Black Ankle Vineyards

Proprietors

Black Ankle Vineyards is the culmination of a long-time dream of founders Ed Boyce and Sarah O’Herron (that’s us). Former management consultants, our love of all things food and wine led us to decide back in 2000 to leave our life of offices, airports, and spreadsheets to try our luck at digging in the dirt. After many years of twists, turns and bumps in the road along the way, Black Ankle Vineyards is the result of that (possibly foolhardy) decision. We feel very lucky to have found a farm that has what it takes to make some extraordinary wines and a job that lets us play outside, meet wonderful people and never lets us get bored – even if we have not quite managed to leave the spreadsheets completely behind. We hope you enjoy tasting the results of our adventure as much as we do!

Vineyard Manager

Evencio started with Black Ankle in 2003, coming from a long career of farming in California and Oregon. While in California, he worked primarily at a private vineyard and ranch in Sonoma and then at Chateau St. Jean. He has been an integral part of Black Ankle’s production and expansion. Originally from El Peñon, Mexico, Evencio migrated to the United States in 1979. He lives in Black Ankle’s historic farmhouse with his wife Gregoria their two children and their son-in-law and grandson. He and his wife also own Lily’s Mexican Market in Westminster, Maryland.

These are the folks who really make the magic happen here. Primarily hailing from the town of El Peñon, Mexico and its surrounding countryside, our fantastic vineyard crew spends much of the spring, summer and early fall each year here at Black Ankle before returning after the harvest to spend time with their families and friends back at home. They do everything from pruning the vines to set them up for the new season to picking the grapes in the fall after a long summer of careful cultivation. They are the heart and soul of our operation.

Shown here: Back Row: Giovanni Larios Paredes, Jose Javier Osorno Salazar, Jose Baez Piedras, Hector Rodriguez Torres, Jose Rosario Hernandez Huerta, Ulises de Albino Lopez, Christian Osorno Escamilla, Juan Torres Carrasco, Luis Alberto Osorno Salazar. Middle Row: Heraclio Tellez Carrasco, Juan Carlos Gomez Ronquillo, Felipe Gomez Herrera, Ramon Osorno Carrasco, Daniel Osorno Carrasco, Taylor Michael, Felipe Huerta Leon, Fabian Torres Carrasco, Cain Torres Hernandez, Evencio Torres Martinez. Front row Francisco Arriaga Gonzalez, Juan José Hernandez Mungia, Pedro Arenas Tapia, Omar Olivares Escudero, Gerardo Tlahuizo Hernandez, Arturo Ordonez Diaz, Jorge Torres Hernandez, and Muñeca (the dog!).

Not pictured: Miguel Angel Olvera Diaz

General Manager - melissa@blackankle.com

Before joining Black Ankle in 2009, Melissa’s career spanned from supporting entrepreneurs in their pursuits for funding to legislative research for a U.S. Senator. She has a B.A. and an M.A. in Political Science from the California State University System, and an M.B.A from Mount Saint Mary’s. Melissa has had the opportunity to help Black Ankle grow from its beginnings to what it is today, and is looking forward to being a part of what it becomes in the future. Mel (as most people call her) lives in Taylorsville with her husband and two children, lots of goats, ponies, and chickens.

Where would you be if you were not at Black Ankle? “I would be outside with my family. My husband says I’m solar powered.”

Direct To Consumer Manager - zoe@blackankle.com

Zoe is a Maryland native, growing up in Urbana and currently residing in Westminser with her husband, Chris, rambunctious pup, Bixley, and daughter, Cameron. Zoe graduated from St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a degree in Psychology and a Minor in Education. Before joining Black Ankle’s team in 2019, Zoe worked as a Special Ed Para-educator in Montgomery County and has spent countless hours on the pool deck coaching swimmers, aged 5-18. When not at Black Ankle, Zoe is probably spending time with her family playing loud, fast paced games like “Catchphrase” or "Reverse Charades.”

Communications Manager - emma@blackankle.com

Emma was born in Baltimore but lived in Santa Barbara, California and Miami, Florida before landing back in Maryland. She holds a degree in Environmental Science and Policy and worked in consulting before stumbling on our little corner of the world in 2020. Now her passion lies in BAV’s sustainability initiatives and Wine Club program. When she is not at the farm, you can find her spending time with her partner Oneall, her cat Iggy, her horse Jewels, or somewhere outside with her family.

Tasting Room Manager - elizabeth@blackankle.com

Elizabeth is originally from Upstate New York but has been living in Baltimore for over 20 years! She’s been passionate about wine for all of her adult life, and is currently studying to achieve her WSET 3. This is actually a homecoming for her as she spent 2009-2010 at Black Ankle (back when we had cows!). She couldn’t be more thrilled to be back and to share with you what she has come to know and love about the grapes that are grown and the stories they tell. When she is not working you will find her hiking with her dog, Margo, watching Schitt’s Creek or Parks and Recreation, tending to her plant babies in the garden and enjoying German Pinot Noir (red and rosé) and Champagne.

Tasting Room Assistant Manager - matt@blackankle.com

Matt was born in South Jersey but has enjoyed living in Baltimore almost 20 years. It was here he discovered his passion for wine, spending many years at Bin 604 and getting to know producers from around the world. He’s excited to be a part of the Black Ankle team to share the beautiful stories created here, right in our own backyard. When he’s not at Black Ankle, he’s most likely reading, binge watching some new series, at a concert, or watching Liverpool play!

Education and Communication - karen@blackankle.com

Karen joined the Black Ankle Vineyards team in 2011, turning her passion for wine into a second career. She is WSET Level 3 certified and is a Certified Specialist of Wine. Although Karen moved to Arizona, she still works for Black Ankle behind the scenes answering emails, managing Wine Club Accounts, and writing tasting notes for upcoming Black Ankle releases. Karen will always spend some time working in the tasting room when she visits. She enjoys traveling, reading, and trying wines from all over the world.

