frederick wineries - EpicBend https://epicbend.com Live Your Best Life in Bend Oregon and Frederick Maryland! Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:54:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://epicbend.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/241208-EpicTotal-Logo-1-150x150.png frederick wineries - EpicBend https://epicbend.com 32 32 The Unique and Utterly Delightful Visit to Mazzaroth Vineyard https://epicbend.com/mazzaroth-vineyard/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mazzaroth-vineyard https://epicbend.com/mazzaroth-vineyard/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:58:19 +0000 https://epicbend.com/?p=3831 A visit to Mazzaroth Vineyard in Middletown Maryland is nothing like your typical winery visit. And that's what makes it utterly delightful.

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I was both excited and perplexed when Glenn told me we would visit Mazzaroth Vineyard on a recent Saturday afternoon.  I was excited because, well, I love wine and exploring new Frederick area wineries. I was perplexed because I had never even heard of Mazzaroth. 

When we pulled up for our 3:30 appointment, if it hadn’t been for the vines covering the south-facing hillside of the property, we would have thought we were rolling up the driveway of someone’s rural home.  It was a beautiful property with one of the most spectacular views of any private house I’ve visited in MD.

This was the beginning of one of the most interesting and enjoyable winery experiences Glenn and I have ever had. 

A Local Winery That Redefines 'Local', plus Garry!

Exiting our car, Glenn and I exchanged a look as there was literally no one there but us.  No one.  No tasting room.  No food truck.  No one-man guitar band, no locals, no guests at all. 

But we were almost immediately greeted at our car by Mazzaroth’s owner, Garry Cohen, and his schnauzer, Leo.  Both welcomed us very enthusiastically.

After introducing himself and welcoming us to Mazzaroth, Garry led us across the patio and down into what looked to be the basement of his house.  Inside was the first evidence of actual winemaking – the whole room was lined with stainless tanks and other equipment. Garry grabbed a couple of glasses and poured us a taste of Vidal Blanc right from the tank. 

The Mazzaroth Vineyard Tour

This was the beginning of the most intimate winery tour possible.  Garry proceeded to walk us through the entire journey of his wine-making process.  He gave us tastes straight from the barrel.  He explained in detail how he made his different varietals, why some tasted the way they did, and why they tasted different in different years. 

It was fascinating to listen to Garry discuss his successful journey from amateur to successful boutique Maryland wine maker.

For example, he explained the current Mazzaroth Vineyard partnership with local Middletown favorite Fratelli’s (one of the best Italian restaurants near Frederick).  Mazzaroth provides Fratelli’s with their house white wine – a tasty blend of whites (including pinot gris) that Garry allowed us to try from the tank.  It was delicious! 

The following white, also straight from the tank, was Garry’s signature white wine – Vidal Blanc.  This was a fruity, bright wine that was both of our favorites.

We were quickly warming to the wine and to Garry, who obviously takes pride in his wines and in being true to his roots. 

The Mazzaroth Journey to Boutique Wine Making in Maryland

While we tasted, Garry told us how he and his wife searched for the perfect property for years to grow their grapes.  The current location was chosen primarily for its orientation on the hillside and access to sunlight for the vines.

Garry and Mazzaroth have improved their techniques and grown their wine business ever since.  Today, they not only grow their own grapes but also source grapes from Maryland’s Eastern shore and from as far away as California.  

The operation is small, but the wine is reflective of the care that goes into producing it.  The next and notable white we tried (again from the tank) was a Moscato.  This wine has a sweet, fruity nose and a crispy, dry mouth feel.  I’m no sommelier, but I’d score this one high.  This winemaker knows what he’s doing.

Hear More About Mazzaroth Vinyard

Listen to this podcast from Steeples and Peoples to hear more from Garry Cohen from Mazzaroth Vineyard

The Most Intimate and Personalized Wine Tasting Experience You Will Ever Get

So far we’d been tasting in Garry’s production area, straight from tanks.  But Garry eventually moved us to his formal tasting area, literally a tiny counter bar in his basement! 

If not for the multiple award-winning wines lined up on the back bar, this would have been no different than being in a friend’s downstairs bar

We quickly got into serious Mazzaroth wine tasting as Garry started us on some reds.  We tried a progressive flight of Tannats.  Tannat is an attractive red varietal that we had only previously tasted once in the central coast of California (Paso Robles).  We ended up purchasing several bottles of the Mazzaroth Tannat!

Garry continued to pour more reds. Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are definitely Mazzaroth winners.  We eventually also tried his dessert wine (a ruby-style Port wine), which we also bought. 

But it’s Garry’s detailed explanation of everything associated with the wine-making business that makes a visit to Mazzaroth Vineyard so enjoyable.  As we sipped, Garry explained everything from procuring the grapes, fermenting and blending, the design of the label, and even demonstrating to us how a bottle is labeled.

We emerged from the basement bar totally enamored with Mazzaroth, plus a case of purchased wines in hand and a membership to Mazzaroth’s wine club!  We plan to return per Garry’s invitation during a bottling session to participate and help out!  Or just when it’s warmer to sip some of those lovely whites on the patio.

Where You Can Find Mazzaroth Wine

As mentioned, you can taste Mazzaroth’s wines for yourself at Fratelli’s in Middletown. It’s also in several local wine shops, including Frederick Wine House.  The dessert wine is also on the menu at Up on Market in downtown Frederick.

You can also order it directly from the Mazzaroth Website. 

What Else You Need to Know About Mazzaroth Vineyard

Other Wineries to Visit in the Middletown, MD Area

A tall, slender bottle of Orchid Cellar wine stands on a wooden railing in front of a green lawn and scattered patio furniture, with trees and hills in the distance under a setting sun at Orchid Cellar Middletown MD.

A visit to Mazzaroth is worth an excursion in itself.  But if you want to make a day of visiting wineries in the area, here are a few more recommendations of wineries around Middletown, MD:

Check out our Wineries Around Frederick MD Guide for maps and more details.

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]]> https://epicbend.com/mazzaroth-vineyard/feed/ 0 Orchid Cellar in Middletown, MD: Mead, Wine, and Mountain Views https://epicbend.com/orchid-cellar/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=orchid-cellar https://epicbend.com/orchid-cellar/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:42:57 +0000 https://epicbend.com/?p=29512 Visit Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery in Middletown, MD for handcrafted mead, local wine, and a relaxing farm setting just outside Frederick.

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Are you a fan of mead, or perhaps a wine enthusiast looking to broaden your horizons?

Regardless of your answer, Nicole and I would like to introduce you to a hidden gem that will tantalize your taste buds: Orchid Cellar in Middletown, MD.

This established meadery and winery stands out as one of the unique tasting venues in the Frederick area, and it’s an experience that winery lovers in Maryland shouldn’t miss.

A wooden table at Orchid Cellar Middletown MD holds a flight of four glasses filled with different colored meads, ranging from amber to golden. The glasses sit on a labeled tray, with empty chairs and a brick wall in the cozy tasting room.

I’ll admit that I knew very little about mead before visiting Orchid Cellar.  But after trying their small-batch, handcrafted meads, I’m sold on this ancient drink.

Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery - Full Guide

What is Mead?

Mead is a beverage made from fermented honey.  It is considered by some to be the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage, originating in both Africa and China. 

A glossy black sign on a wooden wall at Orchid Cellar Middletown MD reads “Welcome to the Meadery” and lists five steps for visiting, from trying mead flights to grabbing bottles. Social media handles and playful doodles decorate the sign.

Mead’s popularity declined with the rise of beer and wine, but has made a comeback in recent years with the rise of local mead producers.

Mead generally is sweeter and has a higher alcohol content than wine (10% to 20% vs 9% to 16%).  To me, mead most resembles dessert or late harvest wines.

Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery - Basics

Orchid Cellar is a meadery and winery tucked away in the rolling countryside of Middletown, about 20 minutes from Frederick. 

  • Address: 8546 Pete Wiles Rd, Middletown, MD 21769
  • Hours:  open Friday (2 pm to 8 pm), Sat-Sun (12 noon to 8 pm), Monday to Thursday by appt only.
  • Web
  • Facebook
  • Reservations:  not needed (first come first serve)

Orchid Cellar is a popular spot on nice days, but there’s plenty of seating and you can generally visit any time without a reservation.

