Wines made from Maryland-grown grapes can boast flavors distinct from anywhere else in the world.
Though Maryland isn't one of the nation's best-known wine destinations, a decent number of quality wineries are within 40 miles of Baltimore. Offering wines with flavors unique to Maryland, many of these wineries also offer tastings and winery tours for patrons interested in experiencing Maryland viniculture up close.
Serpent Ridge
About 20 miles from central Baltimore, Serpent Ridge features hand-made wines of varietals such as cabernet sauvignon and pinot grigio. Using grapes grown at the on-site vineyard and in other Maryland vineyards, Serpent Ridge's wines express flavors that are unique to Maryland's growing conditions. Owners Greg and Karen offer tours of this small-scale vineyard to interested guests. The tasting room is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at other times by appointment. Other winery events include wine dinners, at which Serpent Ridge wines are paired with complementary foods.
Serpent Ridge Vineyard
2962 Nicodemus Road
Westminster, MD 21157-7508
410-848-6511
serpentridge.com
Boordy Vineyards
The oldest family-run vineyard in Maryland, Boordy Vineyards has operated since 1945 with an emphasis on tradition in winemaking. Featured wines include cabernet, chardonnay and a Maryland port. The vineyard also offers free escorted tours of the historic winery, where guests can learn about the grapes and the winemaking process. These guided tours are offered at 2 and 3:30 p.m. daily, though guests are welcome to stroll the vineyards at their leisure.
Groups of 10 or more are required to call at least five days in advance. Any guests wishing to combine a private, more in-depth winery tour with an educational wine tasting may do so for $10 a person, with a limit of 45 guests. Other Boordy events include a summer concert series, a community picnic and a farmers market.
Boordy Vineyards
12820 Long Green Pike
Hydes, MD 21082-9541
410-592-5015
boordy.com
Fiore Winery
Specializing in creating "Maryland wine with an Italian accent," Fiore is owned by a family with almost 20 generations of Italian winemaking experience. Many of the grapes are grown in the on-site vineyard (referred to by Fiore staff as the La Felicetta Vineyard). Guests are welcome to tour the vineyard themselves; it has "one of the mid-Atlantic's most picturesque agricultural panoramas," according to the winery's website. Those wishing a more in-depth winery tour can take a guided tour that informs guests about Fiore's winemaking process. The tasting room is open until 5 p.m. daily.
Fiore Winery
3026 Whiteford Road
Pylesville, MD 21132-1212
410-452-0132
fiorewinery.com
Elk Run Vineyards
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2010, Elk Run Vineyards specializes in combining Old World winemaking traditions with New World technology. Elk Run features free facility and vineyard tours for interested guests. Participants can witness the crushing and grape fermentation firsthand. Wine tastings are also available on-site, and range from $5 (for six featured wines) to $15 a person for private group tours. Private tours finish with a wine tasting with complimentary breads and cheeses. A yearly harvest festival with live music is just one of the events hosted by Elk Run.
Elk Run Vineyards
15113 Liberty Road
Mount Airy, MD 21771-9502
410-775-2513
elkrun.com
Tags: Serpent Ridge, Boordy Vineyards, events include, Fiore Winery, grapes grown