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A Maryland Wine Experience: March 21st – 23rd
March 21 - March 23
VARIES
Join us in Frederick as 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 recently opened Visitation Hotel – book your room today (CODE: MW1) 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.
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, the Grand Tasting, a wine dinner at Ordinary Hen and a sparkling brunch at Simple Theory Wine Bar.
And if you love the featured wines, visit the Maryland Wine Bottle Shop during the Grand Tasting 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 March.
Learn. Explore. Taste.
PART I – EXPLORE
DOWNTOWN FREDERICK COCKTAIL CRAWL | FRIDAY, MARCH 21
Participate in an exciting, immersive experience on Friday, March 21 at the Downtown Frederick Cocktail Crawl. Explore McClintock Distilling and True Standard Distilling and sip on specialty wine cocktails made with Maryland wines.
This event is FREE to participate; all drinks are purchased a la carte at each location by participants. All participants will receive a booklet complete with a map to each location, and information about each business + the featured drinks.
PART II – LEARN
Master Classes | SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 11:00 am – 3:30 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 | – March 22, 11AM-12:30PM
Blending Master Class: White Wine Blend | Hosted at Tenth Ward Distilling Company
Join us for this hands-on seminar and learn about why wine blends are so important to a winemaker’s portfolio. You’ll learn how to create your own white wine blend and will take away your own small bottle of a customized wine.
Learn about the art of blending from our esteemed panelists:
- Hannah Flaherty, Client Services Manager at The Vineyards at Dodon
- Ray Mitcham, Winemaker at Linganore Winecellars
- Michael Zollo, Winemaker at Crow Vineyard & Winery
All Things Cabernet | Hosted at Visitation Hotel
Explore the world of Cabernet, where boldness meets elegance in every glass. From the rich, full-bodied intensity of Cabernet Sauvignon to the subtly complex and aromatic charm of Cabernet Franc, this duo defines versatility in winemaking.
The lineup of panelists will include:
- Manolo Gomez, Winemaker at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
- Rachel Lipman, Winemaker at Loew Vineyards
- Doug Whitworth, Winegrower, Catoctin Breeze Vineyard
|| 12:30 – 2:00pm LUNCH ON OWN ||
Explore local restaurants or take advantage of the Visitation Hotel’s on-site Wye Oak Tavern.
| SESSION 2 MASTER CLASSES | – March 22, 2PM-3:30PM
Sweet & Dessert Wine Pairings | Hosted at Visitation Hotel
Sweet & dessert wines aren’t just for after dinner! Learn how to pair both of these scrumptious styles with various menu items including savory appetizers, baked goods, and decadent treats.
Learn more from our knowledgeable panelists:
- Callie Hankey, Owner of Two Lions Vineyards
- Tony McDonnell, Winemaker, Windridge Vineyards
- Keith Morris, General Manager, Big Cork Vineyards
Terroir of Maryland: The Role of Geography in Wine | Hosted at Tenth Ward Distilling Company
Have you ever wondered exactly where your wine is coming from? Soil, climate, and elevation all impact the outcome of wine, and Maryland’s diverse geography allows us to produce an incredible portfolio of wines across the state. Explore the nuanced characteristics that make Maryland’s wine unique across the region.
Enjoy captivating conversation from our panelists:
- Phineas Deford, Vice President of Boordy Vineyards
- Lauren Zimmerman, Winemaker at Port of Leonardtown Winery
- Joe Fiola, PhD, State Viticulturist, University of Maryland Extension
- William Layton, Owner + Winemaker, Layton’s Chance Winery
PART III – TASTE
The Grand Tasting | SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 3:30PM – 6:30PM
The Grand Tasting at A Maryland Wine Experience features a curated selection of wines that are renowned for their exceptional flavor and quality. We’ll be showcasing varietals that shine in our state.
Learn about the care and consideration that goes into growing and making world-class wines while enjoying live music. An array of scrumptious appetizers is included for attendees of the Grand Tasting.
Featured Wineries
This excellent event will include wines from a curated selection of Maryland wineries. Stay tuned for a full list!
– 61 Vineyard
– Big Cork Vineyards
– Black Ankle Vineyards
– Boordy Vineyards
– Boyd Cru Wines
– Catoctin Breeze Vineyard
– Crow Vineyard + Winery
– Hidden Hills Farm + Vineyard
– Layton’s Chance Vineyard + Winery
– Links Bridge Vineyards
– Loew Vineyards
– Mazzaroth Vineyard
– Noir Sunshine Winery
– Port of Leonardtown Winery
– Simple Theory Wine Co.
– Six Wicket Vineyards
– Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
– The Urban Winery of Silver Spring
– The Vineyards at Dodon
– Two Lions Vineyards
– Windridge Vineyards
OPTIONAL ADD-ON:
WINE DINNER AT THE ORDINARY HEN | SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 7:00PM
Prepare yourself for an evening of delicious wine and culinary delight as we celebrate Maryland Wine with a multi-course wine paired dinner prepared by the team at The Ordinary Hen in collaboration with local winemakers. Savor the rich flavors of our carefully selected wines as winemakers share stories and describe how their wines best complement each delightful course. ** Limited to 40 diners! **
TOMATO TOAST: Twin Bears Bakery focaccia, stracciatella, sungold tomatoes, basil
Rosé Merlot Blend, Boyd Cru, Maryland
Choice of:
Pork Chop, honey crisp apples, dijon sauce, chive
Filet 8oz filet, sauce diane
Cacio e pepe bucatini, pecorino romano, black pepper
2023 Cabernet Franc, Sugarloaf Mountian Winery, Maryland
LEMON POUND CAKE: Blueberry compote, labne ice cream, vanilla curd
Passito, Point of Leonardtown Winery, Maryland
PART IV – BRUNCH
SUNDAY BRUNCH WINE PAIRING | SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 10:30AM-1:00PM
Enjoy a final farewell to the 2025 Maryland Wine Experience with a cozy Sunday brunch at Simple Theory Wine Co., located in downtown Frederick. Four courses + 2 sparkling wines with each course = Perfect Sunday!
MENU:
Mini avocado toast
Smoked salmon paté with crisp + dill cream
Maple bacon pancake bite
Cottage cheese, spinach, caramelized egg bite
White chocolate mousse with berries + honeycomb
BOOK YOUR HOTEL STAY AT VISITATION HOTEL NOW
Book your stay at the Visitation Hotel TODAY to secure a great rate for your Maryland Wine Experience. Frederick also offers many other lodging options to fit your budget and the style of place you like to stay.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
A Maryland Wine Experience is curated for Maryland residents and visitors. In Frederick, museums meet martini bars, scenic landscapes provide thrill seekers with adventure, and cutting-edge cuisine is served up in Civil War-era buildings alongside unique specialty shops, galleries, museums, and theaters.
Located less than one hour from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Gettysburg, the city of Frederick, Maryland is surrounded by mountain views, wineries, orchards and vibrant Main Street communities. Visitors can hike the Appalachian Trail, visit local breweries, and tour a battlefield all in one day.
SILVER SPONSOR:
BRONZE SPONSOR:
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Maryland Wineries Association (MWA)
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