A woman with wavy brown hair, sunglasses, and a white shirt with a long light pink skirt smiles while opening a brown double glass door of a log cabin at Orchid Cellar Middletown MD. Sunlight creates reflections on the door and wooden deck.

What Makes Orchid Cellar Such a Fabulous Tasting Experience?

Orchid Cellar combines lots of the characteristics that Nicole and I look for in a great winery experience.

  • Beautiful, Relaxing Farm Setting (see below)
  • High-quality wines, and in this case, meads
  • A great indoor tasting room
  • Knowledgeable and friendly staff who guide you through their products
A round wooden barrel lid with a spout, mounted on a wood wall, displays "Orchid Cellar Middletown MD, 2010" and a logo of hills, a house, vineyards, and birds—showcasing the unique spirit of Orchid Cellar.

Nicole and I recently visited on a warm, sunny Saturday in April, and the atmosphere was truly magical. The farm radiated with beauty, and the venue was abuzz with visitors, yet it maintained a comfortable sense of space.

A hand holds a tasting menu above two wooden trays, each with four small glasses of dark, amber, and golden meads from Orchid Cellar Middletown MD. The trays rest on a black metal mesh table outdoors, sunlight casting shadows across the surface.

A very nice tasting room employee gave us a detailed explanation of the Orchid Cellar meads as we tasted them, including how they are made, the different varietals, and the history of the meadery.

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From Poland to Rural Maryland - The History of Orchid Cellar

While visiting Orchid Cellar, we were lucky enough to meet and spend time chatting with one of the founders, Marzanna Wilk.

Marzanna explained that she and her husband came to the US from Poland, and in the early 2000s, when she started to miss the taste of mead, she could not really find it in Maryland.

Two women stand smiling on a wooden deck at Orchid Cellar Middletown MD. Both wear sunglasses and sandals, with trees and a grassy area in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Nicole and Marzanna Wilk, owner of Orchid Cellar

Fast-forward to 2006, and Marzanna and her husband Andrzej began making their own mead in Maryland.  In 2009, they purchased the property that would eventually become the Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery. 

Four bottles of Orchid Cellar mead, each adorned with medals, rest on a small barrel. Labeled “Cobbler,” “Frost Hunter,” and “Alchemist,” they’re set against wooden walls with a trash bin to the left at Orchid Cellar Middletown MD.

Their meads gained popularity, leading to consistent business growth.

By 2016, they had moved into a cabin-style tasting room (they built it themselves!), which serves as the foundation of the meadery today.

The Setting: Relaxing Farm Vibes in Middletown

One of the biggest reasons to visit Orchid Cellar in Middletown, MD is the setting and atmosphere.

A tall, slender bottle of Orchid Cellar wine stands on a wooden railing in front of a green lawn and scattered patio furniture, with trees and hills in the distance under a setting sun at Orchid Cellar Middletown MD.

Set on a quiet farm property, you’ll find:

  • Rolling hills and mountain views
  • Plenty of outdoor seating areas on scenic decks, patios, and sprawling lawns, perfect for sunny days
  • A cozy tasting room with rustic charm
  • A vineyard to wander and farm animals to visit

One of the reasons Nicole and I love visiting wineries is the peaceful setting.  Much like its nearby Middletown neighbor, Mazzaroth Vineyards, Orchid Cellar fits the bill.

Three brown, curly-fleeced sheep graze on green grass between leafless grapevines at Orchid Cellar in Middletown, MD. Soft sunlight bathes the gently sloping landscape, with trees and open sky visible in the background.

Tasting Options at Orchid Cellar

Part of the fun in visiting Orchid Cellar is all the new types of beverages you can try.  They serve not only wines, but a long list of traditional meads, and several incredibly delicious sparkling meads.

A woman with wavy brown hair, dressed in white, sits at a wooden table in a cozy log cabin at Orchid Cellar Middletown MD. Eight glasses of mead, each labeled with a different flavor, rest on trays as warm string lights and a brick fireplace glow behind her.

You can mix and match tastings however you like, and the variety of mead flavors is super interesting and fun.  Here are some of Nicole’s and my favorites:

  • Squire – this is the most traditional honey mead
  • Jester – made with caramelized honey and intense orange flavor
  • Ghost Hunter – very peculiar, sweet and spicy combination
  • Wild Berry – our favorite of the sparkling meads 
Bottles of Orchid Cellar mead with white labels sit on a wooden shelf below a black and white sign reading “MD | Mead (Honey Wine),” capturing the rustic, cozy charm of Orchid Cellar Middletown MD’s tasting room.

Tips for Visiting Orchid Cellar in Middletown, MD

Before you go, here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:

  • Check hours they are open from Friday to Sunday (otherwise by appointment)
  • Nice Weekends Bring Crowds get there early to grab the best seating
  • Snacks and food  cheese and crackers are available for purchase, but you can also bring your own
  • Plan for a relaxing visit—this isn’t a rushed experience
  • Consider buying a bottle (or two) to take home, we took home several

The Orchid Cellar also has a Club, like those at other wineries.  You’ll get discounts by purchasing four bottles every quarter.

Make It a Full Day In and Around Middletown, MD

A visit to Orchid Cellar is a perfect outing from Frederick, for a date, excursion, or leisurely winery visit.  But you can also combine it into a full day of winery visits in the Middletown area.

A wooden frame holds a metal sign for “Six Wicket Vineyards” by a rural roadside. Known among Frederick MD Wineries, the sign features a stylized emblem above the name, set on a grassy slope with fences, trees, and blue sky in the background.

Some other wineries in the area are:

Check out our Wineries Around Frederick Guide for more details.

Final Thoughts on Why You Need to Visit Orchid Cellar!

Nicole and I love discovering hidden gems around Frederick, and Orchid Cellar is certainly one of them!  

Mead is never going to be a replacement for the wine we drink with meals or otherwise.  But I can definitely say mead is something we will enjoy more often. 

A row of tall wine bottles with medals hangs on a wooden shelf against a wooden wall. Below, a framed 2023 Best of the Best award plaque for Orchid Cellar Middletown MD is displayed, honoring their winery in Ottawa County.

If you like winery visits, you should check out Orchid Cellar for yourself, try their mead (and wine!), and if nothing else enjoy this beautiful setting and friendly venue, only 20 minutes from Frederick.

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]]> https://epicbend.com/orchid-cellar/feed/ 0 The 17 Best Wineries Around Frederick MD [Updated for 2026] https://epicbend.com/best-wineries-around-frederick-md/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-wineries-around-frederick-md https://epicbend.com/best-wineries-around-frederick-md/#comments Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:30:10 +0000 https://epicbend.com/?p=4353 Read about the Best Wineries Around Frederick MD. We share the Frederick wineries with the best wines, best views, and best overall experience.

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You’ve landed on this page because you are looking for the Best Wineries Around Frederick, MD. We’ve got you covered!

Nicole and I are Frederick locals, and visiting wineries is one of our favorite things to do. The winery scene around Frederick (and in rural Maryland in general) is sneaky amazing. But it takes some exploring to fine the best ones. 

Rankings: Best Wineries Around Frederick MD

Orchid-cellar-meadery-2

Orchid Cellar Meadery + Winery

Orchid Cellar Meadery & Winery is a woman-owned, family-run destination in the scenic Middletown Valley known for its handcrafted meads and locally produced Maryland wines.

Set on a beautiful hillside with a rustic log-cabin tasting room and mountain views, it offers one of the most unique and relaxing tasting experiences in the Frederick area.

Visit Winery

Featured placement.  All wineries are selected editorially.

Wineries Around Frederick MD Map

Did we miss a place? Did we rank something too high or low?  Let us know in the comments.

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)

1. Black Ankle Vineyards (Mt. Airy, MD)

A yellow building with string lights outside glows warmly at sunset. People gather at outdoor tables, enjoying the cozy atmosphere typical of Frederick MD Wineries. Rolling hills and fields surround the scene beneath a cloudy, sunlit sky.

Why We Love It: Black Ankle Winery was the first winery that Nicole and I ‘discovered’ when we moved to the Frederick area, and we’ve loved it ever since. 

In fact, we consider it one of the special places that make living in the area amazing.  It’s the place where we take family and visitors when they are in town.

