Cooking With Mary and Friends: Costa Ventosa Winery in Whaleyville, Maryland with owners Kathryn and Jack Lord

Tucked away in a rural region on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and situated on only 3 1/2 acres, lies the Costa Ventosa Winery in Whaleyville, Maryland. Planted in 2006 and opened in 2010, Kathryn and Jack Lord have taken what was just some land, and turned it into this lovely little winery. Recently, on a trip to see our daughters, we were treated to a Wine and Cheese Afternoon at the winery,where they volunteer for, and help with, the bottling season. We were presented a lovely tasting of their delightful wines, and they even have suggestions of what foods and wines are paired best. If you're ever in Whaleyville, or the Ocean City area, I highly suggest you stop by and enjoy it for yourself!

Check them out online at: http://www.costaventosa.com/
or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/CostaVentosa?fref=ts

Welcome to Costa Ventosa!

Love this!

The grapes

Let the tasting begin

Kathryn pours the first round

The wines:

Diana’s Delight (Vidal Blanc) $13

Named after Kathryn’s beloved mother, the Vidal reminds us of her, with its honey and orange blossom aroma and hints of pineapple. Flavors of lemon and quince combined with a smidge of apple leads to a long, spicy finish with hints of grapefruit and orange zest. Ready anytime to enjoy and serve chilled.

Food suggestions: Light, grilled meats/veggies, or Thanksgiving accompaniment

Puckum Pinot Grigio $15

Oh the nose on this wine! Pineapple, grapefruit and banana ... followed by yummy tropcial fruit flavors and a roasted almond finish. Drink your Puckum Wine ... our 2001 won Best in Class (dry white) in the state of Maryland

Food suggestions: Spicy, Mexican or Curry dishes

Assawoman Bay Chardonnay $15

This clear, pale straw colored Chardonnay is reminiscent of the smells of country life: apple, spiced apple, with hints of dried herb, toast and linden. Think of plucking a big green apple and savoring the taste; you’ll find this crispness in the wine, along with citrus and apricot. Grapefruit and lemon are on the finish. Ready anytime to consume. Serve chilled.

Food suggestions: Crab cakes, grilled tuna or swordfish, mild cheddar cheese

Tuckahoe Merlot $17

A light bodied wine, Tuckahoe Merlot combines the aromas of spiced cherry, butter and toast with a whisper of cinnamon and black pepper. Tuckahoe Creek is a quiet, unassuming stream that meanders on the Eastern Shore. Our Merlot is equally humble; don’t save it for a big event but serve it on an ordinary day. Find simple pleasure in the sour cherry and spice flavors and butter and spice finish.

Food suggestions: Grilled salmon, grilled meats, hambugers, blue cheese

Rockawalkin Rosso $21

A blend of Merlot (85%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%), the Rosso reminds us of summer berries ... blueberies, blackberries and black currant with a hint of thyme on the nose. Named after an area near Salisbury, the wine tastes of bing cherries with a trace of dark chocolate.

Food suggestions: Roasted pork, steak or other game, heavy Italian dishes such as lasagna

Riddle Farm Riesling $15

Our Riesling pays tribute to Riddle Farm, home of Man O’War, one of the greatest race horses of all time. It has aromas of apricots and yummy ripe peaches with hints of pear and hazelnut. Taste gala apples, honey and pear in this semi-sweet Riesling.

Food suggestions: Everything! Tex Mex, bleu cheese, tropical fruits or summer picnic

Pursuit of Happiness (Gewurztraminer) $19

As you pour the wine, you will notice a beautiful straw glow and its glass-coating viscosity promising a richly rewarding tasting experience. The aromas are concentrated and complex with scents of golden raisin, honey, apricot and rosewater. The flavors fill the mouth in a hedonistic explosion of spicy cinnamon, raisin and apricot along with notes of grapefruit, muscat and orange blossom. Pursuit of Happiness finishes smooth with hints of citrus and clove and white pepper. Excellent now, this will continue to develop, peaking in two to three years. Serve chilled.

Food suggestions: Fresh fruits, tarts, stong cheeses, assorted dried fruits

Whaleyville Red $12

Can you say grape juice with a kick? Many of our customers grew up drinking Boones Farm, Manischewitz, and Mogen David. This wine, with its grapey aroma and taste, should be chilled to bring out the sweet simplicity of concord grapes.

Food suggestions: Barbecue, feta or gorgonzola, carrot cake