The Magic of Burnt Hill

I’m so humbled by the many kind words written about Burnt Hill Farm since our grand opening in August. But one story in particular resonated with me on a deep, personal level — a piece by my friend and longtime wine critic for The Washington Post, Dave McIntyre.

Though Dave has since stepped away from his post and into semi-retirement, he continues to write on topics that move him on his Substack, dmwineline. His recent article, “The Magic of Burnt Hill: Maryland’s New Shining Wine Star Puts the Focus on the Farm,” means the world to me.

We’ve shared this Burnt Hill journey with Dave from the very beginning — back when we first announced the farm purchase in December 2016. He’s been part of nearly every chapter since: digging soil pits, electromagnetic mapping to measure variations in rock conductivity below the surface, planting vines, tasting wines as they took shape, and returning again and again to witness this dream finally become reality. I’ll never forget his visit on April 1, 2022, when he came to taste through our 2021 vintage still aging in barrels — just days before my diagnosis with AML. In hindsight, there were moments when it felt like the story was ending — or at least my part in shaping it.

When I later relapsed in 2023, Dave sent me a note that I’ll never forget: “Hi Drew — I saw your update about being back in Hopkins and just wanted to drop you a quick email to let you know I think of you often, and along with your multitude of friends and fans am pulling for you and your wonderful family every day. Hang in there, buddy.” That’s just who Dave is — a generous spirit, a gifted writer, and an all-around kind human being.

This latest story of his feels like a magnum opus — a sweeping, heartfelt reflection on our shared journey from that first day we met to the farm we’ve become today. Reading it brought a tear to my eye. It’s one of the best and most beautifully told pieces about Burnt Hill yet, not just because of what it says, but because of who wrote it.

I’m so grateful to Dave for telling our story with such care and authenticity. If you haven’t already, give it a read — and subscribe to his Substack for some of the most thoughtful, unfiltered perspectives in the wine world.

Here’s the link to his story: The Magic of Burnt Hill

Drew overlooking a young vineyard block at Burnt Hill Farm, circa 2019…