Fiore Winery

Overview of the Distillery

Fiore Winery in Pylesville, Maryland operates both wine production and a co-located distillery. Founded by Mike and Rose Fiore and registered as a bonded winery in 1986, the estate-grown grapes, a range of semi-sweet and varietal wines, and a growing selection of craft spirits are part of the operation. The family's Italian heritage informs the names and methods, while the production blends local ingredients with traditional distillation techniques.

History

The Fiores' history begins with Mike and Rose from Calabria, who in 1977 founded a small family farm in Pylesville. After a family tragedy in 1981, Mike began making wine as a livelihood, and the first wines led to the decision to pursue commercial production. The name La Felicetta was given to the vineyard, and in 1986 Fiore became Maryland's 12th bonded winery with an initial production of about 1,500 gallons. The vineyard was later expanded with varietals such as Vidal-256, Chanclor, and Chambourcin. In connection with the 30th anniversary in 2016, a distillery was established on the property, expanding the farm's range to include grappa, vodka, gin, brandy and whisky types.

Raw materials and production

Production covers both wines and spirits. The wines are based on estate-grown grapes planted at La Felicetta. Grappa is produced by distilling the remaining pomace from the estate grapes using traditional Italian techniques and bottled as a clear distillate. The vodka is distilled from 'select grain' and undergoes a very slow carbon filtration using gravity through a specially designed carbon filter to achieve a clean, smooth character. Gin undergoes a barrel finish in a wooden barrel. These production steps demonstrate a blend of estate viticulture, traditional grappa techniques, and distillation methods for other spirits.

Maturation and barrel types

Maturation varies between products. Barrel-Finished Gin is noted as barrel-treated, while Fiore Grappa is described as a clear distillate bottled without further aging or additions. For the whiskies, no details are given about specific barrel types, prior contents, or aging times in the available product descriptions.

Whisky

The portfolio includes both wines and spirits. On the wine side there are semi-sweet and varietal wines such as Boardwalk Blush, L’Ombra, Racetrack Red and several variations. The spirits lineup includes grappa from estate pomace, Barrel Finished Gin, Blue Crab Vodka, apple brandy, limoncello and a range of whiskies and moonshines (Apple Pie Moonshine, Traditional Moonshine, Watermelon Moonshine, Straight Rye Whiskey and Bourbon Whiskey). Some products are marked 'No Mail-Order' and are sold primarily on-site or through retailers.

General flavor profile

The range spans fruit-driven wines to pure, filtered spirits. Several wines mention red fruit notes such as strawberry, cherry and plum; other wines mention tropical and stone fruit tones such as pineapple, peach and apricot. The vodka is described as 'crisp and clean' with a silky mouthfeel.

Fruitiness is described as strawberry, cherry and plum (Boardwalk Blush, etc.). Floral notes are described as rose petal, noted as an aroma in Boardwalk Blush.

Visit the Distillery

The tasting room is open seven days a week from 12:00 to 17:00, with last call at 16:30. Visitors can taste and purchase both wines and selected spirits in the tasting room. Some spirit products are marked 'No Mail-Order,' and sales therefore take place often in the shop or through local retailers. There is no documentation for guided tours or pre-booking requirements in the provided material.

The stated hours are seven days a week 12:00–17:00, last call 16:30.

Philosophy and craft

The company emphasizes family-operated craftsmanship, the use of estate-grown grapes, and a blend of Italian traditions with Maryland production. The production involves traditional grappa techniques, slow carbon filtration of vodka, and the use of barrel finishes for gin as expressions of artisanal choice.