The Maryland Wineries Association presents A Maryland Wine Experience, showcasing the best of Maryland wine in a two-part consumer event. Winemakers, winery owners and expert winery staff will be on hand to talk about their wines and offer a sneak peek into why they’re so passionate about what they do. Focused on exploration and education, you are invited to attend any, or all, components of A Maryland Wine Experience.

This unique spring wine experience will be hosted at the Graduate Annapolis – book your room today and stay for the weekend. Our full-day package includes admission to one Master Class from each session and the Grand Tasting, featuring dozens of Maryland-grown wines and wines from abroad.

If you’d prefer to attend individual sessions of the event, don’t hesitate to build your own experience and purchase individual session passes for the Master Class Sessions and the Grand Tasting.

And if you love the featured wines, visit the Maryland Wine Bottle Shop where you can purchase any of the wines to take home at the end of your visit. Winemakers not included, though…

We look forward to seeing you at A Maryland Wine Experience this April.

Learn. Explore. Taste.

PART I – LEARN

Master Classes | SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

What’s better than learning about something you enjoy? Wine education is a large part of A Maryland Wine Experience and we’ve curated a selection of excellent Master Classes. Each of these classes gives you an opportunity to experience wine with a newfound sense of appreciation.

|| SESSION 1 MASTER CLASSES ||

Blending Master Class | SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Join us for this hands-on seminar will learn about why wine blends are so important to a winemaker’s portfolio. You’ll learn how to create your own Bordeaux blend wine and will take away your own small bottle of a customized wine.

This session will include the following panel and will be moderated by Brett Drucker of Own Your Palate.

• Michael Zollo, Crow Farm Vineyard & Winery
• Lauren Zimmerman, Port of Leonardtown Winery

Oysters & Wine Master Class | SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

This IS the Chesapeake Bay and oysters are an everyday part of Maryland’s ecosystem and cuisine. Learn about oysters, how they contribute to the Bay, the flavors that different oysters present and which wines pair well with these awesome, local bivalves.

Learn about the wonderful marriage between local oysters and wine from our great panel, moderated by Jason Whiteside.

• Paul Schurick, Oyster Recovery Partnership
• Phil Plack, Annapolis Oyster Company

|| 12:30 – 1:30pm LUNCH ON OWN ||

Explore local restaurants or take advantage of the Graduate Hotel’s on-site Trophy Room or Poindexter Coffee.

|| SESSION 2 MASTER CLASSES ||

Passegiatta Around Italy Master Class | SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 1:30 – 3:00 pm

In this bi-continental master class, discover the nuances of Italian varietal wines. You’ll compare the subtleties of Italian varietal wines grown here in Maryland versus those grown across the Atlantic.

This panel includes representatives from:

• Joeseph Fiola, University of Maryland Viticulture Specialist
• Vince DiPino, Vinitaly International Wine Ambassador

Mastering the Mix Master Class | SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 1:30 – 3:00 pm

Dive into the art of mixology and Maryland craft beverages during this 90 minute hands-on master class. Learn how to balance the elements of wine, spirits, and artisinal ingredients as you create delicious craft cocktails.

Our panel of great Maryland wine personalities includes:

• Carlo DeVito, Author & Beverage Guru
• Colt Mattimoe, Annapolis Yacht Club
• Max Lents, Baltimore Spirits Co.

PART II – TASTE