Wineries of Southern Maryland
Southern Maryland, a region steeped in history and bathed in the golden hues of sunlit vineyards, beckons wine enthusiasts to embark on a journey like no other. As the Chesapeake Bay's gentle breezes whisper tales of the land's rich past, the region’s wineries pour forth stories of their own—each glass a testament to the passion, craft, and unique terroir that mold them. From refurbished tobacco barns to sprawling estates, the vineyards of Southern Maryland are not just destinations; they are experiences, waiting to tantalize your senses and immerse you in a world where tradition meets innovation. Together, we’ll meander through this captivating landscape, where every stop promises a new flavor and a fresh perspective.
Maryland Southern Plain Region Profile
Maryland’s Wine Country is split into four regions: the Piedmont Plateau, Eastern Shore, Southern Plain, and Western Mountains, each offering their distinct profiles. Modern winemaking in Maryland can be traced back to the establishment of Boordy Vineyards in 1945 in Hydes, which today is recognized as part of the Piedmont Plateau region. Our spotlight, however, focuses on the Southern Plain region, noted for its homage to classic Italian grapes and a terroir akin to some renowned European vineyards.
Positioned at 39 degrees north, mirroring the latitudinal location of celebrated wine regions in Southern Italy and Spain, Southern Maryland harnesses the climatic and geological nuances that favor the flourishing of several grape varieties. The consistent, relentless heat of the Southern Plain’s summers mimics the climate of Italy’s Chianti region, creating an environment where Sangiovese grapes can thrive amidst the pervasive warmth. With heat that envelops the region throughout summer days and nights, a slew of Mediterranean grape varieties such as Barbera, Montepulciano, and Chardonnay find a congenial habitat to develop and mature.
Modern Transition from Tobacco
The transition from tobacco to grapes was not merely driven by the promising terroir but significantly influenced by economic and political forces. The historical pivot began after the multi-state MSA 1998 tobacco settlement, which brought the colossal tobacco industry, with its 400 years of deep-seated history in Maryland, into a gradual decline. As wineries sprouted amidst the former tobacco fields, they became embodiments of adaptability and a nod to the region’s historical roots. Their tasting rooms, often housed within refurbished or reimagined tobacco curing barns, are where the layers of Southern Maryland history, geography, and viticulture intertwine.
Running Hare Vineyard
150 Adelina Rd
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Website
Phone: (410) 414-8486
Hours: Thursday 4pm-9pm
Friday 4pm-10pm
Saturday 12pm-10pm
Sunday 12pm-6pm
Tuscan Inspired
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Cover Charge
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Dog & Kid Friendly
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Biergarten
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Food Trucks
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Tuscan Inspired 〰️ Cover Charge 〰️ Dog & Kid Friendly 〰️ Biergarten 〰️ Food Trucks 〰️
Running Hare Vineyard in Prince Frederick, MD, aims to transport visitors to some of the world's most renowned wine destinations. Drawing inspiration from the rolling hills of France, the captivating beauty of Tuscany, and the charm of Napa, the vineyard offers wines crafted with scrupulous attention to detail. Utilizing only the finest vines and barrels, the vineyard's wines are a reflection of their commitment to quality.
The tasting room, situated amid the expansive vineyard, offers an idyllic setting to savor a glass of wine. During weekends, live music complements the scenic surroundings, creating a relaxing ambiance. Guests can further enhance their experience by pairing their chosen wine with a wood-fired pizza from Pizza Di Vigna, Hispanic and American dishes from Hungry Hare, or even bring their own food.
Running Hare Vineyard is distinguished for its Chardonnay, the Jack Rabbit line of Semi-Sweet Whites & Reds, and exclusive vintages like Vidal Blanc and Sangiovese Reserve. A must-try is their signature wine slushee, a refreshing favorite among patrons.
There is a $5 cover charge to access the vineyard and biergarten on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the outdoor season (for visitors 21 + older). Frequent visitors might consider joining the Hare Club to skip the cover charge for an annual fee of $25. Alternatively, the VIP Wine Club offers three membership levels, each boasting its own set of unique perks. Notably, VIP members and their accompanying guests are exempt from the cover charge.
Pet lovers can rejoice, as dogs are welcome at Running Hare Vineyard, provided they are leashed. The vineyard also ensures the comfort of the pets by offering dog bowls and water upon request. Families with children are also welcome!