There are so many reasons Black Ankle is special.  The wine tastes like ‘California’.  The setting is mysterious and gorgeous (especially at sunset).  In fact, the drive to the winery has the “where the heck are we” vibe.  Then suddenly, Black Ankle appears as a stunning oasis.   

The indoor winery (with earth-friendly architecture) and the outdoor patio are super cool places to drink wine. Black Ankle also has food, food trucks, and occasional events, such as wine dinners, that we’ve come to enjoy.  The Black Ankle Wine Club is also highly recommended.

In fact, the biggest problem Black Ankle has is that it’s a victim of its own success – too many people in Maryland are discovering it.

Watch Our Recent Visit to Black Ankle Vineyards:

2. Big Cork Vineyards (Rohersville, MD)

Big Cork Vineyards Wine

Why We Love It: Big Cork Vineyards is the real deal.  When I lived in Northern Virginia, Nicole and I were regulars at many Loudoun County wineries.  There are some tremendous wineries in Loudoun, including Stone Tower, Chrysalis Vineyards, and what was our go-to place:  Breaux Vineyards.

Big Cork rivals all those places in every aspect: quality of wine, tasting room, scenery, and overall experience.  It should be no surprise that the founder and main winemaker at Big Cork (Dave Collins) came from Breaux.

The best aspect of Big Cork is the quality of the wines.  Both the Bordeaux-style reds and whites will win over even the most ardent Maryland wine skeptics.  They are high-quality and delicious. 

But Big Cork does everything else well.  The Tasting Room is upscale and gorgeous.  There’s plenty of outdoor seating, and the views are beautiful.  Big Cork is also big on events.  The frequent educational tasting and summertime concerts are highly recommended. 

Tasting reservations are recommended, and this is another wine club we’ve been members of and recommend.  

Big Cork is a Maryland winery gem!

3. Burnt Hill Farm (Clarksburg, MD)

A warmly lit barn-style building stands alone at night under a partly cloudy sky in Mt Airy MD. Soft lights illuminate windows and a covered walkway, while tall grass surrounds the structure, creating a peaceful rural scene.

Why We Love It: The biggest development in regards to wineries around Frederick in 2025 by far was the opening of Burnt Hill Farm.  In fact, it was the biggest splash in all of Maryland.

Burnt Hill is a stunning new winery on a hilltop near Clarksburg.  It’s a sister property to Old Westminstery Winery, with a similar vibe but to the extreme.

The wine tasting experience at Burnt Hill is beyond elevated.  Nicole and I went in November 2025 and were blown away.  The setting, decor, food, and furnishings are next level.

We can’t wait to return during warm weather.

FYI, as of January 2026, they were still booked out for several months.

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4. Linganore Winecellars (Mt. Airy, MD)

a Large Red Barn with a Wooden Deck and Outdoor Seating Stands Beside a Tall White Silo Labeled linganore Winecellars Berrywine in New Market Md the Sunny Scene and Clear Sky Evoke a Peaceful Rural Vineyard Setting

Why We Love It: Linganore Winery is a major operation. With a 45-year history and well-established local brand, this is the Frederick area wine you are most likely to see around town.

The winery sits between Frederick and Mount Airy, and it’s a beautiful spot. There’s a spacious tasting room and lots of options for sitting outside, including fire pits. There are also lots of food options, including regular food trucks. Reservations are definitely recommended.

Events are big at Linganore Winecellars as well; check the events page. It’s a major wedding venue in the area as well.

Finally, they operate a major brewery on the same property—Red Shedman Farm Brewery. This makes it convenient if your party has members who prefer beer over wine!

Watch Nicole and Glenn's Visit to Linganore Winery!

5. 61 Vineyard (Damascus, MD)

A hand holds a glass of white wine with 6 Vineyard etched on it. Yellow flowers and green fields in New Market, MD, stretch beyond a patio, while the sun sets behind low hills and scattered clouds, creating a warm, tranquil atmosphere.

Why We Love It: 61 Vineyard is right in our backyard, so it’s a place we’ve watched ‘grow up’ since we moved to the area. We are happy to say that it is a thriving winery and a wonderful place to visit.

It’s literally a small farm, and visiting is an intimate experience. The wine is made from the on-premise vineyards, which you’ll see when you pull in. The tasting room is small but cozy. Sitting on the larger patio or terrace is even better if the weather is nice. The wines are really good!

61 Vineyard has also really stepped up the event schedule.  We attended a wonderful wine dinner, and Nicole even did yoga there!  Please check it out!

6. Six Wicket Vineyards (Myersville, MD)

A wooden frame holds a metal sign for “Six Wicket Vineyards” by a rural roadside. Known among Frederick MD Wineries, the sign features a stylized emblem above the name, set on a grassy slope with fences, trees, and blue sky in the background.

Why We Love It:  Six Wicket Vineyards is another Maryland boutique viticultural gem. 

The gorgeous winery is run by Ed and Kathy O’Laughlin, who began in 2014 and now have over 15 acres in Myersville, MD.  It’s a small place you can visit only by appointment, but the intimacy of the visit makes it special.

Six Wicket focuses on a few varietals – Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Albarino, Petit Verdot, and Chardonnay.  During our visit, Nicole and I especially enjoyed their Cabernet Franc, especially the version aged in Slovenian Oak.

Today, the tasting room is on the ground floor of their beautiful estate home, but they plan to build a larger, more formal tasting room in the future. Make an appointment and visit this beautiful vineyard, which produces some of Maryland’s best wines!

Book Your Hotel In or Around Frederick

7. Mazzaroth Vineyards (Middletown, MD)

Mazzaroth Award Winning Wines

Why We Love It: A visit to Mazzaroth Vineyards is unlike any other on this list. Nicole and I were lucky enough to stumble into an evening with Garry Cohen at Mazzaroth, and it was one of the most delightful winery experiences we’ve ever had.  And we’ve had a lot.

Mazzaroth is the epitome of a ’boutique’ winery. A visit to Mazzaroth is, in essence, a visit to Garry’s home-turned-winery, which includes an in-depth education into what it takes to make wine in Maryland.

The tour includes a detailed walkthrough of Garry’s production area, where he will likely serve you tastings from his tanks of Vidal Blanc, Albarino, and his signature Tannat.

Don’t expect a fancy tasting room, but Garry will continue the tour at his personal bar area, where you will receive more wine tasting.  Make no mistake, Garry knows what he’s doing; his wines are delicious, and you will likely leave with several bottles.

This is an ‘appointment only’ vineyard, but Nicole and I cannot recommend visiting Mazzaroth enough.  It’s a delightful Maryland winery experience.

P.S. We will let Garry explain where the name ‘Mazzaroth’ comes from—he can tell it better than me!

8. Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyards (Dickerson, MD)

Nicole-sugarloaf-vineyards-maryland

Why We Love It:  This is a must-visit winery in the Frederick area.  Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyards has its act firmly together, producing solid wines and offering guests a wonderful venue to visit and taste.

SMV has been around since 2006, and on its 22 acres, it currently grows 12 different varietals. Located in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain, the grapes grown here thrive in a unique microclimate, giving experienced winemakers at SMV many options for creating delicious wines. 

It’s equally rewarding to visit, with lots of outdoor seating (and very little indoor seating).  You can also schedule a tour by email in advance.  This is also one of the wineries on this list that you should consider joining the wine club (Bacchus Club).

9. Old Westminster Winery (Westminster, MD)

Old Westminster Winery Maryland

Why We Love It: This winery is a bit of a hike from Frederick (~35 minutes), but it deserves a place on this list because it’s truly worth visiting.  Nicole and I were blown away when we first visited Old Westminster.

It’s a highly acclaimed place (both nationally and locally), so you will want to make a reservation before you show up.  The all-around experience is top-shelf.

There are multiple tasting/visiting areas, including a veranda, a greenhouse, and individual pods for your group.  The food is a big deal; the charcuterie board we shared was delectable.  But gourmet pizzas are popular as well.

The wines are interesting and delicious, with many blends that look and sound unusual. The 2023 Salt with exotic fruit flavors is my favorite. Old Westminster is a high-quality wine, good enough to feature on the menu of many places around Frederick. 

Old Westminster is also worth visiting if you want the most Instagram-worthy photos.

