Now on sale: Washington County wine

By ANDREW SCHOTZ
andrews@herald-mail.com

WASHINGTON COUNTY — After years of cultivation, Knob Hall wine has hit the market.

Dick and Mary Beth Seibert began planting grapes at their Clear Spring-area farm in 2007.

Last month, Knob Hall Winery unveiled its first four wines at a festival in Columbia, Md.

“It was like 30,000 of your closest friends,” Dick Seibert said.

He said the winery sold about 20 cases that day and poured around 50 cases more.

Shortly after, Knob Hall wine went on sale in shops around Washington County.

Dick Seibert said he and his wife have been pleasantly surprised; acceptance has been higher than anticipated.

In 2007, when the Seiberts set out to bring winemaking back to Washington County — a previous winery in the county had closed — they were cheered on by state Sen. Donald F. Munson, R-Washington.

Munson had long pushed for winemaking in the county, saying it’s a profitable use of the land, which helps preserve open space.

At the time, Joe Fiola, a specialist in grape growing and small fruit for the University of Maryland’s Cooperative Extension, said Washington County has some of the best areas in the state for making wine commercially.

Currently, Knob Hall Winery has 29 acres under production, according to a news release issued last month through the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau. At full production, the winery will use 60 acres for its grapes.

Seibert said Knob Hall has a Chambourcin, a French hybrid red that’s usually sweet, but Knob Hall’s version is dry.

“It’s a fuller body than merlot,” Seibert said. “It has a fruit taste.”

Knob Hall also has Vidal Blanc (white), dry rosé and semi-dry rosé.

Seibert said a Bordeaux blend, a merlot and a semi-dry blend are in tanks, and should be ready by the end of July.

Knob Hall Winery is working on the financing for a tasting room and an events room to cater wedding receptions, corporate dinners and other events.

The winery has two events planned for the coming months.

On July 11, it will host a concert featuring the local band Thique. Two others are likely in August.

Seibert said Knob Hall will hold “Winestock,” a larger concert, on Sept. 11. It will be a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness — Cumberland Valley.