Lastly, for those envisioning a picturesque wedding backdrop, The Tuscan Villa at Running Hare Vineyard is available for rental throughout the year, catering to both wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Port of Leonardtown Winery
23190 Newtowne Neck Rd
Leonardtown, MD 20650
Phone: (301) 690-2192
Website
Tasting Room Hours:
Sunday-Saturday: 12-6 PM
First Friday of every month 12-9PM
Wine Co-Op
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Live Music
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Grapes from 12 SoMD Farms
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Shop Online
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Open 7 Days a Week
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Wine Co-Op 〰️ Live Music 〰️ Grapes from 12 SoMD Farms 〰️ Shop Online 〰️ Open 7 Days a Week 〰️
Port of Leonardtown Winery was established in St. Mary's County in 2009 by the Southern Maryland Wine Growers Cooperative, Maryland's first agricultural cooperative. With the decline of tobacco farming, a new vision emerged, championed by devoted farmers and wine aficionados, who aspired to cultivate the region's wine grape potential and pave the way for subsequent wineries. This vision materialized in the adaptive reuse of Leonardtown's old State Highway Administration buildings, where the winery now flourishes.
Port of Leonardtown Winery spotlights wines created from grapes grown in 12 cooperative vineyards spanning St. Mary's, Calvert, Charles, and Kent counties. Lauren Zimmerman, their esteemed winemaker, maintains the winery's reputation for excellence. Their shelves brim with a continually expanding assortment of fine wines. Their commitment to quality is evidenced by the 150+ awards they've garnered, encompassing numerous Best in Class accolades and international medals.
Integral to SMWGC's ethos is their mission. Beyond promoting Southern Maryland's wine industry, they're resolute in ensuring a prosperous return for their stakeholders. Central to this is the cooperative's pledge to sustain local farming, uphold the region's environmental integrity, and bolster its economy, all while delivering top-notch wines at fair prices.
For wine enthusiasts, the winery offers three distinct clubs, catering to varied tastes—be it the newest sweet concoctions, dry vintages, or their own custom selections. Among their recent offerings are enticing releases like Black Water, the 2022 vintages of Bubbly Blush, Captain's Table, Chardonnay, and the eagerly anticipated return of wine slushies with flavors like Cinnamon Spice & Apple Cider.
Visitors can relish these wines seven days a week, come rain or shine. The patio, shielded and warmed during winters, ensures a comfortable ambiance. Each of the 12 vineyards contributing to their collection boasts unique grape varieties, from the Cayuga of Forrest Hall Farm Vineyard to the Barbera of Summerseat Farm.
Weekends at Port of Leonardtown Winery resonate with the melodies of local musicians—Saturdays from 2-5PM and First Fridays from 5:30-8:30PM. The venue also emerges as an ideal choice for intimate celebrations, be it weddings, birthdays, or corporate events, offering a setting as unique as the wines it houses.
Perigeaux Vineyards & Winery
8650 Mackall Road
St. Leonard, MD 20685
Website
Phone: (410) 586-2710
Hours: Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday through Friday: 12pm-6pm
Saturday: 11am-6pm
Sunday: 12pm-6pm
French Inspired
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Tastings & Tours
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Event Venue
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Shop Online
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French Inspired 〰️ Tastings & Tours 〰️ Event Venue 〰️ Shop Online 〰️
Mark Flemming and John Behun scoured the mid-Atlantic for an ideal vineyard location before establishing Perigeaux Vineyards & Winery in the sandy loam soils and warm climate of Southern Maryland’ Calvert County in April 2002. Located between the historic Saint Leonard Creek and the mouth of the Patuxent River, the winery now boasts four estate vineyards spanning eight acres with almost 5,000 vines of a former tobacco farm. Throughout the year, the winery hosts live music, wine tastings, and holiday celebrations where guests can savor award-winning wines against a backdrop of stunning vineyard views. For those curious about the winemaking process, tours are available every weekend.
Their product line boasts a range that includes Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Zinfandel, and Montepulciano, producing nearly 900 cases annually. The estate wines are the pride of Perigeaux Vineyards & Winery and entirely produced from their own vineyards in St. Leonard, undergoing fermentation, aging, and bottling on-site. Their Mackall Road label offers wines with reduced sulfites from 100% organic grapes, while the Patuxent River label presents wines inspired by central California styles.
For wine aficionados, the Perigeaux Wine Club promises exclusive offers on their wines, tastings, and private event invitations. Perigeaux wines can also be purchased online. Moreover, the vineyards offer a picturesque backdrop for personal events, making it a sought-after venue for weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays.
Xella Winery & Vineyards
26781 Laurel Grove Rd
Mechanicsville, MD 20659
Website
Phone: (240) 249-6954
Hours: Saturdays 12-5pm for wine tastings & bottle sales (excluding holiday weekends)
Sustainably Produced
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Veteran Owned
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Kids & Dogs Welcome
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Small Family Farm
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Sustainably Produced 〰️ Veteran Owned 〰️ Kids & Dogs Welcome 〰️ Small Family Farm 〰️
Xella Winery and Vineyard resides on a small, 9 acre family farm in St Mary’s County. Owned and operated by Les and Erin Melanson since 2008, Xella has blossomed into a beloved hub for wine enthusiasts with an appreciation for the complex flavor profiles made possible by sustainable agricultural practices. Biodynamic and regenerative farming practices, which emphasize soil health, biodiversity, and ecological harmony, are implemented across their vineyard, with minimal intervention on the winery side. Veteran owned.
