Best 12 Wineries in Maryland: Top Places to Sip and Savor
Maryland is home to some of the finest wineries and vineyards in the country. With its rich history of winemaking dating back to the 17th century, Maryland has developed a reputation for producing high-quality wines that are enjoyed by wine enthusiasts around the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual wine drinker, Maryland has something to offer everyone. From award-winning wineries like Linganore Winecellars and Boordy Vineyards to smaller boutique wineries like Old Westminster Winery and Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards, Maryland’s wine country offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors to enjoy.
With its picturesque landscapes and welcoming atmosphere, Maryland’s wine country is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a day trip. So whether you’re looking to explore the region’s rich history of winemaking or simply want to enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the breathtaking views, Maryland’s wineries and vineyards are sure to impress.
Maryland’s Wine History
Maryland has a rich history of wine production that dates back to the 17th century. The first vineyard in Maryland was planted in 1648 by a settler named Leonard Calvert. However, it wasn’t until the 1940s that commercial wine production began in the state.
Philip Wagner, a Baltimore Sun journalist, is often credited with jumpstarting the modern Maryland wine industry. In the 1940s, Wagner began experimenting with different grape varieties and winemaking techniques in his backyard. He eventually opened Boordy Vineyards, Maryland’s first commercial winery, in 1945.
Today, Maryland has over 100 wineries and vineyards, with the majority located in the central and southern regions of the state. The state’s unique climate and topography make it ideal for growing a variety of grapes, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir.
The Maryland Grape Growers Association was formed in 1981 to promote the grape-growing and winemaking industries in the state. In recent years, Maryland wines have gained recognition and awards at national and international competitions.
Top Wineries in Maryland
Maryland is home to more than 100 wineries, each offering a unique experience to wine enthusiasts. Here are some of the top wineries in Maryland that are worth a visit:
Linganore Winecellars
Linganore Winecellars is one of the oldest and largest wineries in Maryland. Located in Mount Airy, Linganore produces a wide variety of wines, from dry reds to sweet whites. Visitors can enjoy a tasting in the spacious tasting room or take a tour of the winery and vineyards.
Website: http://www.linganorewines.com/
Address: 13601 Glissans Mill Rd, Mt Airy, MD 21771, United States
Black Ankle Vineyards
Black Ankle Vineyards is a boutique winery located in Mount Airy that produces small-batch, high-quality wines. The winery is known for its red blends and has won numerous awards for its wines. Visitors can enjoy a tasting in the beautiful tasting room or take a tour of the vineyards and winery.
Website: http://www.blackankle.com/
Address: 14463 Black Ankle Rd, Mt Airy, MD 21771, United States
Big Cork Vineyards
Big Cork Vineyards is a relatively new winery located in Rohrersville that has quickly become one of the top wineries in Maryland. The winery produces a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Visitors can enjoy a tasting in the modern tasting room or take a tour of the winery and vineyards.
Website: http://www.bigcorkvineyards.com/
Address: 4236 Main St, Rohrersville, MD 21779, United States
Old Westminster Winery
Old Westminster Winery is a family-owned winery located in Westminster that produces small-batch, handcrafted wines. The winery is known for its innovative winemaking techniques and has won numerous awards for its wines. Visitors can enjoy a tasting in the cozy tasting room or take a tour of the winery and vineyards.
Website: http://www.oldwestminster.com/
Address: 1550 Old Westminster Rd, Westminster, MD 21157, United States
Elk Run Vineyard
Elk Run Vineyard is a small, family-owned winery located in Mount Airy that produces a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The winery is known for its beautiful vineyards and has won numerous awards for its wines. Visitors can enjoy a tasting in the rustic tasting room or take a tour of the winery and vineyards.
Website: http://elkrun.com/
Address: 15113 Liberty Rd, Mt Airy, MD 21771, United States
Catoctin Breeze Vineyard
Catoctin Breeze Vineyard is a boutique winery located in Thurmont that produces small-batch, high-quality wines. The winery is known for its red blends and has won numerous awards for its wines. Visitors can enjoy a tasting in the cozy tasting room or take a tour of the vineyards and winery.
Website: http://www.catoctinbreeze.com/
Address: 15010 Roddy Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, United States
Boordy Vineyards
Boordy Vineyards is one of the oldest wineries in Maryland, located in Hydes. The winery produces a wide variety of wines, from dry reds to sweet whites. Visitors can enjoy a tasting in the spacious tasting room or take a tour of the winery and vineyards.
Website: https://www.boordy.com/
Address: 12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes, Maryland, United States
Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard is a family-owned winery located in Dickerson that produces a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The winery is known for its beautiful vineyards and has won numerous awards for its wines. Visitors can enjoy a tasting in the cozy tasting room or take a tour of the winery and vineyards.
Website: http://www.smvwinery.com/
Address: 18125 Comus Rd, Dickerson, MD 20842, United States
Basignani Winery
Basignani Winery is a family-owned winery located in Sparks that produces small-batch, high-quality wines. The winery is known for its red blends and has won numerous awards for its wines. Visitors can enjoy a tasting in the cozy tasting room or take a tour of the vineyards and winery.
Website: http://www.basignani.com/
Address: 15722 Falls Rd, Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152, United States
Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery
Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery is a unique winery located in Middletown that specializes in mead, a type of wine made from honey. The winery also produces a variety of fruit wines and has won numerous awards for its wines. Visitors can enjoy a tasting in the cozy tasting room or take a tour of the winery and vineyards.
