Open: Year-round
About Us:
Taking over 600 International, National and Regional awards has made Elk run not only one of the top 100 winery's on the east coast but the most acclaimed winery in Maryland. In 2012 Elk Run 10 Gold medals and 4 Gold best of Class in the Mid Atlantic Seaboard. The first winery to have ever done so in the history of that competition.
Elk Run Vineyards is nestled in the rolling hills of Frederick County surrounded by dairy and horse farms, fields of wheat and corn. The name "Elk Run" was chosen for a stream. The deed name to the property is the "Resurvey of Cold Friday." It was a land grant from the King of England to Lord Baltimore. The winemaker's home is circa 1756. Since 1983 Fred and Carol Wilson and Neill Bassford, family and friends, have made Elk Run a shining star among American wine producers.
For the past 5 years Julian Wilson has taken on greater responsibility for field management, wine making as well as the most knowledgeable in new marking technology. Lauren Wilson, Julian's wife, a former Technical Director for WHAG in Hagerstown, has taken on marketing & event work for the winery.
Using new world research and technology while maintaining the traditions and values of old world practices, Elk Run's focus is on producing high quality wine from high quality grapes. Practicing sustainable agriculture, on 25 acres, dense planted and controlled crop is heightened by the soils of schist and shale which allow for deep roots and good drainage. Eight hundred foot elevations help keep the vineyard safe from frost danger. Warm days and cool nights preserve the fruity character in the wines.
Practicing sustainable agriculture, close spacing with great attention to crop levels allow the wine maker to create wines of varietal character, structure, balance and good color.
