Courtesy Photo Maryland Secretary of Agriculture "Buddy" Hance presents the Governor's Cup trophy to Sarah O'Herron, owner of Black Ankle Vineyards. O’Herron displays the winning wine — Black Ankle Vineyards 2007 Crumbling Rock.

But this one is really special, said Kevin Atticks, executive director of the Maryland Wineries Association.

Black Ankle Vineyard owners Ed Boyce and Sarah O'Herron recently received the Governor's Cup — the most prized award for Maryland wineries.

"The competition is one in which most wineries participate and the results highlight the best of Maryland wine," Atticks said.

Making this win particularly special is the fact that Black Ankle has now won "best in show" at three of the last four Maryland competitions — one Winemasters Choice Award and the last two Governor's Cup competitions.

"This makes their honors unprecedented in the industry's history," Atticks said.

Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance presented the Governor's Cup Trophy to O'Herron on Sept. 15 in Annapolis for Black Ankle's 2007 Crumbling Rock wine.

"Winning the Governor's Cup for the second year in a row is very exciting and we are delighted by the win," O'Herron said. "We feel like we are beginning to establish a solid track record for making high-quality wines, which has been our overriding goal from the beginning."

Boyce said, "Frederick County is a great place to grow wine grapes and we are thrilled that our wines are consistently reflecting that quality."

Hance has been a real friend to the grape and wine industry in Maryland, O'Herron said.

"I think he believes that grape growing has tremendous potential for the future of agriculture in the state," O'Herron said.

The wines are in Black Ankle's tasting room at the vineyard and for sale in nearly 120 stores and restaurants throughout the state, including Mount Airy Liquors, Vino 100 and Brick Ridge in Mount Airy , Frederick Wine House, 7th Street Liquors, Acacia and Volt in Frederick and Morgan's American Grill in New Market .

The Frederick County wine industry is akin to what California was 30 years ago, O'Herron said.

"It is definitely growing and quality is improving all over the place. I feel we are beginning to figure out what it takes to make delicious wines consistently and we are seeing and tasting the delicious results," O'Herron said. "It is an exciting time to be a part of the local wine scene."

O'Herron and Boyce are active members of the Maryland Wineries Association. Boyce is chairman of the association's research and education committee, charged with creating educational sessions for wineries to stay updated on the latest research and winemaking techniques.