The Mid-Atlantic region is a hotspot for wine production, with hundreds of wineries spread between Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., and has been a rapidly growing industry for decades.
And the boom of local wineries across the region combined with traditional staples leaves us with plenty of intriguing spots to visit if you’re looking to check out the wine tastes of the Mid-Atlantic.
Maryland Vineyards
Loew Vineyards – 14001 Liberty Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771
This family-owned vineyard in Frederick County has roots that stretch back to the late 19th century in Bursztyn, Poland with the family’s first foray into brewing with the creation of mead. The family tradition narrowly survived the Holocaust with William Loew being the sole survivor and making his way to the United States, eventually starting up a winery in 1982 that became Loew Vineyards. The family became one of the founding members of the Maryland wine community and the business has been passed down to Rachel Lipman, Loew’s granddaughter, who continues the century -old tradition to this day while pushing the vineyard into the future.
Hidden Hills Farm & Vineyard – 7550 Green Valley Road, Frederick, MD 21701
Inspired by the rolling hills of Frederick County that they call home, this vineyard places heavy emphasis on matching the wines they create to the climate and soil of the region. Hidden Hills specializes in planting and creating Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Chambourcin, Albariño and Traminette, as part of their mission to grow grapes that require the least amount of intervention to the soil and crop. The facility also boasts an equestrian facility at the top of their hill, ready for all those interested in exploration.
hiddenhillsfarmandvineyard.com
Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards – 15800 Croom Road, Brandywine, MD 20613
This family-owned vineyard in Prince George’s County used to grow tobacco, moving into the wine business in 2012, finding that the soil that grew tobacco so well was perfect for grapes. The farm and winery opened for visitors and new business in 2017 and offers sprawling countryside views that provides an enviable wedding location. When not being utilized for weddings, the grounds offer a patio for relaxation and a tasting-room barn. The winery crafts wine and bottles tied to their family history.
Broken Spoke Vineyard & Winery – 942 Glebe Road, Earleville, MD 21919
This vineyard in Cecil County is based on the mission “Take a break; Start a Conversation.” The company says that it is devoted to relaxation, family time and the power of conversation. The winery offers a sampling of red wines, rose, and white wines that they hope are highly enriching for all the guests that stop by their facilities.
Virginia
Stinson Vineyards – 4744 Sugar Hollow Road, Crozet, VA 22932
A family-owned vineyard nestled in Virgina’s Blue Ridge Mountains owned by a husband-wife winemaking pair dedicated to the perfection of French wines. Initially owned by the father-daughter pairing of Scott Stinson and Rachel Stinson Vrooman, they were joined by Rachel’s husband Nathan Vrooman in 2015. Since then, the family has continued to make their wine in house, taking inspiration from “garagiste” wineries of France in both winemaking technique and building design, which is made from a three-car garage. The winery is also touted for its outstanding views.
Barboursville Vineyards – 17655 Winery Road, Barboursville, VA 22923
One of the oldest wineries in the region, this land in Orange County encompasses 1,200 acres between the historic sites of world-famous presidential estates, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and James Madison’s Montpelier. With grounds that look out upon the Southwest Mountains, guests will never be disappointed with the scenery that includes ruins, cottages and an on-site inn located a short walk from the winery tasting room.
Glen Manor Vineyards – 2244 Browntown Road, Front Royal, Virginia 22630
The lands that encompass this vineyard some 70 miles outside of Washington, D.C., have been family-owned for over 121 years and five generations and are a world of their own on the slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 226 acres of pastures, forests and 18 acres of vineyards share a border with Shenandoah National Park and have vines growing on steep hills that make for a lovely view and fantastic wine.
Chatham Vineyards on Church Creek – 9232 Chatham Road, Machipongo, VA 23405
A vineyard producing wines since 1999, Chatham has values rooted in respect for the land of Virginia’s Eastern Shore built on sustainable farming and crafting wines that have a sense of place. The family-owned vineyard says it was built on a foundation of integrity, community and quality. The location of Chatham Farm, where the vineyard is located, has existed since 1640 when the land was first planted. The historic location now serves as a picturesque spot for guests to experience the atmosphere of the Eastern Shore.
