Some places reveal themselves slowly.
Driving along the roads surrounding Deep Creek Lake, it would be easy to miss the gravel lane off of Sand Flat Road leading to Blackthorne Cellars. There are no grand entrances or dramatic announcements. Instead, visitors find themselves winding down a quiet drive before suddenly emerging into an unexpectedly beautiful setting where rolling grounds, open skies, and specially designed spaces create an atmosphere that appears far removed from the everyday.
Since opening on Labor Day weekend in 2025, Blackthorne Cellars has become one of Deep Creek Lake’s newest destinations, providing visitors a unique way to experience the area. While the region is known for outdoor recreation, lake activities, and hiking, Blackthorne Cellars provides something different—a place where the tempo slows down, and the emphasis shifts to conversation, relaxation, and enjoying the moment.
The winery is the idea of owners Mike and Amy Ohm, who were looking for a way to diversify while bringing a special experience to the community. Their goal was not simply to create a winery, but to establish a gathering place that would complement everything visitors already love about Deep Creek Lake. The result is a place that feels welcoming whether it’s on a sunny summer afternoon, a colorful autumn weekend, or a rainy day when outdoor plans need to change. While
families are certainly welcome, the atmosphere tends more toward the classic winery experience than a traditional restaurant setting. Guests arrive to sip, linger, and enjoy their surroundings.
The road from idea to opening was aided by support from friends who operate a winery in a different area. Drawing on that experience, Mike and Amy began shaping what would eventually become Blackthorne Cellars. Today, the winery’s grapes are sourced from Washington, known for producing delicious wine grapes. In the future, the owners hope to bring even
more of the process to Deep Creek Lake by growing grapes locally and eventually expanding on-site production facilities. The long-term vision is to continue connecting the winery to the region.
What makes Blackthorne Cellars memorable, however, goes well beyond the wine itself.
The grounds invite visitors to settle in and stay awhile. Outdoor seating areas are carefully arranged throughout the property, providing spaces where couples, families, and groups of friends can gather comfortably. The setting encourages conversation, whether over a bottle of wine or while taking in views of the nearby landscape.
An outdoor stage hosts live music events throughout the season, adding another piece to the experience. On those evenings, the winery becomes a gathering place where visitors and locals alike can enjoy music, food, and wine against a background that feels very much Deep Creek.
Inside, the experience shifts but loses none of its charm.
The interior displays the care and skill that have become hallmarks of the winery. Under the leadership of General Manager Ashley Ohm, guests are welcomed into a space that appears both grand and comfortable.
A handmade wooden bar stretches along one side of the room, while a massive wood-burning fireplace covers the other. Natural materials, warm tones, and carefully chosen design details create an inviting environment that encourages guests to slow down and take it all in. Whether you’re visiting on a quiet, peaceful weekday or a standing room only weekend, Blackthorne is something to see.
Of course, the star of Blackthorne Cellars remains the wine.
The winery currently offers eight wines produced exclusively for its guests, with additional varieties planned. Several have already earned recognition at respected wine competitions in California, an impressive accomplishment for a winery still in its early years.
Visitors quickly discover that the wine program has been carefully and thoughtfully executed. Each selection reflects a commitment to quality and craftsmanship, providing guests with wines distinctive to Blackthorne Cellars. The selections include names of local catchphrases such as Lake, Creek, and Cove, as well as names honoring the couple’s lovable dogs.
The dining choices complement the wine experience without upstaging it. Guests can enjoy custom charcuterie selections, pizzas, handheld favorites, and other menu items designed for sharing and pairing. Together, the food and wine create an experience that feels casual enough for an afternoon visit yet special enough for celebrations and gatherings.
For many, though, the lasting impression comes from the atmosphere itself.
As Maria, a staffer of the winery, explains, “There is a hidden gem here that is welcoming to locals as well as those from out of town, offering a really warm, comforting, elegant place to hang out, enjoy good company, good food, good music, good
hospitality with an excellent Check Out this Impressive Carving! Check Out this Impressive Carving! product.”
Her description captures what many visitors discover for themselves. Blackthorne Cellars is not simply a stop along the way. It is a destination that invites people to pause, connect, and enjoy the beauty of both the setting and the experience.
As Deep Creek Lake continues to grow as a year-round destination, places like Blackthorne Cellars help showcase another side of the region—one based not on activity and adventure, but on hospitality, craftsmanship, and community.
Open daily from noon to 6 p.m., Blackthorne Cellars offers visitors an opportunity to experience something unexpected. At the end of a quiet gravel lane, tucked away from the rush of everyday life, a memorable experience awaits.
Written by Tamra Canfield.
From the August issue of the Lakefront Magazine.