Farmer Wayne - wayne@blackankle.com

Farmer Wayne often jokes that he “came with the farm,” and, well, that’s not too far from the truth. A lifelong Marylander from a long line of farmers, Wayne has been part of the Black Ankle story since day one, quite literally our neighbor when it all began. If something’s broken anywhere on the property, it won’t stay that way for long. From winery equipment to tasting room appliances, Wayne can fix just about anything, and for the rare thing he can’t, he’s got a buddy who can. His deep knowledge of the land, his easy laugh, and his can-do attitude keep this place running in ways big and small. And yes, when you’re enjoying a burger from the Terrace Kitchen menu, there’s a good chance it comes from Wayne’s own farm just down the road, raised with the same care and pride he brings to everything he does. When he’s not at the vineyard, you’ll find him with his wife, children, or grandchildren — almost always outside, almost always in motion, and almost always smiling.

Wholesale Accounts Coordinator & Tasting Room Associate - dennis@blackankle.com

Dennis joined Black Ankle as a part-time team member in 2008, transitioning to a full-time role in 2021 after a 20-year career with Thermo Fisher Scientific and the NIH, where he supported HIV and COVID clinical trials. It’s safe to say Dennis has a deep passion for wine. He’s explored wine regions across North and South America and Europe, but he’ll be the first to tell you that his heart belongs to Black Ankle and the Maryland wine industry. When he’s not at the vineyard, you’ll likely find Dennis at his home in the Outer Banks or in Rockville with his wife, Cindy, and their Brittany pup, Gunnar.

Culinary Operations Manager, The Terrace Kitchen - tony@blackankle.com

Chef Tony Castellon brings creativity, heart, and a coastal sensibility to every dish he makes. Originally from California, Tony has cooked his way across the country, from the shores of California to the mountains of Colorado, the farms of Maryland, and even a few unforgettable years in El Salvador. At just 28, he credits the strong women in his family, “the best cooks I know,” he says, for inspiring his path in the kitchen. His favorite thing to cook? “Anything seafood.” At Black Ankle, Tony loves pairing his food with our Passeggiata, for the story of community it carries, and Albariño, for the recipes it inspires in him.

Tasting Room Floor Lead - stephanie@blackankle.com

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Stephanie made her way to Maryland in 2016 and has been part of the Black Ankle family since 2017. She’s done it all here—working the bar, greeting guests at the host stand, even leading the charge on busy weekends—and no matter the role, she brings the true Black Ankle spirit with her. A proud mom of three, Stephanie loves crafting, baking, cooking up tasty meals, and playing volleyball. Add in her love of music, quick laugh, and joyful energy, and she’s the kind of teammate (and human!) who makes every day a little brighter.

Full Time Tasting Room Associate + Floor Lead - clara@blackankle.com

Clara is currently studying for her WSET Level 1 certification, a journey she began shortly before joining the team two years ago. She enjoys expanding her knowledge through study and exploration, with a particular interest in discovering new wines and their stories. Outside of work, Clara finds balance in caring for her many plants and three cats - Saturn, Pluto, and Mercury - as well as staying active through soccer. She also has a strong love for travel, both domestically and internationally, and is in the process of converting an old school bus into a home on wheels, reflecting her adventurous and creative spirit.

Tasting Room Associate + Vineyard Crew - taylor@blackankle.com

Taylor wears many hats at Black Ankle. In fact, we're constantly work-shopping his job title. During the busy season on Monday-Fridays he's usually working with our vineyard crew tending to the vines, taking care of the sheep, organizing the warehouse, or working in the winery. But on Saturdays he takes off his work gloves, puts on one of his signature bow ties, and returns to the Tasting Room. You can find him behind the bar, pouring wine and sharing his experience. When he's not on the farm, he's relaxing at home with his wife and three former Black Ankle employees, a trio of barn cats who retired themselves early.

Full Time Tasting Room Associate

Jimmy is our newest full-time tasting room team member, and he’s already become one of the friendliest faces around the farm. Genuine, curious, and always up for great conversation, Jimmy brings a sense of ease and warmth to every guest experience. Born and raised in Frederick County, he’s full of local wisdom, whether you’re looking for the best hiking trails, hidden-gem restaurants, or places to stay nearby. His favorite Black Ankle wine is Pinot Noir, and he’s always thrilled when the vineyard produces a vintage lucky enough to make it shine. Outside of work, Jimmy’s passions include burritos, videogames, and photography, and he’s a proud (and loyal!) Washington Commanders fan.

Wholesale Accounts Coordinator - kelly@blackankle.com

Kelly has been part of the wine industry since 2013. Before pursuing her passions of vino and skincare, Kelly worked for Marriott International and AOL, specializing in Account Management. She lives in Eldersburg (her hometown) with her husband and three energetic kiddos who love to eat almost as much as she does. Kelly went to Salisbury University and lived in San Fransico for three years. She loves seeing regulars in the tasting room, introducing new customers to her “happy place,” and being part of the Black Ankle family.

Our People

Ed Boyce & Sarah O'Herron

Evencio Torres Martinez

Our Vineyard Crew

Melissa Schulte

Zoe Lucas

Emma Pope

Elizabeth Samolis

Matthew Anderson

Karen Cool

Farmer Wayne Rhoderick

Jennifer MacFarlane

Dennis Smith

Chef Tony Castellon

Stephanie Oliveira

Clara Milstead

Kelly Perez

Taylor Michael

Jimmy Lynn

Kelly Choy

Our History