State's first urban winery to open in Frederick

Oct. 15, 2006
By JOSEPH M. DELEON News-Post Staff
jdeleon@fredericknewspost.com

  FREDERICK — Stylish decor, a trendy tasting bar and French oak barrels will combine to give Frederick Cellars an exclusive feel — it's the only urban winery in Maryland, and one of only about 10 in the nation, according to Kevin Atticks, director for the Maryland Wineries Association.
     A double panel, weather-worn barn door mounted near the entrance hints at the traditions on the other side.
     The science and industry of wine making will meet downtown Frederick's social life next month when the East Street winery opens its doors.
     “We're getting really close to being done,” owner Charlie Daneri said Friday. “Depending on final inspections, we should be open in the first week of November.”
     The winery will bring to reality a dream Mr. Daneri started more than two years ago. The plan picked up steam after he bought Brookeville-based Catoctin Vineyards at the end of July.
     That brought years of experience to Frederick Cellars, helping it, even before it opens, win the Governor's Cup award at this year's Maryland Wine Festival. Wine Master Robert Lyon, formerly of Catoctin Vineyards, will help Frederick Cellars make its first wines after it opens in November.
     Mr. Atticks said the sale is evidence of growth in the Maryland wine industry.
     Maryland now has a significant body of wine making knowledge and experience specific to growing conditions and tastes of Maryland wine consumers, he wrote in an August press release.
     Over the next two weeks, Mr. Daneri expects to move and install fermentation and storage tanks, crushers and filters used to make wine at Catoctin Vineyards. The equipment will be visible from the street and tasting bar through a glassed-in viewing area, similar to Brewer's Alley.
     Mr. Daneri expects to attract three types of clients: people who have never been to a winery, residents looking for an alternative to the bar scene and people who like Maryland wines.
     Frederick Cellars will also offer conference room, reception hall rentals and a catering kitchen as other ways to draw clients. Mr. Daneri plans to negotiate with area restaurants to deliver food for business meetings or receptions after the winery opens.
     He expects Frederick Cellars to complement other Shab Row businesses, such as restaurants and antique shops.