At Sugarloaf, there's a new patio to peruse

Though not intentionally in the promotions business, the e-letter from Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard in Montgomery County, Md., contained some information that's worth getting out there, minus a bit of the fluff.

New patio and perennial garden Open: Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard has expanded! Our new 1,200 foot flagstone patio is now open. Flanked by a perennial garden and sitting wall, it is the perfect place to sit in the shade and enjoy a glass of wine and the cool mountain breezes. Our new tasting room is in final stages of construction and and is targeted to open in October.

Our summer hours are extended: SMV has extended its summer hours through August, staying open until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. We will be scheduling live music and other amenities on these evenings, so make sure and check the calendar on www.smvwinery.com/news.htm and watch for additional email announcements. Hours on other weekdays remain the same: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, noon until 6 p.m.

New SMV Wines released: Six new wines have now been released and are available at the vineyard: Our first vintages from the 2007 harvest, the 2007 Pinot Grigio, and 2007 Circe, a new offering we’ve named Stomp! from our fall 2007 Grape Stomp event, and our 2006 vintages of Chardonnay and Merlot. These wines were bottled at the end of May, along with our 16-month barrel aged 2006 Maryland Chardonnay Reserve and 15-month barrel aged 2006 Maryland Comus Reserve. These two Reserves will not be available until October.

Volunteer for the Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard festival team: Come join us for festival season! We are smart, attractive and fun to work with. Our volunteers enjoy free admission to the festivals, a complimentary bottle of Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard wine and a great time. For the most part, volunteers pour wine samples. Training is provided. If you are interested in joining the SMV team for three or more hours at any of the upcoming festivals, contact Kathy O'Donoghue at ksodonoghue@aol.com or 301.365.5044 or call Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard at 301.605.0130.

SMV's off-site retail program expands: Sugarloaf Mountain wine is now available in over 80 locations in six Maryland counties and the District of Columbia. Recently we’ve come to Annapolis at Bay Ridge, Bellas, and Pinky's in Charles County; Grape Expectations in Gaithersburg, and Nick's of Calvert in Prince Frederick Co., and Nick's of Clinton in Waldorf. For a complete listing of all our locations, go to our website at www.smvwinery.com/purchase.htm.

Live Music at Sugarloaf: Saturday, Aug. 2, 2 to 5 p.m., Shane Gamble, a talented contemporary acoustical guitarist, will perform on the SMV Patio. For a preview of Shane's music, visit www.myspace.com/shanegamble. Free.