News Release

As early Americans expanded their plantations, they sought to grow old world crops, especially grapes for wine. These early roots and Maryland's current vineyards will be the subject of two events hosted by Homewood House Museum, located on The Johns Hopkins University's Homewood campus, 3400 N. Charles St. in Baltimore.

Visit Homewood House on Wednesday, June 13, 2001, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and savor a selection of wines from Maryland's oldest commercial grower, Boordy Vineyards. The wine tasting will take place on the historic mansion's lawn and will be led by Susan Daniel. She will direct tastings of Seyval Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Vidal Blanc.

John Shields, author of Chesapeake Bay Cooking with John Shields, will demonstrate the creation of a regional appetizer that will complement the wine served. Hors d'oeuvres are provided by Gertrude's at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Guests going to dinner at Gertrude's following this event will receive a 20 percent discount. The cost for the evening is $15 for members, $18 for non-members.

On Saturday, June 16, from noon to 5 p.m., Kevin Atticks, author of Discovering Maryland Wineries, will lead a narrated bus tour to three Baltimore County vineyards. The tour starts at Boordy Vineyards, where participants will dine on a gourmet picnic lunch followed by a tour and wine tasting. Next, the bus will take guests to Woodhall Vineyards, where a wine maker will lead the tour and tasting. The day will conclude with a tour and tasting at the family- operated Basignani Winery.

The cost for the day is $60 for members, $65 for the public. The bus will leave from Evergreen House, 4545 N. Charles Street in Baltimore, where there is ample parking. Proceeds from these events benefit the museum. Reservations may be made by calling Karen Besson at 410-516-8639. Parking for the June 13 event is available at the University Baptist Church directly across North Charles Street from Homewood House Museum.