Our Story
Wine tells a story—of a place, of a time, of hands that nurture and care for the earth. It's not just fermented grape juice; it's a living reflection of the seasons, the soil, the sun. One vintage may whisper soft notes of sun-drenched berries, while the next hums with a different tune entirely. Every vineyard holds its own rhythm, and every bottle becomes a chapter of that tale.
Those who work with wine—growers, makers, caretakers—are deeply connected to the land. Whether you call them wine people or stewards of the vine, they see the earth as both partner and teacher. With respect for its wisdom, many turn to sustainable ways of farming, not just to avoid harm, but to heal, to improve, to give back more than they take. This philosophy has blossomed across the world, shaping a gentler way to farm and to live.
Our own story begins with Jan Luigard and a journey to a small, wine-covered valley in Wurzburg, Germany. There, nestled along the Main River in the late '80s, he discovered a way of life tied to wine and community. He enjoyed the crisp Rieslings and elegant Sylvaners, dry or just sweet enough. Inspired by the cooperative spirit, where neighbors grew grapes together and shared the fruits of their labor, Jan dreamed of bringing that model home.
By 1997, that dream had taken root with the creation of Penn Oaks Winery—named with a nod to both his Pennsylvania roots and the land that first embraced his vision. The first wines were made in Silver Spring, Maryland, following the German model, crafted with care and patience.
We started small—batches shared, bottles poured at festivals, each glass poured from the heart. But with time came the desire to grow deeper roots. In 2002, we found our land: a preserved slice of Maryland soil in Cooksville. There, we planted, planned, and poured ourselves into building a farm and vineyard that reflected our values.
Now, Penn Oaks is more than a winery. It's our family's collective heartbeat. Each of us has a role—whether tending vines, crafting wine, welcoming guests, or guiding our shared decisions. We operate as one, with a shared respect for the land and for each other.
To us, sustainability isn't a trend—it's a promise. We listen to our soil like a friend, respect what the vines need, and nurture them so they can give us their best. Because great wine doesn't start in the bottle, it starts in the roots, in the rain, in the rhythm of nature.
Every vineyard has a voice, and every wine speaks of where it came from. We hope that when you taste ours, you'll hear a whisper of Maryland's rolling hills, feel the warmth of a family's dream, and enjoy a moment that tastes like no other.
Prost—to the journey, to the land, and to the stories yet to be told.