10. Springfield Manor Winery, Distillery, and Brewery (Thurmont, MD)

Outdoor Restaurant Scene at Sunset with Wooden Tables and Chairs People Dining and Chatting Near Vibrant Flowerbeds Reminiscent of Frederick Md Wineries a Large Beige Building with a Red Roof in the Background and a Tree with Green Leaves on the Right

Why We Love It: That view! Wineries are about experience and visual appeal. A great view from a winery’s outside area can go a long way towards making a visit memorable. That’s what Springhill Manor Winery has.

This winery, just 15 minutes north of Frederick, is on an elevated plateau with a gorgeous view of the Catoctin Mountains. The view is even better when the lavender fields are in bloom.

Springfield Manor is not only a winery but also a distillery and brewery, so it’s a great place if your group likes more than just wine. It’s also a beautiful property that is still a working Inn (one of the best hotels around Frederick) and a popular wedding venue.

There are plenty of food options, including the usual food truck. It also has plenty of seating, with no need for a reservation, so it’s a great place for a last-minute visit to a winery in the Frederick area.

11. Hidden Hills Farm and Vineyard (Frederick, MD)

Rows of grapevines grow in a lush green vineyard under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds in New Market MD. Sunlight casts long shadows from the vines and wooden posts, with a tree-covered hill and field in the background.
Photo Credit: Hidden Hills on Facebook

Why We Love It: Wine and horses! Hidden Hills Vineyard has both and makes for an enjoyable winery visit.  

The grounds of Hidden Hills are beautiful. It’s a quintessential Maryland farm, with rolling hills, horse pastures, and vineyards that offer spectacular scenery. The setting is one of Hidden Hills’ best features.

The wines are quite good as well.  They tend to make red and white blends with Spanish and equestrian names (such as Mustang and Andalusian).  I’ve seen them on the menu at Thacher and Rye.  

The spacious tasting room has a modern farmhouse character, but I really recommend visiting on a nice day and sitting outside.  Take advantage of the beautiful views and, of course, the horses you’ll see in the background.  It’s a real working horse farm.

Hidden Hills has events on most weekends, including live music and food trucks.

Follow EpicFrederick for Local Info You Won't Find in Guides:

12. Links Bridge Vineyards (Thurmont MD)

Links Bridge Vineyards near Frederick

Why We Love It: Nicole and I love visiting wineries, but we also love hiking around Frederick. When you visit Links Bridge Vineyards near Thurmont, you can actually do both!

Links Bridge is a winery in a picturesque setting on the Monocacy River. Their wines are delicious (lots of single-varietal and blended wines), but the highlight of a visit is the outdoor tasting area.

The terrace and garden are green and lovely, making for a great wine-tasting outing, especially if the weather is nice. (You can also visit their indoor tasting room, but we recommend visiting on an ‘outdoor day’).

In fact, we recommend you do what we do when visiting Links Bridge:  get a glass (or bottle) of wine and head out on the loop hike down to the river! 

The staff will give you a map, and you can wander past the vineyard and open fields and down to the Monocacy to finish your wine before heading back.

13. Loew Vineyards (Mt. Airy, MD)

Loew Vineyards near Frederick

Why We Love It:  The most interesting part of Loew Vineyards is its legacy. 

The owners are part of a family that originates from Lwow, Poland, and have been making mead since the 1800s.  The family suffered, like many others, tremendously during the Holocaust of WWII-era Europe, and one family member eventually made it to the USA. 

In 1982, Loew Vineyards in Frederick County was established, and the family’s wine-making heritage was carried on (read more here).

Today, Loew Vineyards is a lovely spot near Mount Airy with a small, traditional tasting room (which doubles as a production area) and a beautiful view.

It’s the kind of place where you can wander through the vines and talk to employees who likely picked the grapes, produced the wine, bottled it, and served it to you.

Loew Vineyards, Elk Run Vineyards, and Black Ankle Winery are all clustered together about 20 minutes east of Frederick, making for a good afternoon of wine tasting.

14. Catoctin Breeze Vineyard (Thurmont, MD)

Catoctin-Breeze-Winery-Thurmont

Why We Love It:  Catoctin Breeze is a mountain-side vineyard located in Thurmont, Maryland. 

It is a bit further out from Frederick, about 25 minutes, and makes for a good outing if you are going to visit other wineries north of Frederick, such as Springfield Manor Winery and Links Bridge Vineyards.

But this venue is definitely worth the trip.  The wines (reds and whites) are high quality and interesting, and the setting is gorgeous. 

Reservations aren’t necessary, and while there’s an indoor tasting room, this is a much better place to visit on a nice day, where you can enjoy the outdoor picnic tables. 

Joining the wine club does get you access to the members-only lounge. 

15. Elk Run Vineyards (Mt. Airy, MD)

A mural on a building in Mt Airy MD shows rows of grapevines stretching into the distance below a warm, orange sky. "Elk Run" is painted at the top with an elk antler motif. A red metal ladder leans against the wall; trees and blue sky behind.

Why We Love It:  Elk Run Vineyards is another winery that has been making wine in Maryland for quite a while (circa 1980 in their case). 

Located east of Frederick near Mount Airy, the vineyards and winery resemble a working farm that has mastered its craft of making premium wines through decades of refinement.

You can visit for a tasting and hang out inside or outside, or better yet, attend their standard tours on Saturdays and Sundays, which are very interesting.

Weekend events are pretty regular, including music and food trucks.

16. Orchard Cellar Meadery and Winery (Middletown, MD)

A wooden table at Orchid Cellar Middletown MD holds a flight of four glasses filled with different colored meads, ranging from amber to golden. The glasses sit on a labeled tray, with empty chairs and a brick wall in the cozy tasting room.

Why We Love It: Do you like Mead?

Mead is an alternative alcoholic beverage made from fermenting honey. It’s an alcoholic beverage, and while it’s not super common in grocery stores or restaurants, there are several active meaderies in Maryland.

Orchard Cellar is one of those, and they produce a variety of meads that you can taste, buy, and enjoy at their beautiful property. 

Orchard Cellar meads come in an even broader array of flavors than you typically find with wine.  Meads can be still or sparkling, sweet or spicy, and flavored with a wide range of natural ingredients.

Besides the mead, Orchard Cellar is a fabulous place to visit, with a classic log cabin tasting room and a beautiful outdoor setting. Reservations are not necessary.

17. Serpent Ridge Vineyard (Westminster, MD)

seprant ridge vineyard near frederick

Why We Love It: Serpent’s Ridge is also a bit of a drive from Frederick (~35 minutes), and definitely off the beaten path.  But it’s in a lovely spot with a peaceful setting for getting away and sipping wine.

The tasting room is small, more like a small cabin.  We’d definitely recommend visiting on a nice day when you can sit outside, because the grounds and outdoor vibe are the main draws of Serpent’s Ridge.

The wines are focused and delicious, with some interesting red and white blends.  There is wine, snacks, and usually a food truck.  What more can you ask?

What Makes a Great Winery Visit?

Nicole and I built this list based on our personal visits to every one of these wineries near Frederick.  We rank them based on what we believe makes a great winery experience: 

  1. The Quality of the Wine
  2. The Tasting Room or Outdoor Seating area
  3. The Setting and Views
  4. The Overall Experience
  5. Winery-Friendly Food Options
A smiling man and woman sit at an outdoor wooden picnic table in a green, wooded area, enjoying drinks from Frederick MD Wineries. The man holds a water bottle; the woman sips white wine. Empty wine glass holders rest on the table.
A smiling man and woman wearing sunglasses stand outdoors at one of the Frederick MD Wineries, holding wine glasses. The woman has long brown hair and a sleeveless black top; the man wears a patterned shirt. Green landscape and blue sky complete the scene.
A smiling woman and man stand close together indoors at one of the Frederick MD Wineries, each holding a glass of red wine. The woman wears a plaid coat and the man wears a dark jacket. Behind them are shelves with wine bottles and a window with greenery outside.

If you explore this list of wineries, you’ll discover a little bit of everything.

