Beer may be dubbed America’s favorite pastime, but for many, wine is unparalleled and even enchanting thanks to the fairly recent craze in wineries and vineyards as places to visit, wed, and enjoy. Those who possess the latter mindset–the wine enthusiasts–have good reason to favor wine and even better reason to think the places where wine is crafted are enchanting. That’s why the nearby wineries and vineyards will be focus of this piece. All discussed below welcome visitors and some can even host get-togethers. It’s easy to celebrate and use local food, and thanks to these local wineries and vineyards, it’s easy to enjoy local wine too.
Located only a half hour from Annapolis in Harwood, Thanksgiving Farms Winery is an ideal option for a quick road trip from the city. The appeal of the dark wood tasting room matches the appeal of tasty wines shared there. Enjoy the wines–red, rose, Franc Blank, and Merlot–in the tasting room on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. If Sunday doesn’t suit, call 410-630-1511 and schedule another appointment. A husband-and-wife duo run the winery with grapes grown right on the premises. Visit this Anne Arundel gem and purchase wines or do so over the Web: www.thanksgivingfarm.com.
Black Ankle Vineyard in Mt. Airy has experienced growth and great interest in its wines over the years. Now, the vineyard with rolling hills, tall trees, and full grapevines hosts live music over the summer and fall, welcomes the public for taste testing, and even invites parties to the property. Try the award-winning wines during the tasting room hours: Friday noon to 9, Saturday noon to 6, and Sunday noon 5 p.m. The tasting fee is $8. Visit this vineyard that still exudes the same love for wine as it had at its inception. See http://blackankle.com to find contact info,
Boordy Vineyards, located in Hydes, meets the requirements for a great vineyard: gorgeous land, buildings with a rustic feel, ample tasting space, and of course, expansive vines. Taste the much celebrated wines from Boordy on Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Touring the property is welcome; guided tours are scheduled every day at 2 and 3:30 p.m. The tasting cost is $5-$15. Purchase the wine at the property or online and even have it delivered to your house. Visit the website, www.boordy.com, to see the photo gallery and find a store near you that stocks Boordy.
Cassinelli Winery and Vineyards in Church Hill is less than an hour from Annapolis. This 100-plus acre property has a diversity of grapes that yield Chardonnay, Merlot, fruit wines, and plenty more. Aside from the numerous vines, the property has cows and buffalo, which would probably do nothing but enhance the tour of the land. Tastings are open April through December on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Test twelve of the vineyard’s wines for $6 and leave the tasting with your own wine glass. You can purchase the wines from the property or on the site: www.cassinelliwinery.com.
The incredibly gorgeous farm/vineyard Crow Vineyard allows you to peruse the premises, taste the sweet and dry wines, and even host events on their expansive property. The property is about one and half hours from Annapolis. Taste and discuss the Sparkling Vidal Blanc, Chardonnay, and other wines in the tasting room every day of the week from noon to six in the afternoon. Crow Vineyard will also take you on a tour of the vineyard at the tasting. See this lovely vineyard in Kennedyville and visit the site, www.crowfarmmd.com to see directions and contact info.
Located in Owings, Fridays Creek Winery is less than an hour from Annapolis. This winery features the traditional vineyard beauty–luscious vines, beautiful green terrain, and a large rustic barn where tastings are held. The vineyard can host tastings inside and out. Fridays Creek is available for touring and enjoying wines 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Thursday to Monday. Call the winery at 410-286-9463 or visit http://fridayscreek.com to find out additional info.
Linganore Winecellars is located in Mt. Airy–about one hour and fifteen minutes away from historic Annapolis. The sprawling acres and colorful vines there are all family operated. Linganore Winecellars has been around since the 1970s and have expanded greatly since then, adding more space to do wine tastings and entertain at the location. The vineyard is open all days of the year but four. Tour and taste from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday noon to either 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., depending on the time of year. Tasting is only $5. As far as the star of the show goes–the wine–Linganore features a range of close to thirty types: dry white, dry red, sweet red, sweet white, and fruit. Visit the website, www.linganorewines.com to schedule a visit and learn more.
A little less than one and half hours away from downtown Annapolis sits Loew Vineyard on the border of Mt. Airy and Frederick. Like many other small vineyards, this one is family-operated by the Loew family. The vineyard started up in the early 1980s and has been producing bountiful grapes and wine ever since. The vineyard specializes in a diversity of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and Chardonnay. Though not in Anne Arundel County, it is feasible to visit the vineyard since they are open on the weekends and are available for special appointments during the week. Taste test, tour, and purchase Loew wine Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Arrange a tour during the week by calling the following number: 301-831-5464. Learn more about this lovely vineyard, see photos, and learn more about the Loew family as wine makers on www.lowevineyards.net.
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