Old Westminster Winery

History and Founding

Siblings Ashli, Drew, and Lisa Baker launched Old Westminster Winery in 2010 to preserve their family farm in Carroll County, Maryland. Starting with plantings of Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Albariño in the Home Vineyard at 800 feet elevation on channery loam soils over greenstone schist, they expanded by sourcing from neighboring sites to capture the region's diverse terroir. Their pragmatic, mostly organic farming emphasizes cover crops, beneficial insects, and minimal interventions suited to Maryland's climate.

Winemaking Philosophy

Winemaker Lisa Hinton hand-picks and sorts grapes, using gravity flow, indigenous yeasts, and no fining or filtration to let vineyard and vintage shine through. Innovations include carbonic maceration, skin-contact whites, pét-nats, piquette blends, and canned natural wines—pioneering expressions that elevate Maryland on the global map. Drew oversees vineyards with rotated sprays and biodynamic trials for resilient vines needing fewer inputs.

Dining Experience

Chef Tae Strain, with Michelin-starred experience from New York, San Francisco, and D.C., crafts a menu of wood-fired pizzas, seasonal small plates, and garden snacks using local ingredients. Paired with expressive dry wines, meals celebrate Maryland's agriculture in intimate settings. Reservations secure private greenhouses in winter or shaded cabanas in summer, with table service ensuring personalized hospitality.

Visiting the Farm

Nestled in scenic countryside, the winery operates Thursday evenings and weekends, requiring advance bookings via Tock—no walk-ins or bar tastings. Spaces are ADA compliant, family-friendly in greenhouses, adult-only on the porch. Well-behaved dogs welcome outdoors; no outside food, cashless payments only. Private events feature curated packages in gathering spaces.

Sustainable Practices

Committed to land stewardship, Old Westminster minimizes winery additions, sources locally, and fosters community through jobs and events. Year-round appeal draws visitors for genuine joy amid beautiful vibes, blending wine, food, and nature seamlessly.