Maryland Discover the Best Maryland Wineries: A Guide to Annapolis Vineyards and Beyond: Exploring the 11 Wine Trails
Visiting Maryland wineries are starting to become one of my favorite past times. If you didn’t know, Maryland has 11 wine trails. And it is home to more than 100 wineries. Each with its unique flavor and style. To help you navigate this exciting wine scene, this post will break down the 11 wine trails and what ti expect. We will explore the different regions and style of winemaking. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a seasoned connoisseur, these wine trails offer a perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of Maryland and its wines.
Maryland Award Winning Wineries
Several wineries in Maryland have won international awards on this list. There is so much to explore at these wineries. From private tasting opportunities with local wines to tours of the vineyard, you will be able to make a wine trip special. If you want to start with these International Eastern Wine Competition award-winning vineyards that offer unique flavors:
- Big Cork Vineyards
- Bordeleau Vineyards and Winery
- Boordy Vineyards
- Crow Vineyard and Winery
- Elk Run Vineyards
- Links Bridge Vineyards
- Sugarloaf Mountains Vineyard
- Thanksgiving Farm Winery
Best Maryland Wineries to Visit
If you are trying to figure out where to start exploring wineries in Maryland, start with these personal picks for best wineries:
1. Big Cork Vineyards
4236 Main St, Rohrersville, MD 21779
Big Cork Vineyards is such a special place. The scenic views at Big Cork are breathtaking with acres of grapes. It offers a modern twist on the Maryland wine experience with both an indoor and outdoor area.
There is always some exciting things happening at this vineyard. From wine tasting to wine art, Big Cork will make your wine trip the perfect first date, girls day out, or a solo experience when needing some inspiration while enjoying their live music selection.
Make sure you grab a bottle of their cabernet franc and vidal blanc, you won’t regret it!
Big Cork Vineyards is a part of the Antietam Highlands Wine Trail that includes 8 other great wineries in the area.
2. Old Westminster
1550 Old Westminster Road, Westminster MD 21157
Old Westminster is everything you want in a winery getaway and a little more. From farm to table dinning experiences overlooking the hills of Westminster to the personalized “greenhouses” great for special events, this place will have you feeling alive in a special way. This is a beautiful scenery for a relaxing day.
They offer a variety of different wines, including fruit wines and canned wines. And good food with a seasonal menu includes fresh brick oven pizzas and an artisan cup of joe from their barista.
Make sure you try their cabernet sauvignon while there!
This winery is a part of the Carroll Wine Trail that only includes 2 other wineries.
3. Boordy Winery
12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes, MD 21082
If you are in the Baltimore area, this Maryland winery will soon become your favorite getaway from city life. It is the perfect Sunday afternoons experience to unwine at one of the picnic tables with friends or on a blanket. This is a family-owned winery less than 30 miles from the city, this historic and award winning winery offers an amazing wine experience throughout the seasons.
Visiting Boordy in the summer months is a special experience. Grab a picnic blanket for your own picnic personalized experience. Enjoy the live music on Friday evenings and weekends. You can bring your own food, and enjoy a picnic table as well. It is the perfect place for a great time with friends, or to find some personal self-care time for journaling.
After visiting Boordy Winery, enjoy the other four wineries on the Piedmont Wine Trail.
Maryland Wine Trails & Winery List
1. Antietam Highlands Wine Trail
The Antietam Highlands Wine Trail is in the heart of Maryland’s Civil War country. While one this trail, you will be able to experience the breathtaking views and historical sites alongside its wineries. This winery experience is on the Virginia and Maryland state line. It is also, an easy getaway from Philadelphia. There are 9 wineries on this trail that offer exciting experiences:
- Antietam Creek Vineyards
- Big Cork Vineyards
- Blue Mountain Wine Crafters
- Cool Ridge Vineyard
- Mazzaroth Vineyard
- Orchid Cellar Meadery & Winery
- Red Heifer Winery
- Stone House Urban Winery
- Willow Oaks Craft Cider and Wine
2. Carroll Wine Trail
If you are looking for a relaxing and picturesque way to explore Maryland’s wine country, you might want to consider the Carroll Wine Trail. While on this trail, you will wind through scenic countryside and historic towns. This trail showcases the best of Maryland’s wine and food. This is the smallest trail but it packed with so much winery personality including 3 wineries that are a short drive away from each other: Galloping Goose Vineyards, Old Westminster Winery, and Serpent Ridge Vineyard.
3. Chesapeake Wine Trail
The Chesapeake Wine Trail is located along the Chesapeake Bay. This is a great way to explore the Eastern Shore, from stunning waterfront views to unique blends. While on this trail, you will be able to explore petit verdot at Bordeleau Vineyards and Winery. The trail includes Crow Vineyard and Winery, Triple Creek Winery, and St. Michaels Winery, among others.
- Bordeleau Vineryards and Winery
- Broken Spoke Vineyard and Winery
- Casa Carmen Wines
- Cascia Vineyards
- Chateau Bu-De Bohemia Manor Farm
- Crow Vineyard and Winery
- Dove Valley Vineyard and Winery
- Far Eastern Shore Winery
- Lands Point Winery and Vineyards
- Layton’s Chance Vineyard and Winery
- St. Michael’s Winery
- Triple Creek Winery
- Turkey Point Vineyard
4. Frederick Wine Trail
The Frederick Wine Trail is one of my favorite wine trails in the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Frederick County. While on this trail, experience award-winning wineries and modern up-and-coming wineries. This trail includes a family farm at Elk Run Vineyards and Winery and nature trails at Linganore and Links Bridge Vineyards. When you visit this trail, you also get a mix of modern art and Maryland’s war history.
