The Frederick County Guide Spring 2016 | Page 44

A RT S & L E IS URE TAKE A TOUR OF MARYLAND’S DIVERSE WINE CULTURE More than 70 wineries now exist throughout the State of Maryland, and the Maryland Wineries Association is hopeful that more folks will set out and explore the rich and diverse offerings throughout the region. To that end, the Maryland Wine Passport Experience has been created to allow guests to take a self-guided tour of wine-producing regions of the state. The Maryland Wine Passport Experience includes the following trails: ANTIETAM HIGHLANDS WINE TRAIL Frederick and Washington counties The Antietam Highlands include the world-renowned Antietam National Battlefield and several other Civil War battlefields and sites. The South Mountain climbs to 2,140 feet, high above the Potomac River and valleys below. The area includes five national parks, 10 state parks and more than 30 museums. Participating wineries include: Big Cork Winery, Distillery Lane Ciderworks, Knob Hall Winery, Orchid Cellar Winery and Red Heifer Winery. CAPITAL WINE TRAIL Montgomery County Nestled in the suburbs of our nation’s capital is a unique array of wineries, just as diverse as the very city that they surround. Whether you’d like to stop for a drink on the way to dinner or take a break from the hustle and bustle without traveling too far, the Capital Wine Trail has something for you. Participating wineries include: Great Shoals Winery, Olney Winery, Rocklands Farm and The Urban Winery. 44 FREDERICK COUNTY GUIDE | SPRING 2016 CARROLL WINE TRAIL Carroll County The Carroll Wine Trail is a place of both historic and contemporary tradition, home to Maryland’s oldest wine festival. Visitors have been traveling to this region for years to taste the fruits of the harvest and to enjoy life, glass in hand! Each winery along the trail possesses a distinctive charm and character as well as delicious handcrafted wines. Visitors to the trail can learn about both new and old wine-making traditions, while also meeting some of the winemakers and farmers. Participating wineries include: Cygnus Wine Cellars and Serpent Ridge Vineyards. CHESAPEAKE WINE TRAIL Eastern Shore: Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Dorchester and Wicomico counties Whether you are on your way to the beach or just taking a drive to admire the beautiful Bay, the Chesapeake Wine Trail will lead you through one of the most scenic and charming parts of the state. Maryland’s Eastern Shore is abundant with seafood, beaches, wildlife and history, and now a beautiful—and delicious—wine trail. Participating wineries include: Bordeleau Vineyards & Winery, Cassinelli Winery & Vineyards, Clovelly Vineyards, Crow Vineyard, Dove Valley Winery, Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery, St. Michael’s Winery, Turkey Point Vineyard and Triple Creek Winery.