Maryland wine finds its footing

Kimberly T Johnson and Denise Matthews of Philosophy winery in Baltimore

Wine guru Robert Parker's home state is now a serious wine producer. Above, Kimberly T Johnson (left) and Denise Matthews with their Philosophy wines in Baltimore's Fells Point.

From inside the barn we can see Syrah vines planted up the hillside. Adam Fizyta is telling me how his parents started a vineyard and winery in Maryland. He’s the only one of their children to join the family venture but he’s determined. He’s part of multiple tasting groups, hooked into the restaurant scene in nearby Washington DC, and he’s helping hone the wines at Catoctin Breeze to reflect a fresher, food-friendly...