When it comes to wine appreciation in Baltimore, the name of Al Spoler is very well known. As co-host of the long-running radio program “Cellar Notes,” Al has been sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge with the audience for over 25 years.
His wine related activities are widespread. He speaks frequently on wine topics, often covering the history of wine making in Maryland. He has taught wine appreciation at Johns Hopkins University and he has served as a judge in numerous regional wine competitions.
Spoler has been serving as the director of the Maryland Governor’s Cup Wine Competition since 1999. In that capacity he organizes the state’s premier wine contest, which features the best of Maryland wines. From that position he has had a front row seat to observe the dramatic improvement in wine making in the state. He is known in the Maryland wine industry as a vigorous champion of their wines and a dedicated promoter of them.
Spoler serves as co-chairman of the Wine Intra- Club at Baltimore’s Center Club, where he also serves on the Wine Advisory Group helping to direct the club’s wine policy. In his role as co-chairman he organizes monthly educational tastings that feature knowledgeable narration and carefully selected bottles to illustrate the topic of the evening.
The wines of Italy and Alsace are of particular interest to Al Spoler. He regards them as among the best values in the world, offering regional character and polished up-to-date vineyard and cellar techniques. This is his second wine tour of Spain, a country where he feels increasingly at home… especially with a copa de vino in his hand.