2:00pm on a Sunday is that special time when most people finally find their way to relaxation after a long work week. A quiet hour when the week’s demands fade, and we can finally pause, unwind, and simply be, if only for a little while. Fortunately, as fate would have it there’s no better place to savor that peace than amid the rolling vines of Two Lions Vineyard.

Bri and I were lucky enough to be invited to the “Wine in the Vines” event that took place at the Vineyard. Driving to Two Lions is about an hour for us as we live just north of Baltimore. The drive is easy. Picture yourself turning off the main road onto a quiet stretch of winding country lane, where the buzz of daily life fades into the soft hum of nature. As you drive closer, a few rolling hills appear before you and the entrance to Two Lions Vineyards starts to emerge. It feels inviting, framed by neatly manicured vines and a sense of both utility and calm that settles in with every passing moment.

We parked the car and walked up the hill to the tasting room where we were promptly greeted by multiple staff. Even one of the owners, Brad came to say hello and shake our hands. The tasting room is big, bright and beautiful. The walls are white and punctuated by oak framing. A long brick bar at the helm, surrounded by some tables of varying sizes is the focal point. After a few short moments the announcement was made that everything was ready, and just like that we were off to the Vertical in the Vines event!

When we stepped into one of the larger vineyard blocks the first thing that hit us was the ambiance. Rows of Chardonnay vines surround you, their green leaves catching the light as a slight breeze drifts through. The grass, slightly dampened by rain from the night before. In a clearing between the vines, tall standing tables were elegantly arranged, each draped with crisp black linens and set with glassware that sparkled under the sun. A flight of four Chardonnays awaits at every table along with a plate of four perfectly paired seafood bites. The pale hues from the wine match the color of the grapes that hang below the vines creating a tangible farm to table experience all while truly reflecting the landscape around you. Standing in the middle of it all was Callie the Co-owner and wine maker.

Before we got started with the pairings, Callie gave a master class on the winery, the vineyard and what exactly goes into making the wines we were about to try. We were able to try grapes right off the vine while talking about pH and tannin. We then went in to why malolactic fermentation has the effect it does on Chardonnay. We even covered topics such as smoke taint, brix, soils and much more that I won’t be able to cover in just one article. It became more and more evident just how much work and passion goes into each of these wines. Nothing is called in, and nothing but their best is acceptable. At one point Brad chimed in and said, “We would much rather dump wine down the drain than try to put lipstick on a pig.”- That sold me, I love this place.

It turns out Two Lions is a family-owned winery born from Brad and Callie’s shared love of wine. Both continue to be business professionals with a background in Biochemistry who basically turned toward their passion of wine and ran with it. What began in 2019 with 2,300 hand-planted vines has grown into 11.5 acres of Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc, Barbara, Cabernet Sauvignon- among other varietals.

Next, we began the tasting. We had the 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 Vitner’s Reserve chardonnays. The 2021 Chardonnay, the first ever produced by the vineyard and the last of the bottles remaining in the cellar, was celebrated for its creamy, buttery notes perfectly paired with a seared scallop. Crafted using malolactic fermentation, it showcased flavors of vanilla, almond, lemon, and a balanced creaminess with medium acidity.

Moving forward, the 2022 vintage reflected a shift in style. There was no malolactic fermentation used, resulting in a wine with stronger oak influence but a well-balanced, profile. This wine was paired with a local Maryland lump crab cake (no filler) topped with lemon aioli, offering a pleasing blend of flavors

The 2023 Chardonnay emphasized a brighter expression of the grape. With notes of pineapple, white peach, almond, and tropical fruit, this vintage paired beautifully with ceviche featuring red snapper, local tomatoes, parsley, and avocado. Using old-world French techniques, Callie and Brad demonstrated their mastery and confidence in this style. I believe this was the fan favorite of the day.

The 2024 vintage continues this evolution, presenting the least amount of oak influence to date. Bright red apple, minerality, and medium-plus acidity created a fresh, lively wine that perfectly complemented a Sweet Baby Jesus Oyster, finished with red wine vinegar and onions. This combination showcased the versatility and precision of the vineyard’s approach to pairing.

At the conclusion of the tasting the group of 15 or so people were all gifted a bonus pour of the 2021 American Chardonnay to sip on while the group asked questions about the day and what is next for the vineyard.

Looking ahead, Two Lions Vineyards has ambitious plans to expand Chardonnay production by purchasing more land and carefully cultivating their vines. Future releases include a highly anticipated Albariño which was just harvested, and a new Bordeaux-style blend, Apex, created from the retiring Saintly Lion (another great wine blended with cab franc and merlot). The entire tasting experience was enhanced by Chef Jasmine’s culinary skill, meticulous glassware selection (Riedel) and every detail reinforcing one of the vineyard’s missions which is to do everything the hard, expensive, and correct way.

As the afternoon drew to a close, it was clear to all that visited that Two Lions Vineyards is about far more than just tasting exceptional wine. It’s an experience that engages all the senses.

From the rolling vineyards and sunlit Chardonnay blocks to the thoughtfully paired dishes and expert guidance from Brad, Callie, and Chef Jasmine, every detail reflected a dedication to quality and old-world tradition. Guests left not only with a deeper appreciation for the craft behind each bottle but also with a connection to the vineyard. The setting of this vineyard in Southern Maryland is truly worth the trip. At Two Lions, wine is more than a drink. It’s a story, a journey, and a celebration of quality.

-Special thanks to Callie, Brad and the Two Lions Staff

Wine in the Vines: An Afternoon at Two Lions Vineyard

Maryland Albarino Tasting