Maryland Wineries Association

seminar

A Maryland Wine Experience: March 20th-22nd, 2026

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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

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

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:

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:

|| 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:

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:

 

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:

 

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.

 

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:

WINE DINNER SPONSOR:

 

 

 

A Maryland Wine Experience: March 21st – 23rd

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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:

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:

|| 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:

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:

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:

 

 

 

A Maryland Wine Experience: April 6th

by

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

 

The Grand Tasting | SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 3:30 pm – 7:00 pm

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, with comparative tastings of the same varietals from other winemaking regions. Wines included in this tasting session include Maryland-made wine and wine styles from abroad.

Learn about the care and consideration that goes into growing and making world-class wines while enjoying live music from the Anders Eliasson Trio. An array of scrumptious heavy appetizers (including Maryland oysters!) is available to attendees of the Grand Tasting.

Featured Wineries

This excellent event will include wines from a curated selection of Maryland wineries.

BOOK YOUR HOTEL STAY AT GRADUATE ANNAPOLIS NOW

Book your stay at the Graduate Annapolis TODAY to secure a great rate for your Maryland Wine Experience. 

PLAN YOUR TRIP

A Maryland Wine Experience is curated for Maryland residents and visitors. Adventure comes in many forms… From the historic charm of Annapolis along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay to the entertainment district of BWI and Arundel Mills, discover all that Annapolis and Anne Arundel County have to offer. Plan your Annapolis adventure today!

 

 

 

Wine Seminar: The Art & Science of Blending

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Work side by side with the winemaker and owners to create a red blend. You will tasting of wines to be used for blending and actually blending in small groups to create a red blend that will be bottled as Crow Club Select. This seminar is designed to build on the previously offered seminars. Seminar end time may run over.

This intimate event requires proof of vaccination.

Purchase tickets HERE

*Non-refundable*

Wine Seminar: Grapes to Glass

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Great wines begin in the vineyard and end in the winery. Spend time in the vineyard with a guided presentation of the techniques for premium grape growing on the Eastern Shore. Then off to the winery to explore winemaking techniques and how they are used to express terroir. This intimate event requires proof of vaccination.

Purchase tickets HERE

*Non-refundable*

Wine Seminar: Food & Wine Pairing

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Crow wines are excellent paired with a variety of foods and we pride ourselves in pairing with local cuisine. Learn the art of wine and food pairing through guided tastings and presentation. This intimate event requires proof of vaccination.

Purchase tickets HERE

*Non-refundable*

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