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Our Story
Our Story
Rooted in Family. Inspired by Simplicity.
Tucked away in the countryside of Showell, Maryland, Windmill Creek Winery & Farm Kitchen blends six generations of family heritage with a deep appreciation for good food, good wine, and good company. What began as a family farmhouse in 1858 is now a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, a space to slow down, reconnect, and celebrate the simple life.
The Mariner Family
Windmill Creek is owned and operated by Barry and Jeannie Mariner and their daughter, Brittany. The family story began generations ago on the same land, once part of a 150-acre farm. Barry grew up visiting his grandparents, Ed and Gertrude Mariner, who cultivated corn, soybeans, and vegetables and raised livestock here.
When Barry inherited the property in 2015, he and his family began restoring the 1858 farmhouse that had once been the heart of the farm. The project was about more than renovation; it was about preservation. Every beam, floorboard, and brick tells the story of the Mariner family and their dedication to honoring the past while creating something new.
The Historic Mariner House
The farmhouse at the center of the property was built in 1858 by Lemuel Showell II, founder of the town of Showell, for his son Lemuel Showell III and his new wife. Lemuel III would later help shape the region’s history as president of the Pocomoke and Wicomico Railroad and one of the founders of Ocean City. He played a major role in bringing the first tourists to the beach by train.
Today, the home stands beautifully restored with a blend of 19th-century craftsmanship and modern comfort. Visitors can explore the same rooms where the family’s story began while enjoying wine, dining, and the peaceful landscape that has surrounded the farmhouse for more than 160 years.
From Family Farm to Winery
The idea for Windmill Creek grew from Brittany’s passion for winemaking, which she began studying in 2012 while earning a degree in Enology and Viticulture. Continuing a family tradition started by her grandfather and great-grandparents, Brittany saw the family land as more than a memory. She believed it could once again produce something meaningful.
Together, she and her parents transformed the property into a working vineyard and welcoming winery. After three and a half years of renovation and planning, Windmill Creek Winery & Farm Kitchen opened in August 2018. What started as a dream to preserve the family farm has become a place where people gather to share meals, taste handcrafted wines, and make memories.
A Place to Celebrate the Simple Life
Every detail at Windmill Creek reflects the family’s belief that the best experiences are often the simplest ones. An afternoon glass of wine in the garden, laughter around a shared table, or a quiet moment beneath the shade trees. Whether you are here for a tasting, dinner, or one of our special events, we invite you to feel at home and be part of the story we continue to write.