- Catoctin Breeze Vineyard
- Celebration Cellars Winery
- Elk Run Vineyards and Winery
- Hidden Hills Farm and Vineyard
- Linganore Winecellars
- Links Bridge Vineyards
- Loew Vineyards
- New Market Plains Vineyards
- Springfield Manor Winery and Distillery
5. Capital Wine Trail
The Capital Wine Trail is located near Washington, D.C. This trail is for you if you want a quick getaway from the city. This trail, spanning from Montgomery County, includes Rocklands Farm Winery, Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, and Olney Winery, among others. While on this trail, you will experience the small farm vineyard at 61 Vineyards. As well as, wine blending experiences at Windridge Vineyards.
- 61 Vineyards
- Clear Skies Meadery
- Olney Winery
- Rocklands Farm Winery
- Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
- The Urban Winery
- Windridge Vineyards
6. Piedmont Wine Trail
The Piedmont Wine Trail is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. While on this trail, enjoy the stunning views and unique grape varieties this trail offers. This trail is just north of Baltimore and features five special wineries.
- Boordy Vineyards
- DeJon Vineyard
- Fiore Winery and Distillery
- Harford Vineyard and Winery
- Royal Rabbit Vineyards
7. First Landing Wine Trail
The First Landing Winery Trail is dedicated to the first settlers in Maryland. While on this trail, enjoy the shores of St. Clement’s island. This is also Maryland’s birthplace in 1634. As Maryland’s oldest historic area, this trail makes for the perfect trip for enjoying exquisite wines.
8. Patuxent Wine Trail
The Patuxent Wine Trail is located in the heart of southern Maryland. While on this trail, you can explore a mix of established wineries and up-and-coming vineyards. Furthermore, the award-winning vineyard, Thanksgiving Farm Vineyard.
- Cove Point Winery
- Fridays Creek Winery
- Perigeaux Vineyards and Winery
- Running Hare Vineyard
- Thanksgiving Farm Vineyard
9. Legacy Wine Trail
The Legacy Wine Trail showcases the grapes in Prince. For a different type of wine experience, the Legacy Wine Trail offers a must-do experience. While on this trail, you will experience the grapes in Prince George and Charles County. While on this trail, experience the unique blend of urban and rural winemaking. The trail includes Old Westminster Winery, Dove Valley Vineyard and Winery, and Winecream, among others.
- Gemeny Winery and Vineyards
- Janemark Winery and Vineyard
- Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards
- Romano Vineyard and Winery
- Two Lions Vineyards
10. Mead Wine Trail
The Mead Wine Trail is another option for wine enthusiasts who want to explore Maryland’s diverse offerings. Concurrently, the Mead Wine Trail starts in the foothills of Potomac, Maryland. Afterwards, the mead wine trail ventures past Frederick. As the name suggests, this historically referenced wine trail gives you unique spins on wine such as mead and cider. Offering sustainable practices, both Clear Skies Meadery and Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery create wines made from honey. Nevertheless, Make sure you try Orchid’s white wines for a special experience.
11. Gunpowder Wine Trail
When experiencing this northeast wine trail, it is all about special experiences. While on the trail, Royal Rabbit Vineyards loves to give adults seasonal fun experiences like adult easter egg hunts to the Italian wine experience at Fiore Winery and Distillery.
Maryland Wineries Not on a Trail
While the trails are a great way to get to know wineries in Maryland, there are a lot of great other wineries beyond the trail to explore. When getting off the trails, you can still experience note-worthy wineries. That being said, here are a few wineries to consider visiting:
- Black Ankle Vineyards in Mt. Airy
- Great Frogs Winery in Annapolis
- Layton’s Chance Vineyard in Vienna
- Mount Felix Vineyard and Winery in Havre De Grace
- Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Brandywine
- Great Shoals Winery in Takoma
Make Your Own Wine Trail!
If you are looking to explore wineries in a specific area, here are a few ideas to get you started:
Wineries Annapolis, MD
Here are 3 wineries in the Annapolis, Maryland area to explore:
- Great Frogs Winery
- Love Point Vineyards and Winery
- Cascia Vineyards
Wineries Baltimore, MD
Here are 6 wineries to explore in the Baltimore area to explore:
- The Wine Collective
- Harford Vineyards Winery
- Royal Rabbit Vineyards
- Fiore Winery & Distillery
- Dove Valley Vineyard and Winery
- Turkey Point Vineyard
You’ll find amazing wines in Maryland regardless of which wine trail or winery you choose. While exploring from the rolling hills of Frederick County to the coastal terroir of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland’s wineries offer something for every palate and preference. Also, not all wineries in Maryland are on a wine trail.
So, grab a glass and hit the road to explore the beauty of Maryland’s wineries and wine trails. Cheers!
More to Explore
Additional wineries and travel experiences to explore:
More health and wellness to explore:
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