When Glenn told me we would visit Mazzaroth Vineyard on a recent Saturday afternoon, I was both excited and perplexed. 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. 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. Its 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
- Location: 8333 Myersville Rd, Middletown, MD 21769
- Web: www.mazzarothvineyard.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/mazzarothvineyard
- Visit: Reservations are required (not a place you just roll up!). Note visits are on hold until April 2024.
- Events: You’ll find Mazzaroth at many local events and farmers markets
- Wine Club: The Mazzaroth Case Club kicks in as soon as you buy 12 bottles, then 10% discount applies