Xella Winery’s offerings aim towards bold, well-balanced and clean wines, with their PAX River label as mainstays of the tasting menu. PAX River Red, a blend of 85% Chambourcin and 15% Syrah, is aged in medium-toasted Hungarian oak barrels for two years. Its profile boasts earthy undertones, intertwining flavors of dried tobacco, black pepper, and a touch of black plum. Complementing it is the PAX River White, a combination of 85% Vidal Blanc and 15% Traminette. Aged in stainless-steel barrels for half a year, this unfiltered wine presents a fruity palette underscored by tart apple and lemon notes.
Those with a penchant for something richer can indulge in the Opposite of Starboard Port, a dessert wine crafted from Touriga Nacional grapes, or for a change of pace, try the Pear Wine, made exclusively from Moonglow and Keifer pears cultivated on their farm. Children and dogs are welcome!
Friday’s Creek Winery
3485 Chaneyville Road
Owings, Maryland 20736
Website
Phone: (410) 286-9463
Hours: 11am-5pm Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, & Mon
Closed Tues & Weds
Old Tobacco Barn
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Dog Friendly
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Bring a Picnic
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Old Tobacco Barn 〰️ Dog Friendly 〰️ Bring a Picnic 〰️
Friday's Creek Winery, standing as a testament to the rich heritage and vibrancy of Owings, MD, perfectly blends historical charm with modern elegance. Housed in a refurbished 1920s tobacco barn in Northern Calvert County, this family-owned farm winery has been enchanting visitors since 2006. Where once tobacco leaves dangled in the age-old tradition, today, oak barrels containing maturing wine and striking local art exhibits take center stage. The rustic barn that bore witness to the region's agrarian past has been artfully transformed, playing host to a sophisticated tasting room, gallery, and spaces designated for wine storage, aging, and production.
Friday's Creek Winery beckons guests to not only savor their assortment of delightful wines but also to immerse themselves in the picturesque surroundings. One can leisurely amble through the vineyards, soaking in the serene atmosphere and rich aromas. The tasting room, elegantly adorned with local art displays, provides a perfect backdrop for wine aficionados to indulge in a pour of their balanced Cayuga White, vibrant ruby red Rubilee, blended Brut Rose’ Bon Temps Rougir, and many more.
While Friday’s Creek Winery does not offer food on-site, visitors are encouraged to bring along a picnic basket, enjoying their meal in the tasting room or out on the patio. Dog-lovers can rejoice, as their furry companions are welcome on the patio and in the vineyard.
Corteau Vineyards
8713 Golden Beach Rd
Mechanicsville, MD 20659
Website
Phone: (301) 885-9270
Hours: Fridays, 3-8 pm, Saturdays and Sundays. 12-6 pm
Historic Farm
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Shop Online
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Christmas Trees
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Children Welcome
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Historic Farm 〰️ Shop Online 〰️ Christmas Trees 〰️ Children Welcome 〰️
Corteau Vineyards in Mechanicsville, MD, elegantly encompasses the rich tapestry of tradition and innovation. Spanning 120 acres, this remarkable farm is home to 14 commercially produced varietals, each one embracing the unique terroir of the Chesapeake Bay. The particular soil blend, along with the contrast of humid summers and crisp winters, sculpts a flavor palette distinctive to the region. The vineyards, continuing to expand as experimentation with traditional varieties unfolds, reveal new, enchanting layers of flavors within each bottle of wine.
With the decline of tobacco farming in the 1990s, the lands of the historical “Long Looked For Come At Last” farm transitioned to crops such as corn, grains, and vegetables. However, in 2004, the vision for what would become Corteau Vineyards began to take shape. Today, they have 14 blocks in commercial production of nine different grape varietals, with several more maturing and waiting for their debut. Their Petit Verdot, Barbera, and Admiral’s Blend have been making waves in 2023 with awards from the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, and Maryland Winemaker’s Choice Awards.
Their new Tasting Room was inspired by the traditional tobacco barns found all across Southern Maryland. Here, visitors are invited to sample the vineyard's offerings and engage in the many events hosted by Corteau Vineyards. The farm also maintains a long tradition of cultivating Christmas trees, making Corteau Vineyards a destination in every season. Children are welcome, but please leave your pets at home.