With wineries increasing throughout the states of Maryland and Virginia, there is also an increase in the number of wineries using old buildings for “adaptive reuse.” Many wineries feature environmentally friendly tasting rooms and winery facilities. There is a group of these Maryland  and Virginia wineries that have successfully used “adaptive reuse.” This is the concept of taking a building and changing its use.

As you travel to wineries to taste and enjoy their wines, observe the facilities. Are the buildings sparkling new with every imaginable feature or do they appear old and possibly renovated? Be sure to ask if the building had another prior use.

Several of Maryland and Virginia wineries have accomplished this feat of reusing old buildings. In Maryland we have discovered several wineries that have been created using “adaptive reuse.” Frederick Cellars in Frederick was an ice warehouse built in 1904.  In Manchester, Maryland, Cygnus Wine Cellars renovated and uses a building that was originally a slaughterhouse.  Linganore Wine Cellars is located in a 120 plus year old barn. Terrapin Station Winery is also making use of an aged barn. Visitors to southern Maryland will discover that Friday’s Creek Winery is located in a restored tobacco barn.

In Virginia, Vint Hill Craft Winery is located in what was first a barn built in the early 20^th century and by 1942 was part of a military base. Near the Chesapeake in Virginia, the Hague Winery has several buildings dating back to 1835. Miracle Valley Vineyard’s tasting room is located on the first floor of a house built most likely in the 1880’s. Likewise, the Winery at LaGrange’s tasting room is in a historic house.

While it may or may not pay off in terms of the cost of renovating and adapting, it is environmentally friendly. Kudos to Maryland and Virginia wineries for protecting the past and looking to the future.

Discover other wineries on the east coast that are creating wineries and tasting rooms out of old buildings.

(Check out Regional Wine Week hosted by the Drink Local Wine website.)

Cheers! Kathy