A woman and man wearing sunglasses stand smiling in front of a vineyard at one of the Frederick MD Wineries, with rows of bare grapevines, green hills, scattered trees, and a blue sky dotted with white clouds in the background.
A man and woman sit outside at a sunny patio at one of the Frederick MD Wineries, both wearing sunglasses and smiling. The woman wears a colorful pink and orange dress; the man wears a dark plaid shirt, with a rustic building in the background.
Two hands clink glasses of red and white wine outdoors at sunset, the warm light reflecting off their drinks. Blurred green grass and vineyard rows hint at the serene charm of Frederick MD Wineries in the background.

Some are larger venues that don’t require reservations, places you can basically show up anytime they are open for a visit or tasting. 

Others are much smaller boutique wineries near Frederick that require an appointment to visit.  Many of these can be the best to visit!  Be sure to read the details for each winery below.

Winery Frederick Md Beautiful Sunset at a Frederick Maryland Winery

Should I Belong to a Frederick Winery?

Nicole and I are members at (far too many!) wineries.  A great wine club is another feature we think makes a great winery. For example, what does a winery do to treat wine club members extra special?

a Woman with Wavy Hair Stands Outdoors at Night Holding a Burnt Hill Wine Box from Burnt Hill Farm She Wears a Brown Jacket Light Jeans and Black Boots Behind Her Are Tall Grasses Rocks and a Dark Sky with a Full Moon Partially Veiled by Clouds

If you are a Frederick local, we really encourage you to join local wine clubs. It’s just a commitment to buy a modest amount of their wine, usually on a quarterly basis (and hey, you’re gonna buy wine anyway!).

It’s a great way to support these local Frederick wineries.

Explore Frederick’s Best Food & Drink Guides

A restaurant table in Airbnb Frederick MD features plates of grilled steak, Yorkshire pudding, Brussels sprouts, sauce cups, and glasses of red wine. Artistic leaf designs decorate the plates, and the neatly arranged food looks especially appetizing.
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A cup of latte with intricate leaf-shaped art sits on a brown saucer with a spoon, on a wooden table. In the background, an empty matching cup hints at cozy moments found in restaurants in Frederick MD, all warmly lit by natural light.
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Maxwells Burger and Fries in Frederick, Maryland.
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Two wooden boards hold Detroit-style pizza slices with toppings like pepperoni, sausage, jalapeño, and vegetables. Nearby, two beers and a QR code menu add to the vibe of enjoying pizza in Fredrick MD at this inviting outdoor dining spot.
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The Best Pupusa near Frederick MD are at Que Chivo Restaurant.
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A red brick building in Frederick, MD with a black-and-white “McClintock Distillery” sign. Barred windows, a rooftop clock, graffiti, and autumn leaves by a black metal fence make it one of the unique things to do in Frederick. The sky is partly cloudy.
The Best Distilleries Near Frederick

Read Our Detail Reviews of The Best Wineries Around Frederick!

Nicole and I visit many of the local wineries near Frederick MD all the time, and you can read our detailed reviews below!

A sign attached to a wooden post reads Mazzaroth Vineyard, Middletown, Maryland—a gem among Frederick MD Wineries. Above the text, phases of the moon circle a sun-like symbol on a weathered white background. Grass and dried bushes frame the scene.

The Unique and Utterly Delightful Visit to Mazzaroth Vineyard

A visit to Mazzaroth Vineyard in Middletown Maryland is nothing like your typical winery visit. And that's what makes it utterly …

The image shows a wooden building with a sloped roof against a blue sky in Frederick, Maryland. On the wood siding, large white letters read Orchid Cellar and below in smaller text, Meadery + Winery. Two outdoor lights are mounted above the sign.

Orchid Cellar in Middletown, MD: Mead, Wine, and Mountain Views

Visit Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery in Middletown, MD for handcrafted mead, local wine, and a relaxing farm setting just outside Frederick.

A warmly lit barn-style building stands alone at night under a partly cloudy sky in Mt Airy MD. Soft lights illuminate windows and a covered walkway, while tall grass surrounds the structure, creating a peaceful rural scene.

Burnt Hill Farm Winery: We Just Discovered the Best New Wine Experience Near Frederick

Experience the Serene Charm of Burnt Hill Farm in Clarksburg, MD—a Biodynamic Winery Blending Natural Winemaking, Scenic Views, and Holistic Farming.

A large white silo labeled “Linganore Winecellars Berrywine” stands next to a red barn-style building with a balcony and patio, showcasing the charm of Frederick MD Wineries. Tables sit under a pergola, surrounded by trees and grass.

The Trailblazing Maryland Wines at Linganore Winery

Linganore Winery near Frederick is a Maryland wine original. Read everything you need to know about visiting Linganore Winecellars.

A wooden frame holds a metal sign for “Six Wicket Vineyards” by a rural roadside. Known among Frederick MD Wineries, the sign features a stylized emblem above the name, set on a grassy slope with fences, trees, and blue sky in the background.

Beauty, Charm, and Devine Wines at Six Wicket Vineyards

Six Wicket Vineyards is a charming boutique winery just north of Frederick. Schedule a visit to this gorgeous setting and taste …

Outdoor dining area with wooden tables and chairs, some occupied by people enjoying meals and conversation. Nearby greenery and a large beige building set the scene beneath a colorful sunset—perfect for relaxing after visiting Frederick MD Wineries.

The Striking Reason We Keep Returning to Springfield Manor Winery and Brewery

There's lots of great reasons to visit Springfield Manor Winery, Distillery, and Brewery. But we tell you what we like best …

The post The 17 Best Wineries Around Frederick MD [Updated for 2026] first appeared on EpicBend.

]]> https://epicbend.com/best-wineries-around-frederick-md/feed/ 1 Burnt Hill Farm Winery: We Just Discovered the Best New Wine Experience Near Frederick https://epicbend.com/burnt-hill-farm/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=burnt-hill-farm https://epicbend.com/burnt-hill-farm/#respond Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:06:24 +0000 https://epicbend.com/?p=27699 Experience the Serene Charm of Burnt Hill Farm in Clarksburg, MD—a Biodynamic Winery Blending Natural Winemaking, Scenic Views, and Holistic Farming.

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Tucked into the rolling hills of Clarksburg, Maryland, Burnt Hill Farm offers a wine experience unlike any other around Frederick.

This biodynamic vineyard and winery blends sustainability, stunning scenery, and superb wine into a destination worth a visit for wine-loving Frederick area residents or visitors.

Three Wine Glasses Filled with Red Wine Are Arranged Before Three Burnt Hill Farm Bottles on a Wooden Table a Sleek Modern Bar with Reflective Shelves Forms the Backdrop Setting the Scene for an Elegant Wine Tasting Event

Nicole and I recently visited Burnt Hill Winery for their exclusive tasting experience, and were blown away.  Read on to know more about why you should be booking the same (its not easy!).

Burnt Hill Farm - Winery Experience Review

a Modern Well lit Bar with High Black Chairs Marble Countertops and Exposed Wooden Beams Guests Sip Burnt Hill Farm Wines and Converse by the Bar Bottles Glasses Minimalist Decor and Large Windows Complete the Inviting Scene

What Makes the Burnt HIll Farm Winery Experience So Special?

At its core, Burnt Hill Farm is about connection—to the land, to heritage, and to the community.

The 117-acre property has been lovingly restored and transformed into a regenerative, biodynamic farm that’s as much about healing the soil as it is about producing world-class wine.

a Modern Home Bar with Wooden Shelves Holding Glassware Decanters and a Bottle Softly Lit from Below on the Wall is a Large Textured Artwork Made of Layered Feathers in Natural Tonesperfect for a Burnt Hill Farm inspired Retreat

Founded in 2016 by the owners of Old Westminster Winery in Maryland, they’ve created a next-level farm and winery experience:

  • Biodynamic farming: No synthetic chemicals. Instead, Burnt Hill practices holistic agriculture, using composting, lunar cycles, and cover crops to support a healthy vineyard ecosystem.

  • Unique terroir: With steep slopes and rocky soil, Burnt Hill’s microclimate produces distinctive wines that speak to place.

  • Maryland-grown grapes: All of the wines here are estate-grown and 100% Maryland, highlighting the region’s potential as a world-class wine destination.

