The wine is fine in Southern Maryland and among fall festivals are events worthy of Southern Maryland’s autumnal beauty

Riverside WineFest at Sotterley
Hollywood, MD – The 13th Annual Riverside WineFest at Sotterley will fill the historic grounds Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 – 4 from noon-6 p.m. both days.

“We have 18 wineries signed up for this year’s event, and almost 20 artisans,” said Anna Harrison, marketing director for Historic Sotterley Plantation.

This event is all good things rolled into one weekend for the historic site: wine, live music, demonstrations both educational and entertaining, artists selling their creations, food, and mini tours of the 1703 plantation house and the Colonial Revival Garden tours are free.

HydraFax, The John Luskey Band, The Piranhas and Come Back Iris will be performing for the two-day festivities.

“We generally see about 5,000 people over the two days,” Harrison explained. “The majority come from St. Mary’s County, but we have folks who come from all over Southern Maryland.”

Sotterley’s web site sets strict parameters for the two-day festival: Purchasers of tasting and designated driver/non-drinker ticket(s) must be 21 or older; the historical site is not wheelchair friendly and the Plantation House is not handicap accessible—no wheelchairs, walkers or strollers are allowed on tours of the Plantation House; the event will take place rain or shine; and no pets are allowed.

No admittance without a valid ID.

For more information, visit www.sotterley.org or call 301-373-2280 or 800-681-0850.

Port of Leonardtown’s First Friday announces gold award winner

Port of Leonardtown Winery’s new release, McIntosh Run, was just announced as a 2015 Governor’s Cup Gold Award winner, named best fruit wine at one of the most prestigious wine competitions in Maryland.

To celebrate, the winery is hosting its McIntosh Run Release Party Friday, Sept. 4 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Featuring entertainment by the Swing Away Jazz Duo.

The Southern Maryland Wine Growers Cooperative was formed in 2007 as the region began to transition away from tobacco production to other agricultural pursuits and is one of only of two cooperative wineries in the United States.

Port of Leonardtown Winery is located at 23190 Newtowne Neck Road, Leonardtown. Call 301-690-2192 or go to www.polwinery.com.

Harvest Celebration Weekend Sept. 5 – 6

Come to the harvest at Perigeaux Vineyards & Winery, 8650 Mackall Road, St. Leonard, will host its Harvest Celebration Weekend Sept. 5 – 6 from noon-6 p.m.

The owners are celebrating their zinfandel harvest, grapes it took them years to acclimate ro rhe Southern Maryland climate. 

The special harvest event features live music both Saturday and Sunday. The $25 fee includes packed lunch, glass of wine, live music and games.

The Calvert vineyard will also be hosting their Harvest Bon-fire, Saturday, Sept. 12 featuring Smores and wine with live music by Fair Warning.

The event is from 6-10 p.m. and is $10 a person.

For more information call 410-586-2710 or go to www.perigeaux.com.

Annual Open House Harvest at Friday’s Creek

Friday’s Creek Winery at 3485 Chaneyville Road, Owings,will host its annual Open House Harvest event Saturday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

The event is open to the public and will feature music and food.

Call 410-286-9463 or go to wwwfridayscreek.com.

44th annual St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival

For oyster lovers, the festival approaches that tops all others, the 44th annual St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17 – 18 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m .- 6 p.m. Sunday.

The St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds on Route 5 just south of Leonardtown will host the waterman’s harvest, oysters served up raw, scalded, grilled, on bread, on the half shell, stewed, cooked in savory sauces, salads—just about every way imaginable.

Admission is $5 for adults, no charge for children 12 and under and plenty of free parking.

Food is pay as you eat.

Two of the main events are always well-attended, not the least of which includes the National Shucking Contest and the Oyster Cook-Off, where the bivalve is fostered and cuddled in creative recipes for prize money.

Festival events proceed rain or shine. Proceeds from the Oyster Festival, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lexington Park, go to local charities.

For more information call 301-863-5015 or go to usoysterfest.com

Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com