March is known for Women’s History Month, but did you know that it is also Maryland Wine Month? Maryland Wine Month was created to celebrate the growing winery industry in the state. According to the Maryland Wineries Association, Maryland is home to 110 licensed wineries and over 1000 acres of grapes, apples and other fruits used in making wines. Frederick County alone is home to 15 unique wineries and has become a destination for wine connoisseurs. Local winery owners have helped set the standards for high quality Maryland wines. We are celebrating these two special occasions by highlighting some of Frederick County’s leading women in wine. This feature highlights the strong and eloquent owner of Hidden Hills Farm and Vineyard, Robin Sagoskin.
Hidden Hills is the County’s newest winery, located off Route 75, just outside of Frederick. Robin moved to the 103-acre equine farm 12 years ago. Living in an area with optimal climate and prime soil conditions for grape growing, Robin had a dream to establish a winery on the picturesque property. After visits to California’s major wine regions, with the idea of Hidden Hills Vineyards in mind, Robin’s vision for her operation became clear. The vast, exquisite wineries she visited lacked a welcoming touch. Robin was focused on providing top-notch customer service and producing the highest quality wines possible.
In 2014, the inaugural vines were planted at Hidden Hills. The original grapes began the production of the winery’s signature Rosé wines. For Robin, opening the tasting room did not come without its challenges. Hidden Hills Farm and Vineyard’s tasting room opened March of 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the grand opening had to be canceled and the winery sustained a much slower start than Robin anticipated. She noted that the pandemic led to a change in the mindset and habits of her customers. Already focused on top-notch service, she then concentrated efforts on elevating the consumer’s experience. The ability to adapt has helped create a successful business. She said, “You have to diversify and move with the times when you’re in agriculture.” Robin said that she aims for Hidden Hills to be an elegant and accessible destination for everyone, saying, “I want all of our customers to feel welcomed, comfortable and relaxed from the moment they arrive on the property.”
Throughout Hidden Hills, Robin has stayed true to the property’s
equine focus, bringing that branding into all aspects of the winery. The tasting room is adjacent to private horse boarding stalls, as well as an indoor riding ring for the boarders. In fact, the tasting room was constructed where seven horse stalls once stood. The beautiful craftsmanship of the stall beams is on display in the tasting room. Each wine is named after a special horse or horse breed, and the back label includes education complementary to the name. Robin is also proud to work closely with and support the Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine.
Head out to Hidden Hills Farm and Vineyard for a wine tasting in the tasting room or enjoy the stunning views outside with ample seating and experience live entertainment and horses grazing in the fields. You can learn more by visiting their website or following them on Facebook or Instagram. Stay tuned for one more Women in Wine feature on Homegrown Frederick!