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Best Wineries Near Baltimore

When one thinks of wine and vineyards, the mind tends to run to places like the sun-kissed coasts of California or the rolling hills Italy, but there is in fact a thriving wine-growing and cultivating industry located right in Maryland. Within driving distance of Baltimore, one may find scenic vineyards and charming wineries, all of which are responsible for a good deal of the wine that is sold in stores throughout the state. Take a look at some of these gems among the rich wine culture of the Old Line State.
Boordy Vineyards
12820 Long Green Pike
Hydes, MD 21082
(410) 592-5015
www.boordy.com

Boordy deserves top-billing on the list if for no other reason than it is the oldest Maryland winery still in existence. And like a fine wine, its age speaks to its quality. Boordy Wines has won a host of awards, among them the 2013 Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition "Best In Class," the 2013 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition gold medal for their 2010 Cabernet Franc and the 2014 MD Governor's Cup Competition gold medal for their 2012 Veritas Port.

Visiting Boordy is always a treat. The vineyard itself is a place of rustic scenery. It is exactly what one might picture a generations old vineyard to be, complete with an ancient stone barn. The venue is also perpetually offering all manner of activities for guests. These include guided wine tastings and tours, regular concerts, picnics, fairs and events. Be sure to check their calendar of events for details.

Basignani Winery
15722 Falls Road
Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152
(410) 472-0703
www.basignani.com

Basignani Winery was officially established in 1986, but was the natural outworking of over a generation of winemaking brought over from the original wine country, Italy. Now, the vineyard rates as one of the top wineries in Maryland, and a perfect place to visit to experience the beautiful scenery of the vineyard as you sample their wares along with some cheese in the tasting room.

Basignani also hosts a host of events including outdoor movie nights, brick oven pizza nights (made for their on-site brick oven), Friday night parties with music, food, free wine tasting and more! Check their calendar of events for details.

DeJon Vineyards
5300 Hydes Road
Hydes, MD 21082
(443) 253-9802
www.dejonvineyard.com

DeJon is a small family vineyard that opened to the public in 2010. As such, the wine they make is all handcrafted in small batches for individual sale. Most of their business is done right on the vineyard, and they invite visitors to come out any day of the week for wine tastings and purchases, and to participate in one of their many on-the-farm events. These events, free to attend, include weekly outdoor concerts with catering and wine-tasting.

Related:  Best Wine Stores In Baltimore

Serpent Ridge Vineyard
2962 Nicodemus Road
Westminster, MD 21157
(410) 848-6511
www.serpentridge.com

Serpent Ridge is a locally-owned winery — the first of its kind in Westminster — that deals exclusively in grapes grown at their own vineyard and hand-selected local vineyards. They are known especially for their award-winning dry wines, which you may sample from local sellers, or by visiting the vineyard directly.

A visit may not be such a bad idea, considering the many interesting and unusual events that the vineyard hosts. Wine tasting is always a must, but one can always find other events. In the cooler months, the vineyard offers wine education, painting on canvass and soups with wine among other wintertime events. In the warmer season, one may find such activities as live music, yoga, painting and wine dinners. For a full schedule of activities, be sure to check their events calendar.

Elk Run Vineyards & Winery
15113 Liberty Road
Mt Airy, MD 21771
(410) 775-2513
www.elkrun.com

Elk Run holds 25 acres of beautiful vines in the scenic hills of Western Maryland. With countless awards under their belt, Elk Run brags that it is the most acclaimed winery in Maryland. This is a boast which they are happy to let you put to the test by joining their "Case Club" to receive exclusive tastings of their wines before they are released to public and special discounts on purchases. You may purchase these wines at their online store, but, of course, they always welcome visitors. Group tastings require advanced reservations, and special events include such fun as musical concerts and farmers markets. Be certain to consult their events calendar for details.

Related: Best Paint And Sip In Baltimore

Joel Furches is a freelance writer and researcher for The Examiner and Logos Software, and also manages his own catalog of writing on Hub Pages. Joel is on the board of directors for Ratio Christi. He has a bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Education.
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