Maryland Wineries Association

A Maryland Wine Experience: March 20th-22nd, 2026
2026-03-20 - 2026-03-22 | Tenth Ward Distilling, 55 East Patrick St, Frederick, 21701, United States
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 around downtown Frederick. 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, 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

WINE DINNER AT BENTZTOWN | FRIDAY, MARCH 20
Kick off the weekend with a delectable wine dinner at Bentztown in downtown Frederick. Enjoy a five-course dinner paired with hand selected Maryland craft wines. Check out the menu below (don’t worry, our mouth is watering too!):

Hamachi Crudo with Citrus Preserve, Cilantro, Persian Cucumber, Pickled Red Onion, Watermelon Radish
Seared Scallop Topped with Herb Butter, Crispy Prosciutto, Red Chilli Pepper, Salmon Roe, Citrus Infused Honey
Braised Pork Belly with Herb and Fennel Salad, Spring Pea Puree, Orange Segment, Crispy Shallot
Prime NY Strip with Roasted Heirloom Carrot, Asparagus, Citrus Panko, Red Wine Reduction
Meyer Lemon Tart with Basil Cream and Lime Gel

DOWNTOWN FREDERICK COCKTAIL CRAWL | FRIDAY, MARCH 20
Participate in an exciting, immersive experience on Friday, March 20 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 21, 11:00 am – 3:30 pm
“The best way to learn about wine is to drink it.” – Unknown
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 21, 11AM-12:30PM
Blind Tasting Experience | Hosted at Tenth Ward Distilling Company | 11AM
Become a sommelier for a day and learn how to use the Deductive Tasting Grid method as you blind taste some of Maryland’s most delicious varietals. Led by our seasoned wine pros, you’ll discover how to improve your tasting skills and more accurately describe the wine in your glass.
Your blind tasting gurus include:

Cheron Cowan, Writer-At-Large | Wine Enthusiast
Jeff Lund, CSWS | Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard

2025 Vintage Preview | Hosted at The Y Arts Center | 11AM
With the 2025 harvest complete and the newest vintage resting in barrels, we invite you to be among the first to preview a selection of exceptional Maryland wines before they’re bottled. Enjoy exclusive barrel and tank samples while discovering how winemakers transform freshly harvested grapes into the finished wines you love.
Learn from our expert panelists, including:

Adam Fizyta, Owner & Vigneron | Catoctin Breeze Vineyard
Tony McDonnell, Winemaker | Windridge Vineyards
Lauren Zimmerman, Winemaker | Port of Leonardtown Winery

|| 12:30 – 2:00pm LUNCH ON OWN ||
Explore local restaurants!

| SESSION 2 MASTER CLASSES | – March 21, 2PM-3:30PM
Blending Master Class | Hosted at Tenth Ward Distilling | 2PM
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 Super Tuscan-style red blend using Maryland grown wines, and will take away your own small bottle of a customized wine.
These winemakers will help you craft your perfect blend:

Rachel Lipman, Winemaker | Loew Vineyards
Michael Zollo, Winemaker | Crow Vineyard & Winery

High-Low Pairings Master Class | Hosted at The Y Arts Center | 2PM
Highbrow meets lowbrow in this down-to-earth master class. Learn how exceptional wines can take your everyday cravings — think potato chips, fried chicken, and vintage desserts — to the next level. Because great taste doesn’t have to take itself too seriously.
Say hello to your snack sommeliers:

Jon’ll Boyd, Founder & Owner | Boyd Cru Wines
Vanessa Cominsky, Sommelier & Co-Founder | Vin. Vitalité

PART III – TASTE

The Grand Tasting | SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 3:30PM – 6:30PM

The Grand Tasting at A Maryland Wine Experience features a curated selection of over 70 wines that are renowned for their exceptional flavor and quality. Discover the varietals that truly shine in our state, and enjoy the rare opportunity to meet the talented winemakers and winery staff behind the bottles. As you sip, enjoy an array of scrumptious hors d’oeuvres that complement your tasting journey.
Featured Wineries
Sip & socialize with your favorite Maryland wineries:

