hills in the distance under a setting sun at Orchid Cellar Middletown MD.

A visit to Mazzaroth is worth an excursion in itself.  But if you want to make a day of visiting wineries in the area, here are a few more recommendations of wineries around Middletown, MD:

Check out our Wineries Around Frederick MD Guide for maps and more details.

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]]> https://epicbend.com/mazzaroth-vineyard/feed/ 0 The High Rock and Raven Rock Overlook Trail on the AT in Maryland https://epicbend.com/high-rock-lookout-trail-maryland/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=high-rock-lookout-trail-maryland https://epicbend.com/high-rock-lookout-trail-maryland/#respond Tue, 11 Jun 2024 11:55:13 +0000 https://epicbend.com/?p=5384 This High Rock Overlook Trail on the AT in Maryland includes a stop at Raven Rock Overlook on the way to the beautiful, graffiti covered viewpoint.

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The High Rock Lookout Trail can be combined with a stop at Raven Rocks Overlook to create one of the better hikes on the Appalachian Trail in Maryland.  This is a great weekend hike near Frederick that takes in the High Rock Overlook, one of better overlooks on the AT in Maryland. 

The High Rock Overlook and Raven Rock Lookout Trail

a Woman with a Ponytail Wearing a Black Sports Outfit and Cap Walks Alone on a Narrow Dirt Path Through a Lush Green Forestone of the Best Hikes Around Frederick Mdsurrounded by Ferns and Tall Trees on a Sunny Day

Memorial Day Excursion to Raven Rock and High Rock Overlook

The first time I did this hike, I was alone, and it was winter, so it was a long walk through a mostly brown tunnel. This made the High Rock lookout garishly spectacular, and the contrast made me interested in sharing it with the fam. But I’m getting way ahead of myself. 

This Memorial Day, we decided to go for a hike and a bite, in part because we had spent Sunday partaking in our family habit (how many times do you have to do something to change it from a habit to a tradition?) at the Orioles game, eating hotdogs and drinking beer. It was a gorgeous day for it.

I chose the High Rock Trail for the view because I figured it would be less crowded than the Annapolis Rock Trail on the holiday weekend. 

High Rock Lookout Trail Maryland

The High Rock Lookout Trail Basics

  • Trailhead Location:  Raven Rock Rd, around 5 minutes east of Smithsburg
  • Distance From Frederick:  ~29 miles, 40 minutes
  • Parking:  Roadside (free)
  • Total Distance:  6.25 miles, Out and Back
  • Duration:  ~3 Hours
  • Elevation Gain:  1,010 feet
  • Difficulty:  Moderate
  • Dog Friendly:  Yes

It’s about a 40-minute drive from Frederick, so it’s approximately 15 minutes further than the Annapolis Rock trailhead. Stay on 70 West to the Smithburg/Boonsboro exit. Go north through Cavetown/Smithsburg to Routte 491 (Raven Rock Rd). Park on the roadside near the AT crossing. 

If you hit Ritchie Road, you’ve gone too far. I’ve actually done this hike three times, and there has never been any issue with parking.

Screenshot

What to Expect on the High Rock Lookout Trail

Alltrails says it’s 9.94 km with 308m elevation (I’m Canadian, remember? That’s 6.25 mi with 1010’), and it’s out and back. The first half mile is pretty much straight up. There are steps, so it’s not super hard, and unlike the Annapolis Rock trail, there is no highway noise to accompany the sound of the birds and your labored breathing.

We saved the Raven Rock lookout for the way down – that was me. I like to climb out of the way while it’s still cool and my legs are fresh.  We saw several deer on the way up, and the mountain laurels were starting to add white pops to the forest’s spring green. 

The Raven Rock Shelter

At the top of the climb are signs for the Raven Rock AT Shelter (go left) and Spring (go right, but it’s pretty much all the way back down).  The shelter has many great tent sites, a big firepit area, a food locker, and a clean and well-maintained shelter. 

Staying on the trail, which is very clearly marked with the AT’s white blazes, we carried on as the trail took a gentle upslope through ferns and forest for about 2 more miles to the highest point on the out-and-back, and then it’s flat to the High Rock Overlook. 

The AT goes down and to the left, so stay high if you want to see the ugliest coat of spray paint you’ll see this summer.

The High Rock Overlook: Beautiful...(But the Graffiti!)

The High Rock Overlook is bizarre and the subject of much discussion between those who think it’s just a unique artistic expression and those who have called it the ugliest spot on the AT. 

a Person in a Black Tank Top Gray Shorts and a Cap Sits on a Colorful Graffiti covered Rockone of the Best Hikes Around Frederick Mdtaking in Sweeping Views of Farmland Fields Distant Hills and Lush Green Forest Under a Clear Sky

There is a set of stairs that used to lead to an observation tower. Now, they’re just there so you can have a picnic on a garishly painted rock (note:  it used to be a hang glide launch pad). The view is breathtaking—you can see past Hagerstown into the PA mountains to the north and west and south towards Shenandoah in Virginia.

There’s also a road up from Pen-Mar, so you can drive there if you’re just after a view and a weird paint job. But if you’re coming from Frederick, it’s probably quicker to hike.

We sat for pics and a snack on the rocks, sharing the view with about 20 other people who had either hiked or (mostly) driven up, and a couple of through hikers drying out their gear on the rocks, and then turned back down toward the truck.

Raven Rocks Overlook

We saved our summit beers for the Raven Rock Overlook, where the view is shorter but, in my opinion, better because it was just us and the trees looking southwest toward Smithsburg.  This is a lovely spot to catch a sunset, as it’s 10 minutes down to the road, so you can linger there and not get caught in the woods after dark.

More on The History of High Rock in Maryland

The High Rock Maryland area actually has a long and intricate history, starting in prehistoric times when geologic forces created the rocky overlook.  When the nearby Pen-Mar community at the bottom of the mountain became a tourist destination in the 1800’s, High Rock became its signature overlook.

The overlook even has a history with the sport of hang gliding, which was eliminated after 9/11.  Today, it is mostly known for its viewpoint and graffiti.

Suggested After Hike Refreshment Stop: Cushwa Brewing

After our hike, we drove 20 minutes to Williamsport to Cushwa Brewery to end the afternoon relaxing with cold beers and Rad Pies pizza.

It was 100% worth the drive and was a perfect way to wrap up our holiday weekend!

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