December Featured Wines – Christophe Monget Vigneron Coteaux du Giennois Sauvignon Blanc, France & Domaine Gouron Croix de Bois Cabernet Franc, France

December 6, 2025 · by ·

Our December white wine is a Sauvignon Blanc the comes from the small appellation of Coteaux du Giennois. This appellation is near Sancerre and Pouilley-Fume which are better known in the Loire Valley. While lesser known, the region produces small quantities of Sauvignon Blanc and Gamay wines that are high quality and more budget-friendly then those their neigbors produce. 2023 Christophe Monget Vigneron Coteaux du Giennois Sauvignon Blanc is a great example of these qualities. The Monget family had been grain farmers when they converted their small acreage to wine organically grown on flinty soil that is high in calcium carbonate. The result is a nice crisp and clean Sauvignon Blanc with a refreshing finish. Wine Enthusiast gives this a 90.

Our red selection comes after a customer asked if I could order a case of 2023 Domaine Gouron Croix de Bois Cabernet Franc. He had it at Our Harvest in Fenwick then bought a bottle for uncorking at Liquid Assets. Needless to say, buying a case with our discount was very attractive. I had not had a Cabernet Franc on our shelves for a while so I bought a case. I then decided it is a nice choice for wine club. This wine also reflects the terrior of the Loire Valley. The 35-50 year old grapes are grown in the Chinon appellation where Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc grapes are most prominent. This a medium-bodied red that can be served slightly chilled and drinks well alone or with food such as roasted chicken and salmon.

Both wines are perfect for holiday dinner parties since they complement just about any menu – except a rich rib roast! We have other choices for that! Both wines would be appreciated gifts as do any of our wines.

2023 Christophe Monget Vigneron Coteaux du Giennois Sauvignon Blanc, France
$21

This 100% Sauvignon Blanc has a nose composed of tangerine, grapefruit and lemon aromas with a subtle background of lily and elderberry. A wine with great freshness and vitality offering a consistent palate of citrus. A wine full of finesse and perfect tension and a finish of mineral notes Alcohol: 12.5%

2023 Domaine Gouron Croix de Bois Cabernet Franc, France
$21

This Cabernet Franc is fresh, pure and expressive. The aromas are crushed raspberry, wild herbs, and violets lead into a palate that is focused and energetic. The tannins are fine in this medium bodied wine. This is a perfect pairing with chicken fish and pork. Alcohol: 13%

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December Featured Artists – Barbara Beauchamp, Lois Engberg & Kathryn Engberg

October 31, 2025 · by ·

What could be more appropriate for the end of 2025 than continuing the exhibit of the very talented three generations of the Beauchamp and Engberg family. In 2006 Lois Engberg and her mother, Barbara Beauchamp, had their first show together. In 2013 when Lois’s daughter, Kathryn Engberg (Katie to many), was a student at the Grand Central Atelier in Manhattan, she exhibited with her grandmother and mother. In 2017 after Katie graduated, she again exhibited with her mother. In 2023 after Kathryn returned to Salisbury, and Barbara was back in her studio, they joined Lois in another three-generation show. Once again, these talented artists will show a mix of landscapes and florals by Lois and Barbara and figures Kathryn paints from live models. The common element in all of their paintings is their ability to paint from life – landscapes, garden florals or human figures. This is sure to be a show of beautiful paintings. Follow Lois and Kathryn on Instagram. We will show their work on our Facebook page.

Lois Engberg

Barbara Beauchamp

Kathryn Engberg

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November Featured Wines – Bodegas Muga Rioja Blanco & Bodegas Muga El Anden de la Estacion Crianza, Rioja, Spain

October 31, 2025 · by ·

Our wines featured in November are again from Spain. This time they are from Bodegas Muga in Hara, Rioja, the region in North Central Spain. The Bodegas was founded in 1932 by husband and wife team – Isaac Muga and Aurora Caño. The Muga Family is synonymous with tradition and the skill of an artisan. Three generations have now contributed to the history of this Rioja cellar.

