One of the Best Wines of 2025 Comes from Maryland
Malbec from Maryland?
Yes.
Old Westminster Winery’s Maryland grown Malbec was named one of VinePair’s 50 Best Wines of 2025, earning a 93 point rating and national recognition for what we’ve believed for years: Maryland wine belongs in the conversation.
For a state still considered young by many wine drinkers, this recognition matters. It shows that Maryland isn’t just producing good local wine. The best Maryland wines can stand beside bottles from some of the most respected wine regions in the world.
At Old Westminster, that’s the work. Grow thoughtfully. Listen to the land. Make wines that feel alive, expressive, and true to this place.
Old Westminster Malbec Named One of VinePair’s 50 Best Wines of 2025
VinePair included Old Westminster Winery’s Malbec in its annual list of The 50 Best Wines of 2025, highlighting winemaker Lisa Hinton’s role in pushing the boundaries of what Maryland wine can achieve.
Their review called attention to the way this Malbec bridges two classic expressions of the grape: the dark, fruit driven richness often associated with Argentina and the earthy intensity found in France.
For a Maryland Malbec to earn that kind of comparison is meaningful. It says the wine isn’t being judged as a novelty. It’s being taken seriously on its own terms.
What Does Old Westminster Malbec Taste Like?
Old Westminster Malbec is vibrant, lifted, and deeply expressive.
VinePair highlighted notes of ripe blackberry, raspberry, blood orange, and dried herbs, with bright acidity and silky tannins across the palate.
That combination is what makes the wine so compelling. It has depth without heaviness. Fruit without being overblown. Structure without harshness. It’s generous, energetic, and built for the table.
This is Maryland Malbec with freshness, texture, and a real sense of place.
A Serious Red Wine from Maryland
When people think of Malbec, they often think of Argentina first. That makes sense. Argentina helped make Malbec famous, especially through bold, dark, fruit forward wines from Mendoza.
But Malbec has a longer history in France, where it can show more earth, spice, structure, and savory complexity.
Old Westminster’s expression sits beautifully between those worlds. It carries ripe dark fruit and plushness, while staying lifted by acidity, herbal detail, and fine tannin.
That balance is what makes the wine feel distinctly Old Westminster. It’s not trying to copy Argentina or France. It’s showing what Maryland can do with the grape.
Why This Matters for Maryland Wine
Maryland wine is still earning its place nationally. For years, many people assumed serious American wine came from California, Oregon, Washington, New York, or Virginia.
That assumption is changing.
Old Westminster has helped push Maryland into the national wine conversation through farming, experimentation, hospitality, and critical recognition. Being included in VinePair’s 50 Best Wines of 2025 is another proof point that the best Maryland wines deserve serious attention.
This recognition joins a growing list of national moments for Old Westminster, including being named a VinePair American Winery of the Year finalist, having our 2025 Rosé named VinePair’s number one rosé for 2026, earning a 95 point rating for Terracotta 2023 on VinePair’s Best White Wines for 2026 list, and being ranked the number 9 winery in America by Cosmopolitan.
Together, those moments tell a bigger story.
Maryland wine is here.
Winemaker Lisa Hinton and the Old Westminster Approach
At Old Westminster, winemaking starts with humility.
That means paying attention to the vineyard, responding to the season, and making wines that reflect the fruit rather than forcing them into a predetermined style.
Winemaker Lisa Hinton has helped shape Old Westminster’s voice around wines that are vibrant, textured, food friendly, and expressive of place. The Malbec is a beautiful example of that approach: serious, balanced, and full of energy.
It shows what happens when thoughtful farming and careful winemaking meet curiosity.
What to Pair With Old Westminster Malbec
Old Westminster Malbec is a natural food wine.
Its ripe blackberry and raspberry notes make it generous, while the blood orange brightness, dried herb character, acidity, and silky tannins keep it fresh at the table.
Pair it with wood fired pizza, grilled lamb, roast chicken, pork, mushrooms, charcuterie, burgers, braised meats, roasted vegetables, or hard cheeses.
It’s also the kind of bottle that works beautifully for a dinner party. Serious enough to impress wine lovers. Approachable enough for everyone at the table to enjoy.
Where Can I Buy Old Westminster Malbec?
Old Westminster Malbec is available directly from Old Westminster Winery while supplies last.
The best ways to find it are:
Visit Old Westminster Winery in Westminster, Maryland
Shop online through Old Westminster Winery
Join the wine club for priority access to limited releases
Look for select restaurant and independent wine shop placements
VinePair listed the average price at $48, placing it in the category of a serious but accessible bottle for collectors, dinner tables, and Maryland wine lovers.
One of the Best Wines of 2025 Is Maryland Grown
So, what are the best wines to buy in 2025?
According to VinePair, Old Westminster Malbec belongs on that list.
For us, the recognition is bigger than one bottle. It’s another signal that Maryland grown wine can be expressive, serious, balanced, and nationally relevant.
Malbec from Maryland?
Yes.
And it’s one of the best wines of the year.
Plan Your Visit
Old Westminster Winery is located in Westminster, Maryland, on our family farm in Carroll County. Join us for Maryland grown wine, wood fired food, private cabanas, vineyard views, and a wine experience rooted in farming, hospitality, and serious winemaking.
Come taste why Maryland wine belongs in the national conversation.