Boordy

This time of year, the leafless vines at Boordy Vineyards look as if they've been permanently etched against the gray sky. Now, Anne M. Deford has found a way to ensure that those vines - which produce seyval blanc and chardonnay grapes - remain firmly rooted in the land. Deford, owner of 252-acre Long Green Farm - home to Boordy Vineyards - has joined a movement that is responsible for protecting one-third of the Long Green Valley National Historic District in northeastern Baltimore County.

1992 Governor's Cup wine winners namedWESTMINSTER -- The awards for the second annual Maryland Governor's Cup for Maryland Wines were presented at the Maryland Wine Festival yesterday.G; The Governor's Cup for the Best Maryland Wine: CatoctinVineyards, 1986 Cabernet Sauvignon. Other awards:* Blush: Bronze medal to Catoctin Vineyards, Eye of the Oriole; Boordy Vineyards, 1991 Cabernet Blanc.* Fruit: Bronze medal to Berrywine, non-vintage Wild Blueberry. Silver to Berrywine, non-vintage Raspberry.

Clementine is teaming with Boordy Vineyards for a Maryland Harvest Dinner, which will be served on Monday at the Harford Road restaurant. Designed to complement wines from Boordy Vineyard's limited quantity Landmark Series, the menu from Jill Snyder includes seared scallops with celery root cream, oyster mushrooms and a fennel and radish salad; local braised rabbit with Everona Dairy 'Piedmont' sheep's milk gnocchi, baby carrots, Brussels sprouts,...

Reds, Whites and Bluegrass If you enjoy great wine and the rhythm of bluegrass music, Boordy Vineyards is the place to be Sundays through Sept. 28. Celebrate the grape harvest while tasting Boordy wine and listening to live bluegrass performances. Bread, cheese and other food will be available at the afternoon events. The Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band will be featured at this week's festival, which costs $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 2-12. Boordy Vineyards is at 12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes.

FOR ANIMALS The lowdown -- It's an excuse to exercise your dog and raise money for a good cause. The Maryland SPCA's March for the Animals is a 1.5-mile trek 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday starting at Druid Hill Park. If you go -- The Maryland SPCA's March for the Animals is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday at Druid Hill Park. Registration is free for the walk, but donations are accepted. Call 410-235-8826 ext. 133 or visit mdspca.org. Wine and song The lowdown -- On Sunday, Boordy Vineyards will kick off its Reds, Whites and Bluegrass series.

Not so long ago, if you wanted to visit a vineyard near Baltimore for an afternoon of tastings and tours, your first and typically only stop was Boordy Vineyards, the oldest vineyard in the state, established in Hydes in 1945. Even in winter, it was a lovely way to spend an afternoon, with plenty of wines to sample and buy, and experts to lead you through the grounds and winemaking operations. Now, though, it's easy to extend the experience, visiting another Maryland vineyard or two nearby.

What are you going to do with dear old Mom? Things sure got a whole lot easier for me since my brother married a woman who hosts an annual multiple famly annual Mother's Day party and barbecue. If I didn't have that to fall back on, I'd consider one of these Mother's Day options. On Saturday and Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Boordy Vineyards is inviting families to picnic on their sprawling grounds. The cost is $12 for adults, $10 for teens and $5 for children 2 to 12. There will be music by Ellis Woodward and Company; wine tasting; and tours of the vineyard.