Wine has always been more than a beverage in our family—it’s been a way of life. At The Urban Winery of Silver Spring in Silver Spring, MD, every bottle we craft carries a memory, a lesson, and a legacy. It all started with a father, a daughter, and a simple rule: if you wanted to be part of the family, you made wine together.
Where Tradition Met a New Beginning
In the early 1970s, Georgia Callis was learning the art of winemaking from her father, Anthony—known lovingly as Bole. A Greek immigrant and carpenter by trade, Bole made his wine the old-fashioned way, crushing grapes by foot and pouring his heart into every barrel. From childhood, Georgia was there at his side, soaking in the craft and the culture.
Years later, Georgia met Damon, a Marine with a deep respect for tradition and a growing admiration for Georgia. Bole invited Damon to make wine as a kind of test—a rite of passage into the family. It became more than a challenge. It became the start of a lifelong passion.
From Hobby to Something More
Even as careers took them in different directions—Georgia as a registered OR nurse, Damon as a financial planner—winemaking remained a constant. They entered competitions, honed their skills, and continued creating bold, expressive wines in their free time. Damon may have had a hard time pulling Bole away from Old Vine Zinfandel, but that didn’t stop them from experimenting with new blends using the same small-batch techniques they still use today.
A Legacy That Led to Something Greater
2013 changed everything. Bole began to show signs of Alzheimer’s. It would be his final year making wine. Yet even as his memory faded, his joy remained. Watching Georgia and Damon carry on the tradition brought light to his final days.
He passed away in April 2014. His loss was deeply felt—but also transformative. His passion didn’t disappear. It became the driving force behind something bigger.
Inspired by “Παρέα” (Parea)
In Greek culture, there’s a word: παρέα—parea. It means gathering together with friends and family, sharing stories, and celebrating life. That feeling is at the heart of The Urban Winery. More than anything, Georgia and Damon wanted to give their community a space where they could do the same.
They founded The Urban Winery on the belief that wine should be made where people live, work, and connect—not just on distant estates. They built Maryland’s first urban winery to be hands-on, authentic, and personal. Every pour here is rooted in that tradition.
Wines That Speak for Themselves
We don’t just make wine—we make wine that tells a story. Our wines reflect the people who drink them: bold, quirky, light, deep, fun, mysterious, and adventurous. Every batch is handcrafted, every flavor intentional.
Whether you prefer a smoky red, a crisp white, or something sweet and experimental, there’s a bottle here with your name on it. We don’t mass-produce. We create. And every label has something to say.
From Our Family to Yours
Making wine wasn’t always easy. There were disagreements, surprises, and plenty of laughs. But it brought us together. It still does. We’re proud to share that spirit with you—through every tasting, every event, and every bottle.
So when you visit us, know this: you’re not stepping into just a winery. You’re stepping into a story. And it’s still being written.
The Urban Winery is a tribute to the man who started it all, to the family who believed in something different, and to the community who made it real. You don’t need to be an expert to feel at home here—you just need to show up, take a sip, and let the wine speak for itself.
A Space Built for Community
From First Visit to Favorite Spot
Whether you're here for a casual sip, a guided class, or a private event, we want your time with us to feel effortless and real. We’re not just pouring wine—we’re making room for connection.
This Winery Is for Everyone
We’re not here to be exclusive. We’re here to share. No matter your wine knowledge or background, you’re part of what we’re creating—a local place where stories, flavors, and people come together.
Volunteer With The Urban Winery—Join Our Community
Be Part of the Experience
Love The Urban Winery’s wines? Here’s your chance to get involved! We attend many wine festivals and farmers markets throughout the year, and we welcome passionate volunteers to join our team.
What You’ll Get
Sign up for a 2-3 hour volunteer shift and enjoy free festival entry, receive an exclusive Urban Winery t-shirt, and get special access to tastings and conversations with our winemakers.
How to Join
Complete the volunteer form on this page to be added to our list. We look forward to having you with us!
Volunteer Submission For The Urban Winery
Contact Us
Wine should be close to home—in spirit, flavor, and purpose. Visit us to experience how family, tradition, and local passion shape everything we pour.
Call (301) 585-4100 to become part of the story we’re still writing every day.
