Wineries throughout the state are looking forward to a great fall harvest. A good harvest means tasty, ripe fruit, perfect for wine making. Over the next few months we’re looking forward to hearing about the 2019 vintages that Maryland winemakers plan to release. If you’re an enthusiastic wine drinker, check out these great ways to meet Maryland winemakers and experience all of the fun of Maryland Wine.
1. Create Your Maryland Wine Journey
No matter where you are in Maryland, there is a local winery just a short drive away. Whether you’re interested in planning a day trip or weekend adventure, members of the Maryland Wineries Association have something for you! Check out one of the 10 organized wine trails throughout the state and learn about what winemakers in each region of Maryland are offering. There are even trails for fans of local cider and mead! If you’d like to chart a personal course across the state, create your own Maryland wine journey here.
2. Explore the Maryland Wine Festival
The 36th Annual Maryland Wine Festival at the Carroll County Farm Museum kicks off on Saturday, September 21, 2019 and runs through Sunday, September 22, 2019. This late-summer celebration of Maryland wine features 20 local wineries, juried vendors, regional food vendors, and live music. Attendees with single-day General Admission Passes receive entry to the Tasting Meadow, wine samples from all participating wineries, and a souvenir tasting glass. All of the wineries in the Tasting Meadow will have bottles of wine on sale for you to enjoy at the Festival or to take home to your cellar!
If you’re interested in sampling an exclusive, curated selection of Maryland wine, not featured in the main Tasting Meadow, purchase your upgraded Explorer Pass. This pass gets you access to the covered Hilltop Hangout, seating, and air-conditioned restroom facilities. Enjoy the curated selection of wines from an upgraded souvenir glass and receive access to an exclusive wine shop.
Get your passes to the 36th Annual Maryland Wine Festival via this link. Proceeds from the Maryland Wine Festival support the work of the Maryland Wineries Association and our partners at the Carroll Creek Farm Museum.
3. Shake It Up at Twist & Stout
Kick off the first weekend of fall in Annapolis at Twist & Stout. This annual festival, featuring delicious wine and craft beer from Maryland producers, returns to Quiet Waters Park on Saturday, September 28, 2019. Meet representatives from Maryland wineries and breweries while sampling awesome, local wine and beer. Visit the vendor village and enjoy live music from local bands. Passes to this one-day event are currently available and can be purchased here. Proceeds from Twist & Stout support the work of the Maryland Wineries Association and our partners at Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks.
4. Celebrate Maryland Wine at the Maryland Comptroller’s Cup Wine Dinner at the Wine Kitchen on the Creek
Delicious food accentuates fantastic wines at this celebratory wine dinner at the Wine Kitchen in Frederick, Maryland on Monday, September 30, 2019. Chef Jeff Beard has paired five dishes with wines that earned “Best in Class” awards at the 2019 Maryland Comptroller’s Cup. Join representatives of these award-winning wineries for an evening showcase exploring complimentary and contrasting flavor profiles. Seating for this dinner is extremely limited, reservations must be made in advance. Full details, including pricing, reservation information and menu, can be found here.
5. Join Maryland Wineries at the 2019 Autumn Wine Festival
Maryland wineries are bound for Wicomico County and the 2019 Autumn Wine Festival, hosted in Salisbury, Maryland. The Autumn Wine Festival runs from Saturday, October 19, 2019 to Sunday, October 20, 2019 at the Pemberton Historic Park. This two day wine festival features sampling from Maryland wineries, food from select food vendors, craft vendors, live music, and other activities located in the Sports Zone. Passes to the Autumn Wine Festival can be purchased here. Proceeds from the Autumn Wine Festival support the work of the Women Supporting Women Partnership, the Maryland Wineries Association, and our partners at Wicomico County Recreation, Parks, & Tourism.
We hope you’ve got your list of wineries to visit and have made plans to attend one of the great fall events. We appreciate your interest in the Maryland wine industry and look forward to seeing you soon–cheers to Maryland wine!