  • Upscale tasting experience.  This is no ordinary tasting room with counter bar pours.  A tasting at Burnt Hill feels special.
a Slice of Rustic Burnt Hill Farm Bread on a Cloth napkin lined Plate Sits Beside a Bowl of Salad Topped with Microgreens Two Glasses of Red Wine and a Clear Glass of Water Are in the Background on a Light Wooden Table

Burnt Hill Farm - Basics

Burnt Hill Farm is just north of Clarksburg, MD, about thirty minutes southeast of Frederick.  It’s a bit tough to find (we missed the turnoff multiple times), which adds to the experience.

You absolutely cannot visit without a reservation, which at time of writing were booked 6-8 weeks out.

What The Story Behind Burnt Hill Farms?

Nestled on a high ridge in Maryland’s Piedmont Plateau, Burnt Hill Farm was born from a deep‑dive search into geology, climate, and place.

In 2016, a team of farmers, winemakers, and dreamers partnered with geologist Ernest “Bubba” Beasley to locate the ideal hillside for a vineyard, seeking healthy soils, suitable elevation, perfect topography, and a climate that would produce expressive wine.

a Close up of an Open Book with a Quote by Antoine De Saint exupéry Beside a Glass of Red Wine and Three Burnt Hill Farm Bottles on a Wooden Table in a Dimly Lit Elegant Setting

After purchasing the 117-acre site later that year, they spent two years integrating cover crops, animals, and biodynamic practices to enhance the soil quality before planting old-world varieties alongside native and hybrid vines in 2019.

a Glass of Red Wine Sits on a Light Wood Table Next to a Black Case Holding Elegant Metal Utensils with Colored Handles Set in a Modern Minimalist Restaurant the Ambiance Hints at the Refined Flavors of Burnt Hill Farm

The name “Burnt Hill” reflects the land’s history: early settlers burned timber on the steep, rocky slopes to make charcoal, lye, and potash when conventional crops failed.

The winery officially opened in September 2025, hosting tastings in its elegant onsite tasting room.  

Are Reservations Needed to Visit Burnt Hill Farm?

Before we further describe the magical experience Nicole and I had at Burnt Hill, please know that the venue has opened with much fanfare.  I made a reservation for November back in late September when the announcement was made.

a Modern Minimalist Café with Light Wood Panels and Burnt Hill Farm Coffee Two Staff Behind the Counter Work on Orders One Masked an Apron clad Person Walks by with a Notepad the Floor is Concrete Barstools Line the Counter in the Foreground

Casually checking their Tock reservation site recently still shows bookings out virtually six to eight weeks.

The Wines at Burnt Hill Farms

The wines from the estate at Burnt Hill are not listed on their website, but I’ll describe several of the ones we tasted during our visit.

Three Burnt Hill Wine Bottles Are Displayed Upright in a Sleek Black and Gold Tray on a Marble Countertop the Modern Burnt Hill Farm Tasting Room Features Beige Seating Large Windows and More Wine Bottles on Another Counter

Blanc de Blancs.  Upon arrival, you are greeted with a glass of this sparkling white wine to enjoy during the introduction.

2021 Earthsong.  A pinot noir that was earthy and fruity, less spicy than the ones we drink from Oregon.

2021 Regent.  A cloned grape was used to create this single-barrel wine that reminded me of Chamborcin.

Four Wine Bottles with Cork Stoppers from Burnt Hill Farm Are Displayed in a Black Tray with Gold Handles on a Light Wooden Table the Bottles Hold Liquids in Shades from Clear to Amber to Deep Red with a Blurred Indoor Setting and People in the Background

2021 Terrafirma.  A Bordeaux blend red, incredibly sophisticated and complex for a Maryland wine.  Definitely my favorite!

Burnt Hill also served us several Old Westminster wines, whites, and rosés, including their Flora, Nectar, Suncatcher, and Soltace wines. 

More From Our Recent Wine Tasting Experience at Burnt Hill Winery

I guess because I’m on the Old Westminster Winery email list, I received a promotional email about Burnt Hill back in September.  After checking the website, I immediately decided to book a tasting for Nicole and me.

The first availability was early November!

Two Women Stand Outside Burnt Hill Farm at Night One Holds a Drink Near a Small Table with Flowers and Bottles the Other Stands Closer to the Door Warm Lighting Highlights the Modern Houses Large Windows and Wooden Paneling

After weeks of anticipation, Nicole and I recently experienced the upscale wine tasting at Burnt Hill. I definitely say it has jumped to the top of our favorite wine experiences around Frederick.

a Man Stands Speaking Under Wooden Ceiling Beams at Night at Burnt Hill Farm Facing Three Seated People Two Sit on a Cushioned Outdoor Sofa Holding Drinks While the Third is Partly Visible the Scene is Dimly Lit by Warm Overhead Lights

Even though we arrived after dark, we could still see that the property was stunning, situated atop a remote hill covered in vines. The winery complex was illuminated with warm, inviting lights. 

Your experience begins before you enter, as you are welcomed with a glass of sparkling Blanc de Blancs, which you can enjoy during the orientation session on the front patio.

a Woman with Wavy Brown Hair in a Black Dress Sits at a Restaurant Table Holding a Wine Glass from Burnt Hill Farm She is Smiling Slightly the Table Has Several Empty Wine Glasses Plates and Cutlery Shelves with Glassware Are on the Wall Behind Her

Upon entering, we were greeted by an inviting atmosphere that immediately set the tone for our experience. We took our seats in a plush booth, where the tasting began.

The tasting room exudes an upscale restaurant vibe, with every meticulous detail thoughtfully curated to enhance the ambiance. As we sampled the wines, each pour was thoughtfully paired with exquisite ‘snacks’ that elevated the experience.

Highlights included warm, crusty sourdough bread, velvety acorn squash soup, and a refreshing honeycrisp apple fennel salad that balanced flavors beautifully. 

a Wooden Table with Three Glasses of Red Wine a Glass Water Carafe and Three Burnt Hill Farm Wine Bottles the Background Features a Modern Softly Lit Interior with Shelves People and a Wooden Ceiling Beam

Our sever did an excellent job describing each wine, and telling the ‘story’ of Burnt Hill through the making and tasting of each wine.

Final Sip: Is Burnt Hill Worth The Trip?

Securing a reservation may take some effort, but if you enjoy winery experiences, Burnt Hill Farm is a must-try destination in Frederick and throughout Maryland.

a Woman with Wavy Hair Stands Outdoors at Night Holding a Burnt Hill Wine Box from Burnt Hill Farm She Wears a Brown Jacket Light Jeans and Black Boots Behind Her Are Tall Grasses Rocks and a Dark Sky with a Full Moon Partially Veiled by Clouds

We also can’t wait to experience Burnt Hill in daylight to enjoy it outside.  There is also talk of a chef’s table at the complex, focused on the wines and food from the farm.

Very exciting new wine destination for Frederick and Maryland!

Looking for More Winery Experiences Around Frederick Maryland?

Four Wine Glasses Each with Different Amounts and Colors of Wine Are Arranged on a Black Outdoor Table at Burnt Hill Farm a Glass of Water and a Paper with Qr Codes Sit Nearby with a Yellow House Sunlight and Greenery in the Background

Check out our main ranking of the Best Wineries Near Frederick, Maryland.

You can also reviews of some of our favorite wineries in the area:

The post Burnt Hill Farm Winery: We Just Discovered the Best New Wine Experience Near Frederick first appeared on EpicBend.

]]> https://epicbend.com/burnt-hill-farm/feed/ 0 The Trailblazing Maryland Wines at Linganore Winery https://epicbend.com/linganore-winery/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=linganore-winery https://epicbend.com/linganore-winery/#comments Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:28:39 +0000 https://epicbend.com/?p=12301 Linganore Winery near Frederick is a Maryland wine original. Read everything you need to know about visiting Linganore Winecellars.

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We’ve written many times about the wine scene in Maryland, specifically the wineries around Frederick. While Maryland has traditionally lagged behind Virginia in terms of quality and quantity of wineries, it has come on strong in the last decade. One of the leaders in the Maryland wine movement is right in Frederick’s backyard: Linganore Winery.

Linganore Winecellars has been growing vines since 1972 and established a winery on its property in 1976. Today, it’s the largest winery in Maryland, and if you are looking for a great winery experience not far from Frederick, Linganore is on your shortlist. 

