Wine Label Contest

A collaboration between Port of Leonardtown Winery &
St. Mary’s County Arts Council

Congratulations, Bernard Matus!

By popular vote, Bernard Matus’ design has been selected as the 1st Place Winner from the three finalists below. We will host a fundraiser for St. Mary’s County Arts Council on June 5th at the winery. Details TBA at www.smcart.org.

Check the Port of Leonardtown Winery website for updates about the label launch on First Friday, June 6, 2025!

Cynthia Martin-Brennan

Lo Hill

Bernard Matus

We appreciate everyone’s participation! This contest also serves as a fundraiser for St. Mary’s County Arts Council. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our many amazing community programs, scholarships, and more! Any amount is appreciated!

Project Overview:

The St. Mary’s County Arts Council (SMCAC) has partnered with the Port of Leonardtown Winery (POL) to host a label design contest to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the winery’s tasting room and also to raise funds for the Arts Council. This collaboration will be the first of an annual design partnership.

This label will capture the essence of a unique sparkling red variety—also a first for the winery! The limited run variety (65 cases) will be released at a celebration in May, 2025.

The Port of Leonardtown Winery will donate 10% of bottle sales to SMCAC.

A team comprised of winery staff and the Arts Council have selected the top three designs. The designs are now open for community voting!

The label receiving the most community votes will be the winner! Second and third place winners will also be determined by the number of votes.

The First Place winner will be featured at the release celebration to sign bottles and be available to chat with guests. Additional opportunities may also be available for the artist (i.e. the production of limited edition prints, sale of original work, t-shirt designs, etc.).

The artist application for label submission is now closed!

Submission Deadline:

Friday, January 10, 2025 at 5 PM.

Eligibility:

Local artists residing in St. Mary’s, Calvert, or Charles Counties my apply.

Awards:

  • 1st Place Design: $500 and POL Complimentary Tasting Gift Certificate.

  • 2nd Place Design: $100 and POL Complimentary Tasting Gift Certificate.

  • 3rd Place Design: $50 and POL Complimentary Tasting Gift Certificate.

Application

Submit your unique design by completing the application below!

Before you begin, please review the Project Design Criteria listed below to ensure your submission meets all guidelines.

One entry per person may be submitted.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please email St. Mary’s County Arts Council at: info@smcart.org

Timeline

January 10, 2025

Design submissions deadline.

January 17, 2025

Three finalists announced on our Website, Facebook, & Instagram.

January 17 - 31, 2025

Community voting for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place designs.


February 8, 2025

1st Place winner announced.


June 5, 2025

Fundraiser for St. Mary’s County Arts Council at the POL Winery.


June 6, 2025

Anniversary Party & Celebration at the POL Winery!

Collaboration with:

  • Port of Leonardtown Winery

    Website

  • St. Mary's County Arts Council

    About Us