ABOUT US

"TOM SHELTON IN A BOTTLE"

From start to finish, Tom Shelton, co-owner and winemaker, is involved in creating and perfecting all that it takes to make award-winning wines. He is particular about everything, from pruning vines to the operation of the bottling line to the freshness of the wines being served in the tasting room. Tom's hands-on approach is one of the reasons that Bordeleau is now recognized as one of the best wineries in Maryland.

With an early interest in agriculture and using management skills developed in the poultry industry, Tom followed an interest spawned when he started making fruit wines while still in his teens. After purchasing a farm in Allen, Maryland in 1998, he planted his first grape vines in 1999. Early plantings were Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc and Chambourcin, and he continued planting additional grape vines each year through 2003. Other varieties planted were Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Blanc.
 
After the 2003 plantings, Tom had to make a decision regarding starting a commercial winery. Weather and soils are critical to the production of good wines, so he had to convince himself that grapes grown on his property could consistently lead to the production of good wines. After considerable deliberation, Tom decided to seek his commercial license in the summer of 2006. With the renewed commitment, eight and one-half acres of plantings were added from 2007 to 2011, including new varieties such as Malbec, Petite Verdot, Pinot Grigio, Viognier, and Muscat.

Visitors from near and far enjoy the ambiance and relaxed atmosphere of Bordeleau’s Tasting Room and grounds. Whether your preference is to enjoy our award-winning wines at the cozy tasting bar, the comfort of lounging indoors or experiencing the great outdoors at any of the patio and picnic areas, your experience is sure to be a treat. Visit our Events page for a schedule of upcoming entertainment and special events. Bordeleau is open year-round and our friendly staff welcomes your visit.

Customers purchasing carry-out cases of Bordeleau wine from our Tasting Room are automatically enrolled as a member of Bordeleau’s Loyalty Program as a way to thank you for your commitment to our business. Each case-lot purchased, including mixed cases, will earn you a higher discount level. The first case discount is 10% off, followed by 12.5% off second case, and 15% off third case. Finally, receive 20% off all case wine purchases for the rest of your life after your fourth case-lot purchase.

Bordeleau Wine Club membership benefits include special barrel tastings, exclusive food and wine gathering, free wine tastings when visiting the winery, and 15% off future wine purchases. To join, simply commit to a quarterly purchase of an assortment of three-bottles of Bordeleau wines, personally selected by our winemaker, including limited edition wines. 

ABOUT THE VINEYARDS & WINERY

Depending on the grape variety and style of wine desired, the fermentation process involves different methods. White wine grapes are pressed for the juice without destemming to improve juice quality. The fruit is chilled in a walk-in cooler before processing. Fermentation and aging occur primarily in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The only exception to this approach is the barrel fermented Chardonnay which is actually fermented in oak barrels to help integrate oak flavors, followed by aging in oak barrels.

 

Red wines are made in a totally different manner. The red wine grapes are graded on a moving belt and then go into a destemming machine. The destemmer separates the grapes from the stems and breaks the skin on the grapes, then drops the fruit into large bins which are used for fermentation. The key to red wine making is the extraction of color from the skins of the grapes and the extraction of tannins from the skins and seeds of the grapes. After approximately 14 days the finished red wine is then pressed to separate the wine from skins and seeds. After pressing, the red wine is then transferred to oak barrels for aging. Most of Bordeleau's red wines age for a minimum of 48-60 months in a temperature-controlled room.  The oak barrels are made from white oak and are procured from forests in many different regions of the world. Barrels from different regions impart different aromatics and flavors to the finished wine.


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SHOP ONLINE FOR BORDELEAU WINE

MARYLAND RESIDENTS NON-MARYLAND RESIDENTS

TASTING ROOM HOURS

Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Monday & Tuesday: By Appointment Only (minimum 8 people)

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