Bodegas Muga is the only winery left in Spain that uses only oak throughout the entire process of elaboration of their wines. Muga has its own cooperage and directly importing American and French oak makes this possible. The winery manufactures about 2,000 barrels each year. The wine is racked every four months by gravity and the use of candle to detect sediment. Fining is done by egg whites. The process takes over two months as the raft of egg whites sink to the bottom of the vat. This is a very expensive technique, but it succeeds in giving Muga reds a distinctive velvety texture. The vineyards are nestled in the foot hills of the Montes Obarenes in the heart of Rioja Alta. The winery owns approximately 620 acres of Garnacha, Tempranillo, Viura, and Malvasia vineyards, and it controls an additional 370 acres from other growers.

The selected wines are 2024 Bodegas Muga Rioja Blanco & 2022 Bodegas Muga El Anden de la Estacion Crianza.

2024 Bodegas Muga Rioja Blanco $19

The 2024 vintage Muga Blanco is a blend of Viura, Malvasia, Garnacha Blanca. It has a pale, straw-yellow color. On the nose you can find notes of white blossom, stone fruit and a slight hint of vanilla which adds complexity. On the palate, the lively acidity is perfectly balanced by the body. You can taste citrus notes accompanied by a subtle salinity which gives it greater length. The aftertaste is long, with reminders of citrus and stone fruit, leaving a fresh, elegant sensation. This white is a perfect match for grilled fish, shellfish and rice dishes, among others. Ideal for enjoying by the glass, as an aperitif or together with a small snack on a terrace. Alcohol: 13.5%

2022 Bodegas Muga El Anden de la Estacion Crianza $20

Muga El Andén de la Estación Crianza is a new project launched in 2020 by the Muga family. This Crianza is a blend of Tempranillo (70%) & Garnacha (30%.) It has aromas of ripe summer cherry, coffee bean and dried thyme and sage set the stage for blackberry, butterscotch, herbes de Provence and orange-zest. The tannins are silky. Lingering notes of fresh sage leaf and citrus zest remain on the palate. Alcohol: 14.5%

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October Featured Artists – Ann Hayden & Maurice Spectator

October 9, 2025 · by ·

The perfect way to celebrate fall is to show work by two our favorite artists from the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Ann Hayden and Maurice Spector are kindred spirits when it comes to the subjects they paint. While their painting medium differs as do their painterly styles one of the subjects they both paint are birds. You have to understand their aviary interests are not traditional. Ann’s interests focus on abstract takes on bird characteristics and behavior. Maurice represents birds as humorous characters often incorporated with other images. Where they differ is media and size. Maurice’s subjects will vary from birds to other small creatures. He will also show wood and limestone sculpture. As I said about their last show in 2022, this is one of those shows where I chuckle as I hang because of the paintings and their humorous titles.

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October Featured Wines – 2023 Luzon Coleccion Blanco & 2022 Altos de Luzon Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain

October 9, 2025 · by ·

October wines are produced by Bodegas Luzon from the Jumilla Applellation in the Murcia Region in the southeast coastal region of Spain. Read about the history of the winery and you will see how three families have preserved the traditions of the founder. Don Jose de Molina who used the name, Luzon, for the Phillipine island where he had lived for several years. Today’s owners, the Fuertes family, have invested to modernize this family business for today’s wine world.

The winery shows their pride in 6 different categories. The white, 2023 Coleccion Blanco, is from Coleccion, their “youngest, freshest and more daring wines.” It is a blend of 50% Macabeo and 50% Sauvignon Blanc. It is grown in limestone soil in trellissed vineyards with 20 year old vines. The red, 2022 Altos de Luzon Monastrell, is from the Icons, a collection of 5 unique wines “selected fom exclusive vineyards and vines with a long history and low yields. Do not be confused by names. Monastrell (name used in Spain) and Mouvedre (name used in France) are the same varietal but often used in French blends. This wine is 100% Mouvedre and is considered “iconic” due to the combination of climate, soil, area grown and 12 months in oak casks leading to a 91 from Wine Enthusiast.

