Vineyard at one of Maryland's newest wineries - Catoctin Breeze

Beginning June 14 and ending June 24 Maryland will begin celebrating the Third Annual Maryland Wine Week. The number of wineries and vineyards in Maryland is continuing to increase and quality is also increasing. If you don’t know Maryland wines, this is the time to discover them.

Wine lovers are likely to discover Maryland wines they will enjoy with dinners or as aperitifs. Maryland vineyards are able to grow different types of wine grapes that include vitis vinifera, hybrids and vitis labrusca. Maryland producers are also making meads, fruit wines and hard ciders.

Whether you are visiting Maryland or live in Maryland, use Maryland Wine Week to explore Maryland wines at wineries, wine shops and restaurants. If you visit a wine shop or restaurant and you don’t see Maryland wine mentioned ask, “Why not?”

Special features to look for during Maryland Wine Week

According to an email from Briana at the Maryland Wineries Association, “Restaurants, wine shops, wine bars, and hotels across the state will be pairing up with local wineries to promote and serve local Maryland wine.”

Special events include Ellicott City’s Sip, Shiver, and Stroll and a Progressive Dinner in Frederick.

Some of the locations celebrating Maryland Wine Week include:

• Wit & Wisdom in Baltimore
• Johnny’s in Roland Park
• Red Red Wine Bar in Annapolis
• Baldwin’s Station in Sykesville
•  Beer Wine & Co in Chevy Chase
• Wine World Beer & Spirits in Abingdon
• AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar in Columbia
• The Imperial Hotel in Chestertown

Check out the complete list at Maryland Wine Week. If you do not see your favorite location on this list ask, “Why not?” If you are a restaurant owner, wine shop owner or lodging manager, contact the Maryland Wineries Association to participate.

A wonderful way to celebrate Father’s Day (a day early) is to take Dad this Saturday to the Eat, Drink, Go LOCAL North Beach in Calvert County. This market event will have more than two dozen Maryland wineries, local farmers and vendors.

For more information and details visit the Maryland Wine Week website.

Cheers!