Summary
This grower highlight features Daniel Zaharevitz of Waving Free Vineyard in Frederick, Maryland. It explores his journey into small-scale grape growing as a retirement hobby, focusing on Rhône varietals like Syrah and Viognier. Daniel values the flexibility and personal satisfaction of non-commercial winemaking, drawing inspiration from local growers and vineyards. His approach emphasizes learning, experimentation, and a connection to the land.
September 2024 Grower Highlight – Daniel Zaharevitz of Waving Free Vineyard
Maryland’s wine industry is one of inspiration and ingenuity. There are many growers who are well-deserved to be recognized, so that is just what I am going to do each month! Once a month, a Maryland grape grower will be highlighted to tell their story, give them a platform to speak to what they feel is important in the industry, or to take the opportunity and discuss whatever they would like!
This month, we’re doing something slightly different, highlighting a hobby grower – Daniel Zaharevitz. He is the grower behind his own micro-brand: Waving Free Vineyard, located in Frederick, Maryland. For Daniel, growing grapes is a retirement hobby rooted in a deep appreciation for both the art and science of grape growing and winemaking. Growing grapes has provided great satisfaction for him by enabling him to have all the benefits of growing grapes while leaving many of the stressors that commercial wineries face at the door. His vineyard reflects a personal journey toward creating something beautiful, with a love for ‘the process’ guiding the way.
Waving Free Vineyard at a Glance
Daniel’s vineyard is home to 180 vines spread across a selection of red and white grape varieties. On the red side, he cultivates Syrah, Mourvèdre, Lemberger, Cabernet Franc, and a small patch of Norton. On the white side, he grows Viognier, Albariño, Aravelle, along with smaller plantings of Rkatsiteli and Grüner Veltliner. He attended many growers meetings to learn about what grew well in Maryland, and after hearing the wisdom of many that came before him decided to grow a few solid performers and a few varieties that he could say, ‘I’m just gonna give them a try’.
The Joy of Small-Scale Growing
Unlike larger commercial operations, Daniel enjoys the flexibility that comes with being a small grower. He says the reward is personal, and the calculation of what makes it all “worth it” is something only the grower can determine for themselves. Without the pressures of commercial production, Daniel is free to learn, experiment, and enjoy the process, producing field blends that he always has the freedom to experiment with and are always satisfying to share and savor.
For Daniel, it’s not about perfection but about the joy and appreciation that comes from making wine. He’s been impressed by the generosity of local growers, describing the Maryland grape-growing community as small enough to feel personal, while large enough to have solid knowledge backed by years of growing that is shared freely between growers.
A Path to Great Wine
Grape growing can seem daunting to newcomers, but Daniel believes there is a pathway to producing not just acceptable wine but truly great wine at home. He finds immense satisfaction in the creative process, likening it to artwork. The persistence required to grow grapes is greater than any clever shortcut, and he finds joy in the consistency and effort it takes to bring each vintage to life. A standout memory for him is the beauty of his Viognier in 2015, both in the vineyard and in the bottle. For him, this was one of the first times he created a wine that was truly a standout.
Inspired by the Past, Driven by the Present
Daniel’s passion for wine and grape growing was sparked in the 1990s when he began seeking out local wineries while living in southern MD. Horton Vineyards’ Viognier was a major inspiration, as well as Black Ankle Vineyard’s Albariño when it opened in 2008. His love for Rhône varieties like Syrah has shaped much of what he grows today. Attending grape-growing seminars, particularly one led by the late Dick Penna of Antietam Vineyard, further cemented his interest, providing the knowledge and connections needed to plant his own small vineyard.
Advice for Aspiring Growers
Daniel encourages anyone interested in grape growing to get involved with the Maryland Grape Growers Association (MGGA). Attending pruning clinics and summer field days was invaluable to his success, and he urges others to join in and learn. According to Daniel, there’s a place for small growers within the MGGA, and the sense of community is one of the best parts of being involved in Maryland’s wine industry.
A Personal Connection to the Land
For Daniel, there’s something special about inviting guests over, sipping a glass of his wine, and being able to point to the vines that grew it. Farming, even on a small scale, connects him to the land and deepens his understanding of where food and wine come from. It’s a perspective he’s eager to share with others, one that helps foster a deeper appreciation for both agriculture and winemaking.
Final Thoughts
Daniel’s journey in viticulture is one driven by the love of wine, curiosity, and a love for learning. He may not be a large commercial grower, but the satisfaction he finds in each bottle is proof that the heart of Maryland’s wine industry lies in growers of all sizes.
If you’d like to be featured in one of our monthly grape grower highlights, please reach out to me, Glenn Lucas, at glenn@m-avs.com. I love getting to know the wonderful people in our industry and relish the opportunity to promote others.