Maryland Wine Month

Did you know that March is Maryland’s official wine month? What began as Maryland Wine Week in 2011 expanded in 2017 to become a monthlong celebration. The month gives wineries across the state the opportunity to showcase their unique, locally crafted flavors. Additionally, the month helps support local businesses and different wineries that have been making wine since as early as 1945, keeping community staples thriving today!

The A Maryland Wine Experience event returns March 20–22 in downtown Frederick, offering wine lovers a deep dive into the state’s wine culture with master classes, tastings, and a grand tasting featuring dozens of Maryland-grown wines. Hosted by the Maryland Wineries Association, the multi-day spring celebration invites attendees to explore guided sessions on wine education and blending techniques, meet winemakers and winery staff, and sample more than 70 local wines. In addition to immersive learning experiences, the weekend includes special activities like a wine dinner, cocktail crawl, and a sparkling Sunday brunch, plus the chance to visit the Maryland Wine Bottle Shop during the Grand Tasting to purchase bottles to take home. 

Every Wednesday in March, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM, Simple Theory Wine Co. will offer its Wine 101 Series. This class, led by a third-generation winemaker Melissa Aellen, will allow you to discover everything about wines, from how they’re made to identifying the notes and more. Tickets cost $25 per person, including tastings.

For those who want something more laid back, there are several local restaurants and bars that feature a multitude of wine options. Red Red Wine Bar, located in downtown Annapolis, has hours of operation that range anywhere from 10 AM to 2 AM, with online reservations being encouraged. Cooper’s Hawk, a well-known restaurant in the Annapolis Town Center, has its own tasting room for those who just want a sip. Every day of the week, Cooper’s also offers a Wine O’Clock, taking place from 3 to 5:30 PM, offering international glasses of wine for just $8. Vin 909 Winecafe offers specialty Wine Dinners, featuring a handcrafted chef’s menu with a thoughtfully paired wine for each course.

Want to head out to some local wineries? Great Frogs Winery is conveniently located in Annapolis’ backyard, giving a truly local experience. Their Premier Tasting course, for $35 per person, offers eight self-selected wines of your choice. The En Plein Air Tasting, at $60 for two people, is a self-guided journey with four 3 oz. samples of wine per person. Outdoor seating is open on a first-come, first-served basis, with indoor reservations being heavily encouraged. 

The Vineyards at Dodon, in Davidsonville, is open from 4 to 8 PM on Fridays and from noon to 6 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Their Introductory Tour & Tasting is offered on Saturdays and Sundays, at 4 PM, with four different wines to taste. The Collectors Tour & Tasting is a more elevated, intimate opportunity that is offered at 1 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. This tour concludes with a tasting of specialty limited edition collectors wines, paired with cheese and charcuterie. Both tours will last for approximately 90 minutes.

Located just over the Bay Bridge, in Stevensville, is the Chesapeake Manor Vineyard, which has a beautiful view of the bay and is the perfect spot for a wine paired with sunset! The winery is open from noon to 8 PM six days a week and from noon to 7 PM on Sundays. With no specific events currently listed, make sure to stay up to date for any potential happenings!
Looking for an official list of events, head on over to the Maryland Wineries Association website, where you can find the Maryland Wine Month Calendar!