Pop the Cork on Adventure along Maryland’s Dozen Wine Trails RAISE YOUR GLASS Marylanders have been growing wine since there have been Marylanders, but recently the state’s fantastic and diverse wineries have kicked it up a notch, winning awards and pleasing palates around the world. Quickly becoming known for our rich, yet quixotically light Barbera reds— Italy’s “wine of the people” grows beautifully throughout the Old Line State—Maryland is also producing standout Albariño, a dry white with characteristics of lemon peel and sweet melon that make for a perfect pairing with Maryland’s seafood bounty. Now home to more than 80 wineries connected by 12 wine trails, Maryland makes for a great vino lover’s getaway. Meander through the mountains of Western Maryland and the heart of the Civil War on the Antietam Highlands Wine Trail, home to standouts like Big Cork Vineyards, Red Heifer, Knob Hall Winery, and Orchid Cellar Meadery & Winery, truly the bee’s knees. Near Washington, D.C., explore the Capital Wine Trail. Along with the classics, you’ll discover refreshing ciders and fruit wines that capture the essence of the region. The Piedmont and Gunpowder Wine Trails crisscross Central Maryland and feature some of the state’s oldest and most well-known wineries including Boordy Vineyards and Basignani Winery, known for their concerts and other events throughout the year. The Chesapeake Wine Trail is home to 14 favorites like Broken Spoke Vineyard & Winery, Crow Vineyard, Great Shoals Cellars, and Layton’s Chance Vineyard and Winery. All pair perfectly with an Eastern Shore getaway. The new First Landing Wine Trail and Patuxent Wine Trail together explore the vintner’s art in Southern Maryland with stops at standouts Running Hare Vineyard, Perigeaux Vineyards & Winery, and Port of Leonardtown Winery—an easy stroll from downtown Leonardtown and its eclectic waterfront events. And that’s just the first blush of Maryland’s burgeoning wine scene. There’s so much more to discover with unforgettable getaways and great grapes along Maryland’s dozen Wine Trails. Photos: (from top) Boordy Vineyards (Baltimore County Tourism), Running Hare Vineyard in Prince Frederick (Jay Flemming) Find more about Maryland Wine & Wineries at: marylandwine.com 54 / VISITMARYLAND.ORG
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2021 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 54
