Off the Vine: Day Trips to Maryland Wineries
Boordy Vineyards
Maryland wineries have exploded to 40 and counting, with five designated wine trails to explore all varieties of vino. The wine trails are divided by region: Carroll, Chesapeake, Frederick, Patuxent and Piedmont. A recent write-up in the NY Times has brought much-needed attention to the region’s quality of wines harvested, comparable to some of the world’s best vineyards.
These local wineries are the perfect setting for a romantic day trip for two, lovely family picnic lunch or a caravan full of friends ready to indulge their palates. Many of the Maryland wineries are offering fun summer events and festivals to enjoy while visiting. With so many impressive local vineyards to choose from, it’s simple to find one that rivals the famed Bordeaux region-if not on a slightly smaller scale.
Black Ankle Vineyards
Many of the vineyards are family owned and intimate, yet beautifully preserved and authentic to the area. A couple of Maryland favorites are Boordy Vineyards, just shy of Baltimore in the hills of Long Green Valley, and Black Ankle Vineyards, tucked away on the rolling roads of Frederick County.
Boordy, a favored destination for local oenophiles, hosts daily wine tastings in their charming 19th-century barn. Through September, they are also featuring a farmer’s market every Thursday with music, food and local vendors showcasing their unique wares. Black Ankle Vineyards also throws a weekly event, Fireside Fridays, that pairs up their award-winning wine with live bands playing jazz, blues and acoustic guitars.
Fiore Winery, located in picturesque Harford County just north of Bel Air, sits on a 14-acre panoramic vineyard. “The Maryland Wine with an Italian Accent,” Fiore Winery is home to their annual Wine, Jazz and Art Festival on the third weekend in August.
Fiore Winery
In Southern Maryland, Running Hare Vineyards recently unveiled a stunning Tuscan-inspired ballroom on their 300 acre private farm that can host events for up to 260 seated guests. Another winery on the Patuxent Wine Trail, Solomans Island Winery is a popular summer wine festival choice for their fruity, sweet and delicious white and red blends. Visit their winery and then head over to the waterfront for dining, shopping and even fishing from the Riverwalk pier.
Over on the Eastern Shore, Bordeleau Winery & Vineyards is an eco-friendly destination that’s ideal for nature and wildlife enthusiasts because it’s nestled on the edge of Wicomico Creek. Their tasting room is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday and by appointment only Monday or Tuesday.
To plan a short overnight getaway and extend your stay, there are numerous charming bed & breakfasts or small inns near the wineries in quaint historic towns scattered throughout Maryland. Countless dining establishments with local flavor are easy to find with a quick web search or by asking staff at the vineyard for a recommendation. Don’t forget to buy a few bottles of a favorite varietal (or even a case) for special onsite pricing.
Images via Flickr (creative commons) by elh70, Joe Hatfield, R.B. Boyer, and elh70 respectively.
Category: DAY TRIPS, STAYCATIONS, TRAVEL, WINE LOVERS
