Big Cork Vineyards
BIG Cork Vineyards is Maryland’s most awarded winery, located just west of Frederick in the shadow of the historic South Mountain range. Our 100+ acre family-owned estate has 44 acres under vine, planted to Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Malbec, Vidal and almost a dozen others. Our wines are 100% estate-grown & come in a variety of both bone dry & sweeter styles, sparkling wines, ports, rose… something for all tastes. We feature a gourmet winery market that offers delicious snacks, fresh focaccia-style pizzas and a wide-variety of other fare. We are open Thursday – Mondays 11 am – 5 pm. The winery features two large, heated, glass-enclosed & roofed terraces with 360 degree vineyard views. BIG Wines. BIG Fun. BIG Cork!
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
