Many tourists traverse the long Chesapeake Bay Bridge that crosses the picturesque Chesapeake Bay to reach the Eastern Shore of Maryland with its resorts and beaches. Almost anytime of the year travelers will catch sites of sails waving in the wind. On the way to Maryland’s beautiful beaches wine lovers will want to stop at a winery or two to experience Maryland’s wine industry which now has almost 50 wineries and continues to grow. Wine enthusiasts will discover vinifera, hybrid, and fruit wines produced from Maryland grapes and fruit.
Chesapeake Wine Trail on Maryland's Eastern Shore
After crossing the Bay Bridge, travelers can travel north or south to reach Maryland wineries close to the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Wine Trail has 11 participating wineries. For those planning to visit Ocean City, numerous wineries have sprung up within easy reach. Many of the wineries are small boutique family run wineries. A few are larger and offer facilities for private events.
Great Shoals Winery Focuses on Sparkling Wines
Anyone looking for sparkling wines will want to visit Great Shoals Winery, a small winery that is focused on producing sparkling wines. This family winery started late 2010 at the inspiration of father and son. Today their wives are also very involved. Visitors should expect a warm welcome.
Bordeleau Vineyards and Winery is located on the banks of the Wicomico Creek. The landscaping is picturesque. A long walk will take one to the dock. Boaters occasionally arrive by sailing vessels.
An Urban Winery in St. Michael's
An urban winery on the Eastern Shore is St. Michael’s Winery. St. Michael’s Winery is located in a former flour mill. Visitors to historic St. Michael’s frequently stop by the winery for a wine tasting.
Cassinelli: A Farm with a Winery, Vineyards, Orchards and Animals
Cassinelli Vineyards and Winery, located in Church Hill, Maryland is near Chestertown, a college town home to Washington College. The Cassinelli Winery property is more than a winery and vineyard. The owners have established a farm with pear, plum and apple orchards, cows, bison and more.
Chesapeake Wine Trail to the North
Wine enthusiasts can travel to the northernmost wineries on the Chesapeake Wine Trail. This trip will take traveler to Dove Valley Winery and Terrapin Station Winery.
A Family Friendly Winery
Layton's Chance Vineyard and Winery, in a modern style red building with white trim, is a family friendly winery. Look for a children's play area within view of the tasting room.
Other wineries along the Chesapeake Bay include Layton’s Chance Vineyard and Winery, Cascia Vineyards, Costa Ventosa Winery and Vineyard, Little Ashby Vineyards, and Tilmon’s Island Winery.
Maryland Wine website has an excellent site that supports the growth of Maryland wineries. The website is easy to navigate and site visitors will discover several sections including a list of the trails, wine awards, events and Maryland wine-related news. Check the website out while planning your visit to the beautiful Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Kathleen Sullivan - Kathleen Sullivan is the co-owner and writer for Wine Trail Traveler, a winery and vineyard virtual visitor center. The Wine Trail ...
Join the Conversation