Website: http://www.orchidcellar.com/
Address: 8546 Pete Wiles Rd, Middletown, MD 21769, United States
Rocklands Farm Winery
Rocklands Farm Winery is a small, family-owned winery located in Poolesville that produces a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The winery is known for its beautiful vineyards and has won numerous awards for its wines. Visitors can enjoy a tasting in the rustic tasting room or take a tour of the winery and vineyards.
Website: http://www.rocklandsfarmmd.com/
Address: 14531 Montevideo Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837, United States
Blue Elk Vineyard
Blue Elk Vineyard is a small, family-owned winery located in North East that produces a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The winery is known for its beautiful vineyards and has won numerous awards for its wines. Visitors can enjoy a tasting in the cozy tasting room or take a tour of the winery and vineyards.
Website: http://blueelkvineyard.com/
Address: 88 Rivers Edge Rd, North East, MD 21901, United States
The Wine Tasting Experience
Maryland is home to some of the best wineries in the United States. With over 100 wineries in the state, there is no shortage of options for visitors looking to taste some of the finest wines in the region.
Wineries in Maryland offer a unique wine-tasting experience that combines great wines with beautiful views and delicious food. Visitors can enjoy a variety of different wine tastings, from traditional tastings to more elaborate experiences that include food pairings and vineyard tours.
Many wineries in Maryland offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside, making wine tasting an even more enjoyable experience. Visitors can sit back and relax while enjoying a glass of wine and taking in the beautiful scenery.
Food is an integral part of the wine-tasting experience in Maryland. Many wineries offer food trucks or local fare to complement their wines. Some even have their own restaurants that serve delicious dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Visitors can also enjoy live music while sipping on their favorite wines. Many wineries in Maryland host live music events on weekends, providing a great atmosphere for visitors to relax and enjoy the wine-tasting experience.
For those looking for a more in-depth experience, vineyard tours are a great option. Visitors can learn about the winemaking process and the history of the winery while strolling through the vineyards.
Wine tours are also available for those who want to visit multiple wineries in the area. These tours typically include transportation and visits to several wineries, making it easy for visitors to enjoy a variety of different wines in one day.
Cheese and charcuterie boards are often available at wineries in Maryland, providing the perfect complement to the wines on offer. Visitors can sample a variety of cheeses and meats while sipping on their favorite wines, creating a truly memorable wine-tasting experience.
Many wineries in Maryland also offer wedding packages, making them a popular destination for couples looking to tie the knot. With beautiful vineyards and stunning views, wineries provide a picturesque backdrop for weddings and other special events.
Awards and Recognition
Maryland wineries have been gaining recognition and winning awards for their exceptional wines. The Maryland Wineries Association hosts the Maryland Winemasters Choice Competition, where wineries from across the state submit their best wines for judging. The competition has different categories, including best in class, best in show, and the Comptroller’s Cup, which is awarded to the overall winner.
In 2022, Port of Leonardtown Winery won the Comptroller’s Cup for their Vintner’s Select White 2021. Linganore Winecellars won Best in Class for their Bella Luce 2021 in the sparkling category. Mazzaroth Vineyard won Best in Class for their Vidal Blanc 2021 in the white category. Port of Leonardtown Winery also won Best in Class for their Vintner’s Select White 2021 in the white blend category. Crow Vineyard & Winery won Best in Class for their Barbera Rosé in the Rosé category.
These awards demonstrate the high quality of Maryland wines and the skill of the winemakers. Maryland wineries have also won awards at other competitions, such as the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.
Visitors to Maryland wineries can taste these award-winning wines and see for themselves why they have received recognition. Many wineries offer tastings and tours, allowing visitors to learn about the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of Maryland wines.
Maryland Wine Trails
Maryland is home to eight distinct wine trails, each showcasing the unique flavors and landscapes of the state’s diverse wine regions. These trails offer visitors the chance to explore multiple wineries in a specific area, making it easy to plan a day trip or weekend getaway.
The Capital Wine Trail, for example, takes visitors through Montgomery and Frederick counties, where they can sample wines from five premier wineries, including Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard and Great Shoals Winery.
The Chesapeake Wine Trail, on the other hand, features wineries along the Eastern Shore, with stops at St. Michaels Winery and Layton’s Chance Vineyard and Winery.
Other wine trails in Maryland include the Antietam Highlands Wine Trail, the Carroll Wine Trail, the Frederick Wine Trail, the Piedmont Wine Trail, the Patuxent Wine Trail, and the Legacy Wine Trail.
Each wine trail offers a unique experience, with different wineries, events, and attractions to explore. Visitors can choose to follow one trail or combine multiple trails for a more extensive wine-tasting adventure.
Specialty Wines and Beverages
Maryland wineries offer a variety of specialty wines and beverages, including meads and fruit wines. Mead is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with water, while fruit wines are made by fermenting fruits other than grapes.
One of the most popular meaderies in Maryland is Charm City Meadworks. They offer a variety of meads, including traditional meads, flavored meads, and session meads. Their meads are made with local honey and fruit and are available in cans and bottles.
Another meadery worth checking out is Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery. They specialize in handcrafted meads made with local honey and fruits. Their meads range from dry to sweet and are aged in oak barrels for added complexity.
In terms of fruit wines, Linganore Winecellars is a must-visit. They offer a variety of fruit wines, including peach wine, blackberry wine, and blueberry wine. Their fruit wines are made with 100% fruit juice and are bursting with flavor.
Another winery that specializes in fruit wines is Boordy Vineyards. They offer a variety of fruit wines, including raspberry wine, black currant wine, and apple wine. Their fruit wines are made with locally sourced fruits and are perfect for sipping on a warm summer day.
Overall, Maryland wineries offer a diverse selection of specialty wines and beverages that are sure to please any palate. Whether you’re a fan of meads or fruit wines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.