Bernard Matus’s artwork will grace the bottles of Port of Leonardtown Winery’s first-ever sparkling red wine, named Bubbly Noir, following a community vote that concluded the St. Mary’s County wine label contest. The contest, a collaboration between the winery and the St. Mary’s County Arts Council (SMCAC), celebrated the winery’s 15th anniversary while raising funds for local arts. Over 30 local artists submitted designs, and Matus’s stood out for its creativity, earning the top spot after a public voting period from January 17 to January 31, 2025
The St. Mary’s County wine label contest invited artists to capture themes like celebrations, local Maryland culture, or agriculture, reflecting the region’s vibrant community and the winery’s commitment to Southern Maryland’s heritage. A panel of winery staff and SMCAC representatives narrowed the submissions to three finalists based on originality and artistic merit. The community then voted to determine first, second, and third place, with Matus’s design securing the win. His artwork will adorn the limited-run Bubbly Noir, with only 65 cases produced, set to debut at a celebration in May 2025 at the Port of Leonardtown Winery in Leonardtown.
Bubbly Noir, crafted from locally grown Maryland grapes, offers flavors of elderberry and blueberry and is best enjoyed chilled. The wine represents a milestone for the winery, marking its first venture into sparkling red varieties. The St. Mary’s County wine label contest not only highlighted local talent but also strengthened ties between the winery and the arts community. The winery has pledged to donate 10% of Bubbly Noir bottle sales to SMCAC, supporting arts programs across St. Mary’s County.
Matus, as the first-place winner, will be a featured guest at the May 2025 release event, where he will sign bottles and meet attendees. Additional opportunities for the artist may include limited-edition prints, t-shirt designs, or sales of his original work, further amplifying his exposure in Southern Maryland. The St. Mary’s County wine label contest marks the start of an annual design partnership between the winery and SMCAC, promising more opportunities for local artists to showcase their creativity.
The contest engaged the Southern Maryland community, with residents and art enthusiasts playing a key role in selecting the winning design. The collaboration reflects Leonardtown’s growing reputation as a hub for arts and culture, blending the region’s agricultural roots with its creative spirit. The Port of Leonardtown Winery, located at 23190 Newtowne Neck Road, has long been a staple of St. Mary’s County, drawing visitors to its tasting room and community events. This initiative underscores the winery’s dedication to fostering local talent and supporting organizations like SMCAC, which enriches the county through arts education and events.
As the May 2025 release approaches, anticipation builds for Bubbly Noir and its unique label. The St. Mary’s County wine label contest has not only produced a winning design but also strengthened community ties, proving that art and wine can unite Southern Maryland in celebration.
