Woodhall named winery of Poe celebration

The headline news this month out of Woodhall Wine Cellars in Parkton, Md., is that it has been designated as the official winery of Edgar Allan Poe’s Bicentennial Celebration in Baltimore. Poe features wine in two of his tales, The Cask of Amontillado and Bon-Bon. In “The Cask,” Montressor uses Amontillado, a high quality style of Sherry to entice Fortunator to his just desserts and in “Bob-Bon,” Pierre Bon-Bon, consumes nearly six bottle of wine during his conversations with the devil.

On March 28, at Westminster Hall in Baltimore, the burial grounds of E.A.Poe, Woodhall poured wine for a Poe celebration entitled “The Cask of Amontillado Wine Tasting.” At that celebration, Woodhall gave commentary on the wines of Poe and poured samples of Woodhall’s equivalents to those wines, even to blending for folks on the spot a Medoc-style wine (predominantly Merlot blended with a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon). The event was a real success.

For more on Poe’s bicentennial, visit www.poebicentennial.com.

Beginning this weekend, Woodhall will feature two separate and different special tasting experiences:

1. Vintners Reserve Wine Tasting: Winemaker Chris Kent has selected seven of our finest wines (all black labels) for an exclusive comparative tasting experience. Three of these wines will be tasted against barrel samples of the same wine. Participants will be able learn the difference between various wine varieties and different vintages, as well as have an opportunity to sample the “Best of Woodhall.” The tasting will be conducted by one of the staff well versed and involved in the winemaking process. Tasting Fee: $15
2. Comparative Barrel Tasting Tour: Participants have an opportunity to compare five current vintage wines to the 2008 barreled wine of the same variety under the guidance of a staff member knowledgeable and involved in the winemaking process. Tasting Fee: $10

Woodhall is offering an extra 5 percent case price discount to participants who purchase wine at these tastings.

Finally, among the variety of events that Woodhall holds is its annual International Sausages Sampling from noon to 3 p.m. on April 18-19. The cost is $15 /person. A potpourri of sausages from around the world and chewy bread from Stone Mill bakery will be served up in the tasting room. Always a popular event, Patricia Della searches out the most elegant of sausages for your enjoyment. If interested, RSVP Debbie by e-mail(thewoodhallgang@comcast.net), (woodhallwinecellars@comcast.net) or phone (410.971.5187).