61 Vineyard
Black Ankle Vineyards
Big Cork Vineyards
Boordy Vineyards
Boyd Cru Wines
Catoctin Breeze Vineyard
Celebration Cellars Winery
Chesapeake Manor Vineyard
Crow Vineyard & Winery
Elk Run Vineyards
Janemark Winery & Vineyard
Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery
Linganore Winecellars
Links Bridge Vineyards
Loew Vineyards
Noir Sunshine Winery
Port of Leonardtown Winery
Seven22 Wine Company
Simple Theory Wine Co.
Six Wicket Vineyards
Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
The Crossvines
The Vineyards at Dodon
Windridge Vineyards

PART IV – BRUNCH
SUNDAY BRUNCH WINE PAIRING | SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 10:30AM-1:00PM
Brunch. But make it bubbly.
Enjoy a final farewell to the 2026 Maryland Wine Experience with a cozy Sunday brunch at Simple Theory Wine Co., located in downtown Frederick. A delectable array of brunch bites paired with a variety of sparkling wines—because there’s too much good Maryland wine to try just one. It’s all part of Maryland Wine Month and the Maryland Wine Experience this March, and trust us, this lineup is anything but ordinary.

Prosciutto Wrapped Melon
Potato Egg Chive Cups
Cranberry Brie Puffs
Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs
Beef & Blue Sliders
Honey Lavender Latte Cookies

BOOK YOUR HOTEL STAY AT VISITATION HOTEL NOW
Book your stay with Visitation Hotel TODAY and secure a great rate for your Maryland Wine Experience. Click here to reserve using the MWE group booking rate. You can also call 888-236-2427 and ask for SRP Code: MWA.
Reservations must be made by February 20 in order to receive the discounted rate.
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 SPONSORS:

BRONZE SPONSOR:

WINE DINNER SPONSOR:

Sunday sunshine and a wine flight - Frederick - 12pm to 5pm
2026-03-15 12:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-08 12:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-01 12:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-22 12:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-15 12:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-08 12:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-01 12:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-25 12:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | MD
Enjoy the fresh air in one of many outdoor spaces, bring your food and we will pour the wine. We are open on Sundays from 12pm to 5pm, and we have an upper and lower deck with spectacular views of the valley, as well as an outdoor fire pit, a screened in private room, and of course indoor seating in case the weather does not cooperate. Your tasting includes 5 wines of your choosing.

Wine Seminar: Wine Pairing with Tapas and Cooking Demo
2026-03-14 16:00 - 18:00 | Crow Vineyard & Winery, 12441 Vansant Corner Rd., Kennedyville, MD, 21645, United States
The second event in our wine seminar series. Chef Robbie and the winemaker walk guests through the principles of tasting five tapas paired with wine. Enjoy a night of cooking demonstrations and intimate tasting presentations during this all inclusive one of a kind experience !

Wine Flight at Celebration Cellars Winery - Frederick - 12 PM to 6 PM
2026-03-14 12:00 - 18:00, 2026-03-07 12:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-28 12:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-21 12:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-14 12:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-07 12:00 - 18:00, 2026-01-31 12:00 - 18:00 | MD
Wine Flight at our Intimate Venue 12 PM to 6 PM
Includes a Flight of 5 Wines between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM. You can bring your own food, sit at one of the indoor or outdoor tables and enjoy the view while you dine and sip. Limited Seating – up to 26 indoors and 30 outdoors (depending on weather) keeping it semi-private for you! $20.00

Seven Course Dinner Pairing w/ Chef Robbie Jester
2026-02-28 18:00 - 21:00 | Crow Vineyard & Winery, 12441 Vansant Corner Rd., Kennedyville, MD, 21645, United States
Join us for an unforgettable culinary experience on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where acclaimed Chef Robbie Jester presents an exclusive chef’s table dinner crafted and plated right before your eyes.
As each of the seven courses come to life, Chef Jester shares his inspiring journey from television appearances on shows like Beat Bobby Flay to building his culinary legacy in our region. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with rare selections from Crow Vineyard & Winery’s private library, newly released vintages, and a special insider’s preview of our winemaker’s preparations for the 2025 wines. Limited seating available – reserve your place at the table for this one-of-a-kind evening of storytelling, craftsmanship, and flavor.

