2026 Wine Label Contest

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

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!

Donation Link

Contest Overview:

The St. Mary’s County Arts Council (SMCAC) has partnered with the Port of Leonardtown Winery (POL) to host a wine label design contest to celebrate the release of a new white wine and to raise funds for the Arts Council.

This collaboration is the second of an annual design partnership.

The label will capture the essence of a unique white wine. The limited run variety will be released at a celebration in summer 2026.

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

A team comprised of winery staff and the Arts Council will select the top three designs.

These three designs will be presented to the community for a final vote. The label receiving the most community votes will be featured on the wine bottles. 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.).

. Awards:

  • 1st Place Design: $250 (sponsored by the POL) and a POL Complimentary Tasting Gift Certificate. This will be the featured image for the wine bottle.

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

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

Submit your unique design by completing the application below!

Before you begin, please review the Contest Guidelines listed below to ensure that your submission meets all guidelines.

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

Contest Guidelines

  • One entry per person. Must be age 18 or older to enter.

  • Artist must be a resident of St. Mary’s, Calvert, or Charles counties.

  • Winning art work is subject to cropping and editing as needed.

  • Artwork may be any medium.

  • Artwork should be a spring or summer theme, appropriate for a bottle of off-dry white wine with floral aromatics.

  • All entries must be of a family-friendly nature.

  • Title the submitted image by artist’s last name, first name, title (ex. Davis John Art Title Goes Here.jpg).

  • All submissions must be original work.

  • By entering the contest, the artist agrees to the guideline terms above and gives permission for the submitted image to be used by St. Mary’s County Arts Council and the Port of Leonardtown Winery for marketing, promotional, and related purposes.

  • Additional opportunities may also be available (i.e. the production of limited edition prints, sale of original work, t-shirt designs, etc.).

Timeline

January 10 @5 PM

Last day to submit your design!

January 17

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

January 17 - 24

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


January 26

Winners announced!


Summer - date TBA

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


Summer - date TBA

Wine Release Celebration at the POL Winery!

(NOTE: timeline is subject to change based on the wine production process.)

Collaboration with:

  • Port of Leonardtown Winery

    Website

  • St. Mary's County Arts Council

    About Us