Living in Baltimore city, I never dreamed of having the luxury of touring the wine country without traveling great lengths to California or France. Much to my surprise, I was informed that an authentic wine experience was only a short drive from my urban dwelling. At the end of September, the wineries of Baltimore and Harford counties launched the Piedmont Wine Trail. Eight wineries—Basignani Winery, Boordy Vineyards, DeJon Vineyards, Fiore Winery and Distillery, Harford Vineyard, Legends Vineyard, Mt. Felix Estate Vineyard and Woodhall Wine Cellars—comprise the trail, which travels through breathtaking landscapes that are home to various historical sites and state parks.
If you have any interest in wine, you now have the ability to learn about the process from start to finish, farm to fermentation, vine to bottle. Each of the wineries offers tours of their grounds and tastings of their wine. Sample award winning Maryland wine made from locally grown grapes and meet the people responsible for this booming industry. If nothing else, the dedication and passion of Maryland wine makers and grape growers will provide inspiration.
The Piedmont Wine Trail allows visitors to not only taste award winning Maryland Wine, but to experience this genuine commitment to excellence by the artisans and entrepreneurs in Baltimore and Harford counties. Jill Feinberg, conference and tourism director for Baltimore County suggests shopping for crafts at a local artisan’s shop, eating lunch at a nearby restaurant, or considering an overnight stay at an area inn.
The Piedmont Wine Trail is not only an enjoyable experience to those who are of age. Along the trail are family-friendly farms and orchards, nationally renowned steeplechase racing, historic garden estates and quaint towns along the Chesapeake Bay, full of antique stores, art galleries and fabulous restaurants. There are events and attractions for people of all ages and interests at every stop on the Piedmont Wine Trail.
The trail is intersected by both I-95 and I-695, making it easily accessible for travelers from all points on the East Coast. There is no longer a need to travel across country or the Atlantic for an authentic wine experience. “ This wine trail offers an escape to the country side, an opportunity to explore local attractions, and a chance to support local agriculture while trying some delicious and award winning wines. ” said Regina Reilly, Marketing Coordinator for the Maryland Wineries Association. Maryland wine is an ever-expanding industry, making a major contribution to the rural economies and growing fast in comparison to the U.S. wine industry.
For those looking for a way to spend a weekend in a novel, entertaining way, The Piedmont Wine Trail is the answer. Allow the wine makers on the Piedmont Wine Trail to share their passion with you.
Katie Robinson, MD Wineries Association
