Maryland’s wine scene offers a delightful way to explore the state’s beautiful countryside. You can visit charming vineyards, taste local wines, and learn about the winemaking process. Wine tours provide a fun and educational experience for both wine lovers and casual sippers.
Wine trails in Maryland let you discover the unique flavors of the region at your own pace. You can plan a day trip or a weekend getaway to explore different wineries. These tours often include scenic drives through rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. It’s a great chance to relax, enjoy nature, and sample some of Maryland’s finest wines.
1) Basignani Winery
Basignani Winery offers a delightful wine tour experience in Maryland. You’ll find this family-run winery at 15722 Falls Rd, Sparks, MD 21152.
The winery’s tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm. You can sample their wines and enjoy the picturesque vineyard views.
Basignani hosts special events throughout the year. In spring, you can attend their “Swing into Spring” celebration, which marks the release of their new sweet wine vintages.
The winery grounds are perfect for outdoor gatherings. You’ll find plenty of green space to set up chairs and enjoy live music events.
For a fuller experience, you can pair your wine tasting with cheese. Basignani offers wine and cheese pairings for $20, or you can opt for an a la carte cheese plate for $12.
On most weekends, you can also enjoy pizza at the winery between 12-4 pm. Just call ahead to confirm availability.
2) Boordy Vineyards
Boordy Vineyards offers you a chance to experience Maryland’s oldest winery. You’ll find it nestled in the rolling hills of Northern Baltimore County.
When you visit, you can enjoy guided tastings of their Landmark Reserve wines in the St. Vincent Room. These come with a charcuterie board featuring local cheeses, meats, and breads.
The winery offers several tour options. You can book a Heritage Private Tour & Tasting for a more exclusive experience. These tours run Monday through Thursday and Saturday at specific times.
Wine flights are available daily, allowing you to sample a variety of Boordy’s offerings. The tasting room is housed in a charming 19th-century fieldstone barn.
You can also explore the vineyards, barrel room, and state-of-the-art winemaking facility on daily tours. It’s a great way to learn about the winemaking process from grape to glass.
Boordy Vineyards welcomes families with children on certain days. They also host special events with extended hours, giving you more opportunities to enjoy the beautiful setting.
3) Linganore Winecellars
Linganore Winecellars offers a variety of exciting wine experiences in Frederick, Maryland. You can taste a selection of award-winning wines at their beautiful estate.
For a more immersive experience, you can join a group winery production tour. A dedicated wine educator will guide you through the stages of winemaking, from crushing to bottling.
If you prefer a private tour, try the Estate Tour and Tasting Experience. You’ll learn about the Aellen family’s passion for winemaking and enjoy a tasting in the cellar with a charcuterie board.
For a truly unique adventure, consider the Wine in the Vines Tour. You’ll sample wines next to the vines that produced them and tour the vineyard in a luxury electric cart.
Linganore Winecellars is open seven days a week. You can enjoy tastings, weekend music events, and winery tours throughout the year.
4) Black Ankle Vineyards
Black Ankle Vineyards offers you a delightful wine tour experience in Maryland. You can enjoy complimentary walking tours of the vineyard and winery on weekends.
On Fridays, you can take part in a sunset tour at 7 pm. Saturdays provide more options with tours at 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and another sunset tour at 7:00 pm.
If you prefer Sundays, you can join tours at 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. To participate, simply check in at the host stand and express your interest in joining a tour.
The friendly staff at Black Ankle Vineyards will be happy to share the winery’s story with you. You’ll learn about their wine-making process and the unique characteristics of their vineyards.
During your visit, you can unwind in the tranquil setting surrounded by picturesque vineyards. The Tasting Room offers a soothing ambiance where you can relax and enjoy their wines.
Black Ankle Vineyards produces 100% estate wines, ranging from light, crisp whites to bold reds. You might also find sparkling wines, rosés, and dessert wines on the menu, depending on availability.
5) Old Westminster Winery
Old Westminster Winery is a must-visit spot for wine lovers in Maryland. You’ll find this gem at 1550 Old Westminster Road in Westminster, MD.
The winery takes pride in crafting noteworthy wines that showcase Maryland’s unique terroir. You’ll get to taste wines that reflect the passion and creativity of their makers.
When planning your visit, remember that reservations are required. This ensures you’ll have an enjoyable and intimate experience at the winery.
At Old Westminster, you can indulge in more than just wine tasting. The winery offers an intimate food and wine experience that highlights the best of Maryland agriculture.
You’ll love the winery’s setting in the rolling hills of Northern Maryland. It’s the perfect backdrop for savoring terroir-driven wines and local fare from their wood-fired menu.
While visiting, you might meet Drew, whose hospitality has earned praise from past visitors. His personality adds to the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the winery.
Old Westminster Winery stands out as a top wine destination. It’s even been ranked #9 among wineries in America, making it a standout choice for your Maryland wine tour.
History of Wine Production in Maryland
Wine has deep roots in Maryland, dating back to colonial times. The state’s wine industry has evolved significantly over the centuries, shaped by historical events and modern innovations.
Early Development and Influence
Maryland’s wine history began in 1648 with the first recorded instance of winemaking by Tenis Palee. In 1662, Governor Charles Calvert planted 200 acres of European grapes along the St. Mary’s River, marking the start of commercial wine production in the state.
The 18th and 19th centuries saw ups and downs for Maryland’s wine industry. Prohibition in the 1920s dealt a severe blow, forcing many wineries to close. After Prohibition ended, the industry slowly began to recover.
Modern Innovations
The late 20th century brought a renaissance to Maryland’s wine scene. In 1984, two significant events occurred:
- The Maryland Wineries Association was founded
- The first Maryland Wine Festival was held
These developments helped promote and grow the state’s wine industry. Today, Maryland boasts nearly 80 operating wineries, each contributing to the state’s diverse wine culture.
Modern Maryland wineries focus on producing high-quality wines suited to the local climate. You’ll find a variety of grape varieties grown, including both European and native American species. This blend of tradition and innovation has helped establish Maryland as a respected wine-producing region.
Notable Wine Regions in Maryland
Maryland’s wine regions offer unique terroirs and varietals. The Chesapeake Bay and Piedmont Plateau areas stand out for their distinctive wines and picturesque vineyards.
Chesapeake Bay Region
The Chesapeake Bay Region is known for its coastal wineries. You’ll find a mix of traditional and innovative wines here.
Key varietals:
- Chardonnay
- Cabernet Franc
- Merlot
The moderate climate and sandy soils near the bay create ideal conditions for growing grapes. You can enjoy stunning water views while sipping on local wines.
Many wineries in this region offer tours where you can learn about the winemaking process. Some even let you participate in grape harvesting during the fall season.
Piedmont Plateau
The Piedmont Plateau region boasts rolling hills and diverse soil types. This area is home to some of Maryland’s oldest wineries.
Popular wines:
- Riesling
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Petit Verdot
You’ll find both large estates and small family-run vineyards in this region. The varying elevations and microclimates allow for a wide range of grape varieties to thrive.
Many wineries here offer tasting rooms with panoramic views of the countryside. At these tasting rooms, you can often meet the winemakers and learn about their craft firsthand.
