The 7 Best Wineries in Maryland: A Review and comparison
Are you wondering about the best wineries in Maryland?
Calling all wine enthusiasts! Get ready to explore the hidden gems of Maryland’s wine scene. With over 100 wineries, 900 acres of vines, and three recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), Maryland offers a wine experience like no other.
We’ve always enjoyed visiting wineries, it is always such a beautiful and serene setting from the moment we arrive! We really enjoy hearing about the different types of wines they make and seeing the different stages of wine production, how they pick the grapes to bottling the wine.
But most of all, the sustainable practices used to keep the vineyards healthy is what always strikes me as the most interesting.
Picture lush vineyards bathed in the perfect climate for growing Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Vidal Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Sangiovese grapes. The beauty of it all takes me, if even just for a minute, to Europe’s most coveted wine growing regions!
Read on to uncork and indulge in the beauty and flavors of Maryland’s best wineries! Cheers!
Best Wineries in Maryland
1. Boordy Vineyards, Hydes, MD
Boordy Vineyards is an absolute gem! Picture this: adorable picnic tables nestled under magnificent trees, with a property so breathtaking it’s always brimming with visitors. And their exquisite wine selection really takes the cake — Full-bodied, rich in flavor, and perfectly dry. Treat yourself to a tasting, grab a bottle, and allow yourself to unwind in pure bliss.
Arrive before noon to secure a spot on the picnic tables, or better yet, bring your own blanket and chairs. As you sip on your choice of wine, imagine assembling a delectable charcuterie board right there, while live music sets the perfect backdrop on weekends. The musicians are always incredibly talented, providing an entertaining vibe that’s hard to resist.
Whether it’s a romantic escape or a delightful gathering with friends, this place has some of the best wine tasting in Maryland and is near enough that its considered one of the best wineries in Annapolis!
“Probably one of my favorite vineyards I’ve been to. From the live band to the wine to the food on premises it was overall good vibes. Make sure to bring a blanket as the tables fill up quickly and you can sit on the lawn. I even took 5 bottles home.” -Elizabeth T. (read more reviews)
2. Linganore Winecellars, Mt Airy, MD
When it comes to Maryland wineries, many tend to focus on sweet wines. But Linganore offers a fantastic selection that ranges from dry to sweet, all at prices that won’t break the bank. Not only that, but they also provide ample space for picnics, weekend food trucks, and a delightful ambiance.
The mouthwatering delight of their charcuterie, cheese, sangria, and wines inside their charming main shop is great if you’re looking for a more traditional tasting. They also have a food truck with fab brick oven pepperoni or margarita pizzas if you’re looking for something a little more low key.
The best part is that they host a variety of festivals, both indoors and outdoors all year round. Before you head over, be sure to check online for all the exciting events happening. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on the fun!
“Went to the wine festival here on 5/28/23 and had a good time. Wine was tasty, found a good raspberry cider from Red Shedman Farm Brewery that was tasty. The blueberry lemon cider was also pretty good. The music was on point and so were the vendors. I really like the waist beads I bought, too.” -Mello Ichimaru (read more reviews)
3. Running Hare Vineyards, Prince Frederick, MD
Have you ever experienced the delight of tasting wine slushies? Look no further, because Running Hare vineyards will introduce you to them! It’s a haven of relaxation that has several covered bars as well as a stage, and hosts a myriad of events and weddings.
With an impressive selection of wine, refreshing wine slushies, and a charming beer garden offering a wide variety of craft beers, it’s an oasis for all tastes. They also stay open in the winter, and when the weather gets chilly, they fire up the outdoor heaters and a cozy fire pit.
Come and enjoy the incredible atmosphere and laid back vibe of wine tasting without any fancy shenanigans! Don’t miss the mouthwatering pizza and delectable tacos served from a food truck. It’s an experience you’ll definitely want to partake in!
“Amazing ambiance, great wine, lovely venue, family friendly! This place is everything! #SummerVibes #FriendshipGoals #GoodMemories #EventFilled 🥂🍾Cheers🍷 ….” -Ms. Harris. (read more reviews)
4. Big Cork Vineyards, Rohrersville, MD
Discover one of the most award-winning vineyards in Maryland, nestled among the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. The expansive 100-acre farm boasts 18 grape varietals, yielding over 25 types of exceptional estate wine. Conveniently located just off the highway, the charming venue offers a spacious grass seating area and shaded tables.
Arriving early on weekends is a must, as the lunchtime rush paints the scene with excitement. Grab your spot ahead of time to make sure to book your wine tour ahead of time.
With picturesque vineyards, a delightful wine selection, and an extraordinary Sommelier, prepare for an incredible sensory journey! Don’t miss the exquisite cabernet and be sure to get some snapshots of the mesmerizing views!
“Absolutely loved this vineyard!! My friend is a member here so I visited with her during her wine pick up. We had a tasting and all the wines tasted amazing–I ended up getting a bottle (very tempted to get more but I do have too much wine at home). Staff was also super friendly. Their baguette is sooo good and their pizza was good too! Loved the live music and overall ambiance there. We did go during a hot summer day so look forward to checking out the vineyard again during the cooler seasons.” -Cynthia M. (read more reviews)
5. Rocklands Farm Winery and Market, Poolesville, MD
Rocklands Farm Winery and Market is a winery, farm, and market located in Poolesville, Maryland. It is about 30 minutes from Washington, D.C. and 20 minutes from Bethesda and Northern Virginia.
