Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Hinton
Hi Lisa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
A decade ago, our mission—scribbled on the back of a napkin—was simple yet ambitious: put Maryland wine on the map. Through hard work and a commitment to excellence, we’ve done just that. We’ve been named Maryland’s best winery by Wine Enthusiast, the #9 winery in America by Cosmopolitan, and recognized as new pioneers of American wine by Vinepair. These accolades mark our progress, but now we set our sights even higher: to become America’s favorite winery.
Our family moved to the farm that is now Old Westminster Winery in the summer of 2000. The abandoned juniper nursery wasn’t much to look at, just some rolling hills dotted with hundreds of neglected, tangled shrubs. But we were kids full of energy and found the boundless adventures of open fields to be exhilarating. We held nothing but excitement for the future.
Our mom was a ‘90s homesteader — homeschooling three children on a farm, tending to a garden, and turning every project into a DIY endeavor. Most of our projects worked out well with the help of our dad, a skilled carpenter. Our upbringing was unconventional. We learned the art of hospitality from our mom, a trained hospice nurse, and entrepreneurship from our dad, who owned his own construction company.
In 2008, the economic downturn halted our parents’ construction company. They were empty nesters while the three of us kids were away at college and listed the farm for sale for over a year. Not a person came to look at the property. So a new idea was born: an agricultural business.
At that time, we were all busy studying — business management, chemistry and marketing, respectively. We thought the idea of a family business was exciting and after a candid “I’m in if you’re in” discussion, we set our aspirations on a vision to cultivate noteworthy wines that reflect our family and farm.
In 2011, on a loan from our grandfather, we purchased and planted 10,000 grapevines by hand on our land. That summer, our dad built a small pole barn for grape processing and winemaking. We embarked on our new story: Drew at the helm of vineyard management, Lisa the art of winemaking, and Ashli documenting the journey along the way.
We now farm a combined 134 acres between our vineyard at Old Westminster and our second site, Burnt Hill Farm, in Montgomery County. Along with 50,000 grape vines, we also tend to an apiary, a herd of woodland hogs, a mushroom farm and fields of heritage grains. You can find much of what’s grown or raised at Burnt Hill Farm atop pizzas at Old Westminster. We’re happy to serve seasonally rotating wines alongside wood-fired pizzas.
We are proud of the story of Old Westminster and we look forward to sharing in these future chapters with you.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business, particularly in agriculture, is never a smooth road, but it’s always incredibly rewarding. I’m fortunate to work alongside my siblings and an amazing team, focused on stewarding the land and creating wines that bring our community together. Giving back is central to our mission, and we donate $1 from every bottle sold to philanthropic causes, which adds a layer of fulfillment to what we do.
Our biggest challenge came in 2022 when my brother, our farmer and visionary, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. After undergoing two bone marrow transplants, one from my sister and one from me, under the incredible care of Johns Hopkins, we are beyond grateful that he is now in remission and we’re forging our own ambitious path towards becoming America’s favorite winery.
We’ve been impressed with Old Westminster Winery, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Old Westminster Winery began over a decade ago with a mission to elevate Maryland wine. We specialize in crafting distinctive wines that reflect our family’s passion in land stewardship and the unique terroir of our Maryland. Known for our sustainable approach to farming and winemaking, we’ve garnered recognition as Maryland’s best winery by Wine Enthusiast and ranked among the top in America by Cosmopolitan.
We’re committed to sustainability and diverse agricultural practices, which include not only grapevines but also an apiary, heritage grains, and woodland hogs. We integrate these elements into our offerings, from seasonal wines to wood-fired pizzas topped with ingredients sourced from our farms.
We take pride in our journey from a retired juniper nursery to a destination for exceptional wines and curated on-farm experiences. We invite readers to discover our story, our wines, and the genuine hospitality that defines us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oldwestminster.com
- Instagram: @oldwestminsterwinery
