By Kristine Hansen on December 7, 2018 on realtor.com
Here’s your opportunity to own and manage a winery in a region not nationally known for winemaking.
Elk Run Vineyards & Winery in Mount Airy, MD, is listed for $3 million with Simin Adham of Century 21 Redwood Realty. A new owner will inherit all the equipment and space to make wine—including 25 acres of planted vineyards—and, most important, a loyal fan base.
Live jazz on the weekends and yoga classes during the week provide a steady stream of customers, and Elk Run is a popular wedding destination as well. Picnic tables entice city dwellers to linger on the weekends. Dogs are always welcome on property, which is just 36 miles west of Baltimore.
The original structure on the property was built in 1756, and the current owners relaunched it as a winery 38 years ago, and built a tasting room.
“It’s really a quaint place,” says Adham. Included with the purchase is a four-bedroom, three-bath home.
While not as famous as California, Maryland does have three AVAs, or American Viticultural Areas, with around 80 wineries. Winemaking in the state dates to 1648, with the first commercial winery in 1945.
Grapes grown on the property are used to make cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, riesling, syrah, and pinot noir wines.
“It’s very well-known. Even people in Virginia know about Elk Run and its reputation,” says Adham.
The winery has snagged several gold medals, including 14 in the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association Wine Competition in 2012. Adham estimates there is enough inventory—which is included in the sale—to keep the business going for at least two more years.
“The husband and wife [owners] have really taken this to another level,” continues Adham. “They travel to [wine regions in] Italy and France and bring back ideas.” But now they’re ready to retire.
“The owners are willing to stick around and teach the next owner if that needs to happen,” she adds. “The new owner won’t be lost.” We’ll drink to that!