All About Linganore Winery

A Maryland Wine Original

Linganore is a family-owned winery that has been managed by several generations over the years. It began with just 6 acres of vineyards in 1972 and has grown into a major operation spanning over 70 acres, producing more than 30 different wines.

As a leader in the Maryland wine-making movement, Linganore has transformed its property to include a tasting room, an outdoor events area, and even a brewery.

Linganore Winery: Basics

Linganore Winery (Linganore Winecellars) is about 4 miles west of Mount Airy, and ~30 minute drive east of Frederick.

Watch Our Visit to Linganore Winery!

Keep reading for more information about Linganore wines, the Linganore winery visit experience, and the wine club. But watch this video to get a glimpse of Nicole and Glenn’s recent visit to Linganore as first-time members.

Planning a Visit to Linganore Winecellars

Linganore has a sprawling winery in a beautiful setting, an attractive tasting room, and plenty of places to sit and enjoy food and wine.  This makes for an exceptional winery experience during any season, one of the best around Frederick.  The tasting room is a remodelled barn with a cool indoor vibe.

Its a busy place but well run operation that makes visiting a pleasure.

We’ve walked into Linganore many times with no reservation, and you can do the same and enjoy a tasting in the tasting room for $12 / person.  

But you can also book a variety of other experiences in advance (on Tock):

  1. Private Tasting.  Linganore offers private tastings in its barrel room for 1-4 people.  Watch the video above to see Nicole and Glenn enjoying this experience.
  2. Tour and Bar Tasting. This experience includes a tour of the Linganore wine-making process and a bar tasting with a wine expert ($30/person). 
  3. Signature Tour and Tasting.  You can book a small group tour of the winery that includes a seating tasting in the cellar and a cheese plate ($50 / person).
  4. Porch, Deck, Patio, and Fire Table Reservations. If you want to reserve a wine-tasting spot in advance, especially in a specific area or with a fire table, you can reserve and pre-pay.

(Note:  on weekend, children are only allowed in the outdoor areas at Linganore – of which there are plenty and usually lots of families with kids).

Food at Linganore

Many of the wine-tasting experiences discussed above include cheese plates that you can order in advance. However, if you are walking in on the weekends and want something more substantial, there are almost always food trucks standing by.

Check the Events page at Linganore, where they list scheduled food trucks.  This page also lists planned music at the winery, another constant on weekends.

The Wines at Linganore

Linganore is a prominent wine producer for a Maryland winery. Their diverse portfolio includes over 30 wines across red, white, and rosé varieties. Many of these wines are made from unique varietals that even seasoned wine enthusiasts may not be familiar with.

One of the most interesting and impressive things about the Linganore family ownership is their push to establish the first federally designated grape-growing area in Maryland.  The Linganore Viticultural Area was established in 1983 and includes a wine region in Maryland of ~90 square miles. 

The majority of Linganore wines are from grapes on the property.  Here are some notable wines that we like from Linganore that specifically got our attention.

Linganore White Wines

  1. Calico White.  This dry white is made from Vidal Blanc and a grape called Cayuga White.  Cayuga is a hybrid developed at Cornell University in New York.  (Named after the Maryland State Cat).
  2. Terrapin.  An off-dry white that is made from Melody and Vidal Blanc.  Melody is another hybrid grape from New York, most from the Finger Lakes region.  (Named for the Maryland State Reptile)
  3. Vignoles. This white is super floral (reminds me of Viognier), dry, and citrus-noted. It’s a really good spicy food wine. Vignoles is yet another hybrid, this one from France but mostly grown in North America.

Linganore Red Wines

  1. Bacioni.  This red is made from (and tastes like) Chambourcin, along with Cabernet Savignon, and Cabernet Franc.  Its light, fruity, and tastes very typical to Maryland and Virginia.  (Bacioni is Italian for ‘big kiss’).
  2. Petit Verdot. This variety grows well in Maryland; you see it a lot in our area. The Linganore version is deep-flavored with a velvet finish.
  3. Saperavi.  This is the most interesting and our favorite Linganore wine.  Saperavi is native to Georgia (the country in Asia, not the state).  Its medium body but very unique.

Linganore Sweet Wines

  1. Traminette.  This is a semi-sweet white wine made from the Traminette grape.  Reminds me of Gewürztraminer.  You can enjoy it as a dessert wine, but it stands up to savory food as well.

Consider Joining the Wine Club

If you’ve read our other winery reviews or followed us, you know we are big fans of joining wine clubs. The commitments are minor (you usually sign up to buy 3-4 bottles every 3 months), and the perks wineries offer in return are worth it.

We joined Linganore recently due to its proximity to where we live. It’s a nice place to visit, and we like the wines. 

The Linganore Wine Club has multiple levels (3-bottle, 6-bottle, and 12-bottle club).  The benefits are laid out in the chart above, but in essence, they all provide you with free tastings when you visit (worth $12/person), discounts on all purchases, and access to members-only experiences.  

If you think you’ll be visiting Linganore regularly and drinking a lot of wine, joining the Linganore Wine Club is a no-brainer.

Red Shedman Brewery

Nicole and I have noticed a trend of wineries either opening adjacent breweries or offering beer on their properties. It’s almost as if these establishments know that many couples are divided on their drinking preferences (women love wine, men prefer beer).

Linganore was an early adopter of this movement. In 2014, the group established the Red Shedman Brewery adjacent to the Linganore winery. Red Shedman (named for the distinctive red barn) brews craft beers, ciders, and seltzers.

In September 2024, Frederick awoke to the news that the Red Shedman Brewery had experienced a significant setback due to a fire that destroyed its main facility. This incident occurred just two days before a crucial fundraiser for StopMPRP was scheduled to take place on the Linganore property.

To their credit, the Linganore team went ahead and hosted the fundraiser as planned. They have also managed to keep the Red Shedman operation running, including a temporary tasting room on-site that visitors can enjoy.

What Else You Need to Know about Linganore Winery

  • In addition to buying all of its wines online, Linganore offers interesting wine bundles for sale, such as this Thanksgiving Bundle of turkey-paired wines.
  • Linganore has become a major venue for events in the Frederick area.  It’s a very popular wedding venue near Frederick.
  • Linganore is committed to sustainability and has previously earned the Maryland Sustainability Leadership Award.

The post The Trailblazing Maryland Wines at Linganore Winery first appeared on EpicBend.

]]> https://epicbend.com/linganore-winery/feed/ 1 Beauty, Charm, and Devine Wines at Six Wicket Vineyards https://epicbend.com/six-wicket-vineyards/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=six-wicket-vineyards https://epicbend.com/six-wicket-vineyards/#respond Sun, 21 Apr 2024 22:52:18 +0000 https://epicbend.com/?p=4706 Six Wicket Vineyards is a charming boutique winery just north of Frederick. Schedule a visit to this gorgeous setting and taste their delicious wines.

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Since we moved to the area, Nicole and I have been on a mission to discover all the best wineries around Frederick.  Of all the area wineries we’ve discovered, the small, boutique, appointment-only versions are the most rewarding to visit. 

Six Wicket Vineyards, just north of Frederick, is precisely that kind of place.  You should visit before its discovered.

A Stunning Setting Just North of Frederick

Six Wicket Vineyards is in Myersville, MD, just over 20 minutes north of Frederick, a few miles east of I-70.  When you arrive, you’ll feel a world away from anything urban.

The Visit Experience at Six Wicket Vineyards

The Six Wicket property is on a stunning hillside location and is run by Ed and Kathy O’Laughlin.  This couple has moved on from their previous careers and turned to viticulture in Maryland for this next stage of life. 

Visits are by appointment only, which you do by emailing Kathy.  There’s no formal tasting room, everything is done from their modern estate home, so you visiting Six Wicket really feels like visiting someone’s farm.

During Nicole and I’s visit, Ed greeted us as we pulled into their driveway.  After introductions, he gave us an overview of Six Wickets and loaded us into a golf cart, which began our wonderful tour around the property. 

Ed drove us around the Six Wicket fields and vineyards, explaining the history of the vines, where they grow various varietals, and what they’ve learned about which grapes grow well in different sections of the property.