The winery sits on 34 acres of beautiful countryside bordering Seneca Creek State Park. Rocklands Farm Winery produces a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. They use a low-intervention winemaking process that allows the natural flavors of the grapes to shine through.
The wines are made with grapes grown on the farm, as well as grapes from other local vineyards. They also have a market where they sell pasture-raised meats, cheeses, and other locally-produced food items. Plus a monthly subscription of grass fed beef, lamb and other poultry.
“My family visited for the first time on Mothers Day and it was a great experience. Plenty of space to have a picnic. The staff was amazing. Everyone was friendly and pleasant to talk too. The wine selection was nice and fairly priced. Would definitely come back.” -James Arias (read more reviews)
6. Charis Winery and Distillery, Cumberland, MD
Welcome to this unique urban winery, nestled near the picturesque Potomac canal! While it may not be surrounded by vineyards, it offers a splendid view and a plethora of enticing options for your taste buds.
Prepare to embark on a delightful journey of exploration. This winery boasts an impressive array of spirits, ranging from exquisite distillations to a rich variety of wines. Indulge in their dry premier whites, robust reds, and delightful semi-sweet to sweet fruit blends.
You’ll be captivated by their outstanding fruit wines, including Peach, Cranberry, Blueberry, and Strawberry varieties.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there! This place also produces exceptional Pomace Brandy, along with moonshine, rum, and bourbon. And for the gourmet enthusiasts, they are soon introducing Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars!
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds, as the sampling experience here knows no boundaries. Don’t be shy; they’ll let you sample virtually anything your heart desires. And make sure not to miss out on their gem of excellence, the Vidal Blanc Crisp.
“🍷🥇 The internationally award-winning Charis Winery and Distillery located in The Canal Place Shops of downtown historic Cumberland, Maryland should be a definite stop if you’re in the area! Chuck, the owner, gave us a wonderful tasting of all of the delicious wine and spirits he offers! We also shared some good stories and laughs together during our visit; it was like we had know each other for a lifetime. Chuck was also so kind to give Bill a retirement gift, even though we had just met us! Thank you so much for the great and memorable experience at your amazing establishment! 🍷🥇” -Rose (read more reviews)
7. Saint Micheal’s Winery, St Michaels, MD
St. Michaels Winery is a winery located in the charming town of St. Michaels on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. For a small amount of $1 per wine sampled, guests are able to sample a variety of sweet wines.
One favorite you have to try is the chocolate zin which is very delicious!The winery produces a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. Some of their most popular wines include the St. Michaels Red, the Harbor View White, and the Anchors Away Rosé.
The winery also produces a limited-edition dessert wine called the Gollywobbler.
“We had a wonderful wine tasting! We did the sweet wine tasting and it did not disappoint. For only $11 we were able to sample all 11 sweet wines. The chocolate zin was surprisingly delicious! Plus, the couple who served us (we wish we got their names) were absolutely amazing. We would highly recommend and can’t wait to go back!” -Morgan Burke (read more reviews)
Maryland Wineries Map
FAQs on Best wineries in Maryland
What Wine Is Maryland Known For?
Maryland is just starting to be known for its a diverse selection of wines which now grow well in the area, ranging from some of the best dry whites in the country to bold reds that have been growing in popularity recently.
It’s also one of the top producers of fruit wines, with many wineries offering unique blends and flavors. In addition to these popular sweater varieties, Maryland is also well-known for producing some excellent sparkling wines. With so many options to choose from, there’s something to suit any palate!
Why do Wine Tasting in Maryland?
For centuries, Maryland has been a renowned hub for winemaking, spanning from Piedmont to the eastern shore, the southern plains, and the western mountains.
Over time, a wine culture has developed in the region which has led to the creation of about a dozen wine trails in the region. Surprise yourself and take one of these self guided tours!
Some very interesting fairs have also come about over the years. One of the best months to visit wineries in Maryland is in September, when the annual Maryland Wine Festival attracts a multitude of wine enthusiasts and merchants.
Another interesting time of year for wine connoisseurs in the area is March, the Maryland Wine Month, when the whole of the wine industry proudly showcases its innovative and high-quality wines to the public. Both these events make the perfect excuse to try a tasting or a pour or two!
Where is Maryland wine country?
Maryland wine country is located in the Piedmont Plateau region of the state. This region is known for its rolling hills, fertile soil, and moderate climate, which are all ideal for growing grapes.
The Piedmont Plateau is home to the majority of Maryland’s wineries, including the following Boordy Vineyards, Linganore winecellars etc
How many wineries does Maryland have?
As of 2023, there are over 100 wineries in Maryland. The majority of these wineries are located in the Piedmont Plateau region, but there are also wineries in the Eastern Shore, Southern Plain, and Western Mountain regions.
What is the oldest winery in Maryland?
The oldest winery in Maryland is Boordy Vineyards. Established in 1945 by Philip and Jocelyn Wagner, Boordy Vineyards played a significant role in the resurgence of the Maryland wine industry after the end of Prohibition.
Is Maryland known for wine?
Maryland is not as well-known for wine as some other states, such as California, Oregon, and Washington. However, the state has a growing wine industry, and there are over 100 wineries in Maryland.
Conclusion: Wine Tasting in Maryland
Maryland’s wineries are a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by wine enthusiasts and explorers alike. With over 100 wineries, the state has a lot to offer. From the rolling hills of the Piedmont Plateau to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland wine country is a beautiful place to explore.
No matter what your taste in wine, you’re sure to find something to love in Maryland. So next time you’re looking for a great place to enjoy a glass of wine, be sure to visit Maryland wine country.