Wine Seminar: Blending Seminar
2026-02-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Crow Vineyard & Winery, 12441 Vansant Corner Rd., Kennedyville, MD, 21645, United States
Work side by side with the Winemaker and owners to create a unique red blend. Working in small groups tasting wines and creating a red blend that will be bottled as our Crow Club Select.

Pimpin' HOmicide - 2026 Murder Mystery
2026-02-20 18:30 - 2026-02-21 21:30 | Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery, 4225 New Bridge Rd, Vienna, MD, 21869, United States
Something slick is going down at Layton’s Chance… and it ain’t just the outfits.

Join us for a night of murder, mystery, and major drama at our 2026 Murder Mystery Night, Pimpin’ Homicide. When a crime shakes the room, everyone’s a suspect — and it’s up to you to help crack the case.
Dress to impress in your flashiest Pimps & Ho’s–themed attire (costumes encouraged!), mingle with shady characters, uncover clues, and work together to catch the killer before they disappear into the night.

What’s Included:• Interactive murder mystery experience• Light fare to keep your energy up• One signature drink that’s smooth and dangerous• A whole lot of laughs, twists, and side-eye

The Goal:Ask questions, follow the clues, and figure out who’s guilty — because somebody in the room is definitely not innocent.
Big Swagger. Bigger Secrets. One Deadly Night.

TWO SHOW DATES: Friday February 20th & Saturday February 21st
Follow the link and select the date you wish to attend!
Tickets are $55 per person, 21+ only.Gold Leaf members save 15% off purchase priceEARLY BIRD TICKETS UNTIL JANUARY 31st – $49!No outside alcohol allowed

6th Annual Galentines Day @ Broken Spoke
2026-02-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Big Barn @ Broken Spoke Winery, 942 Glebe Road, Earleville, MD, 21919
6th Annual Galentines Day
Pairing 3 wines and 3 local chocolates. Vendors, Bristow Live Fire Pizza, Live Music by Stage Left

Valentine's Dinner w/ Chef Paul McCormick
2026-02-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Crow Vineyard & Winery, 12441 Vansant Corner Rd., Kennedyville, MD, 21645, United States
Celebrate love with an unforgettable evening of romance, fine dining, and exquisite wines. Join us for a multi-course dinner specially curated to delight the senses. Each course will be artfully paired with premium wines chosen to complement the flavors and enhance your experience.

Love At First Bite! A Valentine's Day Wine and Pie Pairing
2026-02-14 11:00 - 17:00 | Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery, 4225 New Bridge Rd, Vienna, MD, 21869, United States
Love at First Slice!

Fall head over heels this Valentine’s season at Layton’s Chance with a pairing experience that’s truly too sweet to miss. We’ve partnered with the much-loved The Ugly Pie to bring you an indulgent Wine & Mini Pie Pairing designed to delight every sip and bite.
Enjoy four thoughtfully selected Layton’s Chance wines, each paired with a handcrafted mini pie, with flavors carefully chosen to balance, complement, and elevate one another. It’s a match made in wine-and-pie heaven.
To set the mood, enjoy live music by our favorite couple, Loud Moon, performing from 1–4 PM, adding the perfect soundtrack to your afternoon.

Event Details:• Tickets: $25 per person• Pairing includes 4 wines & 4 mini pies• Live music from 1–4 PM• Limited to 50 tickets only
This intimate Valentine’s experience will sell out quickly — grab your tickets now and toast to love, sweetness, and unforgettable moments at Layton’s Chance.

Love is Scary @ Broken Spoke
2026-02-13 18:00 - 21:00 | Tasting Room – Broken Spoke Winery, 942 Glebe Road, Earleville, MD, 21919
Love is Scary
Slices, Sips & Skills. Bristow Live Fire Pizza, Wine by the glass, and Scary Trivia (relationships etc)

Live Music Fridays
2026-02-13 18:00 - 20:30, 2026-02-06 18:00 - 20:30, 2026-01-30 18:00 - 20:30 | MD
Enjoy live music every Friday at Windridge!

Corteau Vineyards Finally Friday
2026-02-13 15:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-06 15:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-30 15:00 - 20:00 | Corteau Vineyards, 38713 Golden Beach Rd, Mechanicsvilel, MD, 20659