Incidentally, the name ‘Six Wicket’ comes from Ed’s long-time involvement with croquet. There’s a full outdoor croquet field built amongst the vineyard that still holds croquet competitions. Colleges, including the Naval Academy (Ed’s alma mater), occasionally compete at their facilities.

The Back Story of Ed and Kathy's Journey to Wine Making

It is fascinating to hear about Ed and Kathy’s journey to winemaking. Ed is a retired pediatric anesthesiologist with a background in farming (from Illinois).

Winemaking somehow caught his interest along the way, so he immersed himself and initiated the search for a property in Maryland to grow grapes.

Kathy also has a varied background, but she worked with many entrepreneurs throughout her career, which clearly rubbed off on her.  She takes on many of the business duties of running a winery.

They worked with a geologist for years to evaluate many properties in the area, testing the soil for its ability to grow grapes.  The first planting at Six Wicket was in 2017 and included Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Chardonnay vines.

They gradually added more property, vines, and varietals to the mix and are working hard to build up the Six Wicket Vineyards brand.

Delicious Six Wicket Vineyards Wines

During our tasting at Six Wicket, we got to try what seemed to be their signature wines.  Albarino white (crisp and fruity), Rose of Cabernet Franc (on the dry side and light), and our favorite, the Cabernet Franc.

The Cab Franc has an interesting twist: they have a version aged in American Oak and a separate one aged in Slovenian Oak. 

Slovenian Oak is commonly used by wineries in Italy and is known for letting the tannins release more slowly, giving the wine more expression. (Nicole and I both preferred the Six Wicket Slovenian Oak Cabernet Franc over the American Oak version.)

Yet Another Frederick Area Winery To Visit Before It's Discovered

Ed and Kathy have big plans for Big Wicket: more marketing and branding, sales expansion, and possibly a formal tasting room.

But if you like getting up front and personal with how a small winery operates, we’d encourage you to visit them now.  It’s one of the most charming and beautiful vineyards in Frederick!

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]]> https://epicbend.com/six-wicket-vineyards/feed/ 0 Why You Need to Get to Black Ankle Winery Before It’s Discovered https://epicbend.com/black-ankle-winery/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=black-ankle-winery https://epicbend.com/black-ankle-winery/#respond Mon, 06 Nov 2023 12:59:38 +0000 https://epicbend.com/?p=1662 Black Ankle Winery near Frederick has everything that makes a winery great. Get there before too many people find out.

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The winery scene around Frederick is trending up.  There are new wineries, and better wineries with really good wine popping up across the Maryland region all the time.  This makes Frederick yet another great place to live or visit.  There may not be a better winery to visit near Frederick than Black Ankle Winery. 

Black Ankle Vineyards has it all when it comes to an amazing winery experience: high-quality wine, a beautiful setting, unique events, a fabulous wine club, and an overall special place to visit.

All About Black Ankle Winery

Black Ankle Winery Sign

The Setting at Black Ankle Winery

Black Ankle Winery is likely not a place you drive by and discover while on a weekend outing from Frederick. Its location about 15 minutes north of Mt. Airy is secluded, to say the least.

But its remoteness will be one of your first impressions of the place.  It’s a stunning oasis of vineyards in the middle of rural Maryland.  The setting is spectacularly beautiful, and the proprietors have taken full advantage of its location in the winery’s design.  They’ve turned it into a place wine lovers want to visit.  

Nicole and I fit that category, and we are always drawn in by the beauty, uniqueness, and character of the Black Ankle Winery.  The setting of the place first got our attention before we ever even tried their wines. 

For us, wine is always about a ‘place’:  the landscape, the environment, the climate, and Black Ankle gives you that feeling as soon as you arrive.  

Turning into the Black Ankle driveway, you immediately feel a sense of ‘somewhere’. Rolling hills of vineyards, open meadows, and a winery with architecture that blends with the setting. Overall, it’s stunning and beautiful, both an escape from rural Maryland and very Maryland all the same.

Black Ankle Vineyards

Black Ankle Winery Basics

  • Location:  Black Ankle Road, 15 mins north of Mt. Airy
  • Distance from Frederick:  16.5 miles, ~28 minutes
  • Hours:  Monday to Thursday: 12-5pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Sunday: 11am-6pm
  • Tasting Reservations:  Recommended, Here
  • Food:  Good Selection of Winery Fare, Food Trucks on Weekends
  • Events:  check calendar here
Black Ankle Winery Tasting Area

Watch Our Recent Visit to Black Ankle Winery!

The Wines from Black Ankle: A Little California From Here in Maryland

The vibe, setting, beauty, etc., are all important in a winery, especially for first impressions.  But the foundation for a great winery for repeatable visits has to be a great wine.  Here again, Black Ankle delivers.

Enology experts will disagree, but I’ve always considered being a successful winemaker in a place like Maryland especially challenging. This is not California, Italy, Spain, or Chile, places with built-in environmental and climate advantages for making great wine.

Four Wine Glasses Each with Different Amounts and Colors of Wine Are Arranged on a Black Outdoor Table at Burnt Hill Farm a Glass of Water and a Paper with Qr Codes Sit Nearby with a Yellow House Sunlight and Greenery in the Background

Nicole and I have visited our fair share of wineries in Maryland. You can find some excellent wines here, certainly ones that we continue to buy and drink. But you will also find many mediocre wines.

I’m not an expert, just someone who has tried a lot. But consistency in wine making is clearly more difficult in a region like Maryland.

Black Ankle wines are probably the best we’ve had in Maryland.  There a great variety at Black Ankle, interesting reds and whites.  They specifically do lots of blends with catchy names like Passeggiata (red blend) which will leave an impression on your pallet and you mind.

Many of the wines are Bordeaux or other old-world grapes like Sauvignon Blanc and Albarino (whites) and Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot (reds). They are sturdy and complex and (in my opinion) taste very Californian. They hold up great with food and are worth stocking up on in your wine reserve for drinking at any time of year.

I’ll freely admit that while I drink a lot of Maryland wine, I don’t ‘stock up’ on much of it.  But I’ve stocked up plenty of Black Ankle.  We’ve been members of their wine club since the first day we visited.

Visiting Black Ankle Winery

More than the quality of the wine, what we love most about Black Ankle is how pleasant a place it is to visit.  It feels special even as you approach it through dense woods, it opens up to rolling hills of vineyards and get you excited to explore the place..

This is a place that you can tell has been designed for visitors.  The winery building itself super interesting, built to be energy efficient and using locally grown and gathered materials.

Inside is a cozy place with tasting rooms, fireplaces, interesting earthy furniture, and places to hang out. We’ve taken our family there for outings during the cold holiday months.

The front of the winery is where the main action is during milder weather. It has a large patio with sweeping views of the vineyards and surroundings. This is a happy place for us to hang out, sip wine and eat, and visit with friends. This area is usually hopping on beautiful weekends.

You are free to roam the property and vineyards (at least no one has ever stopped us!).

Black Ankle does a great job serving tasting flights and cheese snacks; weekends usually mean food trucks on the property.

The Extra-Special Events You Can Join at Black Ankle Winery

If you’ve read this far, it’s obvious we are big fans of visiting Black Ankle, and we highly recommend it to Frederick residents and visitors.  But I’ll also encourage you to explore Black Ankle in more depth.

Check their events page, as Nicole and I have attended several very cool special events at Black Ankle.  These include periodic wine dinners catered by local chefs (like Hooch and Banter), where amazing food is paired with generous portions of Black Ankle wine, all served communally.

Special tasting events, wine release celebrations, and an ‘Uncorked’ creation allow you to design an experience according to your vision, which are also available.

Why You Should Join the Wine Club at Black Ankle

If upon visiting Black Ankle, you decide that this will be a place you visit frequently (like us), then consider joining their wine club.

The Black Ankle wine club is similar to that of many wineries:  you commit to buying a certain number of bottles per quarter (usually 4, 6, or 12) for added benefits.  These benefits include free tastings when you visit, discounts on all purchases, and access to special events. 

Look if you are going to buy wine anyway, join the club and get some added benefits.  Its quite fun showing up on a beautiful day for a visit and learning “you have wine to pick up today”.

Some Personal Recommendations

Make a table reservation in advance.  Its not always necessary, but on nice weekends it can get crowded. 

Try to visit Black Ankle for a sunset….beautiful.

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