2023 Luzon Coleccion Blanco, Jumilla, Spain $12

The color of this blend is yellow with greenish hints. On the nose are apple and tropical notes. It has a rich taste with balanced acidity and a pleasing finish. A great bright accompaniment to shellfish with lots of garlic, grilled seafood and higher fat dishes like duck. Alcohol:12%

2022 Altos de Luzon Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain $20

The nose catches bright fruit right away with oak lightly coming through. Tasty, amiable and generous on the palate. Chocolate tones, mature tannins, good acidity with silky texture and good balance. fruit. This is a good pairing for steak and hearty meats. Alcohol: 14.5%

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September Featured Artist – Maurice Sevigny

September 1, 2025 · by ·

Our September artist, Maurice Sevigny, last showed his paintings with us in 2018. He is retired from academic leadership and teaching at the University of Arizona, the University of Texas at Austin, Bowling Green University and Western Kentucky University. In his Salisbury studio he continues to create colorful mixed media paintings and distinctive jewelry, both inspired by international travel. He is known for his very colorful mixed media adaptations of figurative and landscape images. The paintings in this show were influenced by a professional trip to Japan. A special selection of Maurice’s jewelry will be available. The Opening Reception is Friday, September 5 from 5 until 8.

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September Featured Wines – 2022 AdegaMae Dory Lisboa Branco, 2020 Confidencial Reserva Vinho Tinto,Portugal

September 1, 2025 · by ·

This month we are staying with European wines that we know are already in our distributors’ warehouses and not just coming ashore subject to the new tariffs. Our September wines are from the Lisboa region of Portugal. The Lisboa wine region is located in central-western Portugal, surrounding the capital city of Lisbon and stretching along the Atlantic coast north of the city. It was formerly known as the Estremadura region before being renamed in 2009 to capitalize on the internationally recognized name of Portugal’s capital. Wines grown in this region are influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Over 30 varietals are grown in the region. By production volume, Lisboa is the largest wine producing region in Portugal.

These are not the first wines we have featured from Portugal so if you have been with us awhile you know almost all Portugese wines are blends of grapes, some unique to the country. The white selection is 2022 AdegaMae Dory Vinho Branco produced by Dioga Lopes and Anselmo Mendes. This is a blend of Viosinho, Arinto, Alvarinho and Sauvignon Blanc grapes.The wine shows good balance and a fresh edge along with a bright lemon aftertaste. The red selection is 2020 Confidencial Reserva Tinto produced by Casa Santos Lima. This is a blend of Tinto Cao and Carmaralet. Ron Pilling’s notes on this wine provide interesting backgound information on both varietals. Ranked #1 by Wine Spectator for “Wineries for Value” from Portugal, the Confidencial Reserva is also a great buy. This is considered a wine to keep but i find it delicious now!

2022 AdegaMae Dory Lisboa Branco, Portugal $13

Boasting a generous aromatic intensity, this wine shows its youth in a fine concentration of citric notes, asparagus, and tropical aromas; medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and delicate creaminess; smooth, it delivers good fruit and a dash of salinity on the finish, This is a great wine with seafood. Alcohol:12.5%

2020 Confidencial Reserva Vinho Tinto, Portugal $15

This wine shows great complex aromas of red fruits and some vanilla. Medium body in the mouth, well balanced, with sensations of red fruits, combined with the elegancy of wood notes and fine tannins In the aftertaste, it is smooth, with some acidity and complexity, overcoming ripe fruit, chocolate and some dry fruits..This is a good pairing for Mexican food. Alcohol: 13.5%

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Featured Artist for July – Ann Schaefer

July 12, 2025 · by ·

In July we are continuing with a plein air exhibit of Eastern Shore landscapes and landmarks. We have a tradition of bringing Paint Snow Hill “alumni” back to the gallery with great enthusiasm for how their plein air “eye” and technique have developed. True to plein air painters, our featured artist for July, Ann Schaefer, paints to catch the light and atmosphere of time and place. While she paints a few interiors, Ann’s time outdoors in Maryland, in the area surrounding Washington, DC, Frederick County and the Eastern Shore, is what feeds her inspiration. While Ann does not need a structured event to paint, she does participate in organized “paint outs” throughout the region. She was recently a guest artist for the Lower Shore Land Trust Pollinator Tour.

