History
Windridge Vineyards, established in 2010, is owned by the families of brothers Ted, Tom (Hap), Robert, and Jeremy Butz. Their aunt and uncle, Mary and Rob Truland, are also partners in the vineyard business.
The family has deep roots in Montgomery County’s farming community. For more than 50 years, they have continuously farmed the land where Windridge Vineyards’ Tasting Room and vineyard are situated. This authentic agricultural heritage guides decision-making in the vineyard and sets Windridge apart from wine producers who lack this deep experience.
The four brothers are lifelong farmers who literally grew up as kids walking these fields.
To diversify the family farming operations and with a passion for fine wine, the family planted the first vines in 2011. Initially, the plan was to be grape farmers, and the family sold fruit to local wineries for several years. Over time, the business grew, and they decided to produce fine wine under the Windridge label.
Maryland's Unique Terroir
Terroir is a French term encompassing the unique environmental factors shaping a wine's character. These factors include soil composition, climate, and microclimate. Together, they create a distinct fingerprint for each vineyard, ultimately influencing the grapes grown and the wines produced.
About 35 acres are appropriate for grapes. Butz said, "The vineyard has three different sites, each with unique microclimates, making grapevine cultivation a challenging yet rewarding endeavor."
The first vines were planted at the Sugarland Vineyard in Poolesville in 2011, the Ithaca Vineyard in 2013, and Windridge Vineyard in Darnestown in 2018. The vines at all locations are cultivated using the traditional European-style cane pruning VSP (Vertical Shoot Position) trellis method.
The 2024 Albariño Release Weekend was held May 23-26, 2025.
The Facility
The winery opened its doors in July 2019, pouring wine for guests in their Seneca pavilion. The Tasting Room facilities were completed in 2020. The design ethos of the facility is “Elevated Farm Building,” which seeks to pay homage to traditional farm buildings while providing guests with a contemporary experience and an eye toward the future. The building’s location was carefully chosen to take advantage of the sloping terrain, providing space for our in-ground cellar and the beautiful sunset views on the site. The Seneca Pavilion is located near the vines, and is solar-powered with a full wine bar, and indoor and outdoor seating.
Windridge Vineyards is limited to Adults 21+ in all indoor and outdoor areas. Guests of all ages are permitted at Reserved Private Events with advance scheduling confirmed by their Events Manager. For more information about Windridge Vineyards' Private Events, don't hesitate to get in touch with events@windridge.wine.
Location
Windridge Vineyards is a 40-minute drive from Washington DC, and is located on Darnestown Road, (Route 28), near Seneca Creek, just outside the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve.
Adults 21+ are invited to a relaxing experience, where they can enjoy estate-grown, award-winning wines paired with a seasonal menu from Windridge Kitchen. Come not only for the wines but also for panoramic views of the vineyards, Seneca Creek State Park, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
For more information, see their website at https://www.windridge.wine.