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Featured Wines for July – 2023 J.P. Chenet Sauvignon Blanc & 2022 Josephine Dubois Pinot Noir, France

July 12, 2025 · by ·

This month we are featuring wines that are part of Les Grands Chais de France, a partnership of wine-growers in France with over 7400 acres of vineyards and a man named Joseph Helfrich who is connected to both “brands.” The white is 2023 J.P. Chenet Sauvignon Blanc. It is considered a Vin de France. This designation allows winemakers more flexibility in terms of grape varieties and winemaking techniques, as it doesn’t require specific regional appellations.Vin de France wines are not bound by the strict rules of specific French wine regions (like Bordeaux or Burgundy). J.P. Chenet has become the most appreciated brand of French wine in the world since their wines meet consumer needs in different markets. All of the wines except our wine are bottled in a unqiue bottle with a tilted neck. Our red selection is 2022 Josephine Dubois Pinot Noir. This wine is branded as Vin de Bourgogne since it is produced in the Burgundy Appellation. It is considered a Grand Reserve which means it has undergone a long period of aging. Pinot Noir wines from California, Oregon and Washington State have gained great recognition but the varietal is primarly associated with Burgundy.

2023 J.P. Chenet Sauvignon Blanc, France $15

This Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and zesty, full of freshness and aromas. Th color is golden with green highlights. Aromas are citrus fruit, lemon and grapefruit. This is a highly aromatic & light wine. It is the perfect compliment for fish or any seafood. Alcohol: 10.5%

2022 Josephine Dubois Pinot Noir, France $18

This is a crowd pleasing Pinot Noir. It is bright ruby in color and a nose rich with aromas of red fruits such as raspberry, red currants and wild strawberry. On the palate, it is juicy and round with nice fruit, light tannins, and great elegance.Alcohol: 13%

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June Featured Artist – Larry Horowitz

May 31, 2025 · by ·

Since Paint Snow Hill days I have remained fascinated by the diverse talents of artists who paint “en plein air.” The history of plein air painting is based on the desire for French artists in the mid-800s to capture changing light and weather by painting landscapes outside their studios. They wanted to catch nature’s elements in real time. Through the course of the past 200 years outdoor painting has remained popular with some artists only painting plein while others use plein air paintings as studies for studio paintings. Today choices artists use in plein air painting are more diverse by medium, approach to composition and chosen techniques. The plein air movement continues to evolve as artists find subjects to paint wherever they are.

I offer this brief background to introduce our June artist, Larry Horowitz, and how we became acquainted. Last spring, Larry and his wife, Tami, paid a visit to the gallery while they were renting a house in Rumbley, Somerset County. Rumbley is not a place you think someone from New York would find but Larry is a “traveling” artist who during the first four months of the year takes time to explore the East Coast region from the Carolinas to Virginia and Maryland. The time of year and changing seasons feed his artist’s appetite for subject matter to paint plein air. It goes without saying – Larry finds wonderful landscapes and local imagery to paint – in the traditon of plein air painting. This was his second year in Rumbley.

To those who know me, it should be no surprise that I asked Larry if he would show his work at Bishop’s Stock. It is our good fortune he agreed to a show in June. His paintings are full of color, energy and local references to the Eastern Shore. Check Larry’s website to see his accomplishments. Unfortunately, he will be traveling and unable to be at the opening on Friday, June 6 from 5 until 8 but the paintings will tell his story and how the Eastern Shore inspires him.

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