Immediate Release
January 20, 2015
Media Contacts:
Dorothy Fuchs, president
Purple Dot Public Relations
410-598-1719 cell • purpledotpr@comcast.net
Kevin Atticks, executive director
Maryland Wineries Association
410-963-4316 cell • kevin@marylandwine.com
Step Out into Maryland Wine Country this Winter for a Unique Wine Experience
“Maryland Wine Passport Experience” Features a Self-Guided Tour on All Six State Wine Trails,
Wine Tastings, Specials Events and Hotel/Restaurant/Attraction Deals
January 20, 2015 (Baltimore, MD)- This winter, grab a map, gas up the car and set out onto the wine trails to explore the state’s rich culture, museums, attractions and history while learning more about the wines that represents each region. The Maryland Wineries Association, in partnership with local wineries and wine trails, presents Maryland Wine Passport Experience, a series of events taking place on each of Maryland’s six unique wine trails over two weekends; February 21-22 and February 28-March 1 from 12:00- 5:00 pm. The Passport Experience pass is $25.00 per person and includes complimentary tastings at participating wineries, in addition to other discounts and deals along the way. For passes, more information or a list of all the participating wineries, log onto http://marylandwineevents.com.
In addition to the wine tastings, the Maryland Wine Passport Experience Pass will include exclusive access to all of the participating wineries on any of the six Maryland wine trails, “behind-the-scene” experiences at each winery, a commemorative wine glass, 10% off wine purchased during the two weekends and discounts at participating attractions, hotels, restaurants and shopping centers.
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. Wineries include Big Cork Winery, Distillery Lane Ciderworks, Knob Hall Winery, Orchid Cellar Winery and Red Heifer Winery.
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 hand-crafted wines. Visitors to the trail can learn about both new and age old wine making traditions, while also meeting some of the winemakers and farmers. Wineries include Cygnus Wine Cellars and Serpent Ridge Vineyards.
Chesapeake Wine Trail (Eastern Shore: Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Dorchester and Wicomico)
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. East of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland’s Eastern Shore is abundant with seafood, beaches, wildlife and history, and now a beautiful—and delicious—wine trail. Wineries include Cassinelli Winery & Vineyards, Clovelly Vineyards, Crow Vineyard, Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery. St. Michael’s Winery, Turkey Point Vineyard and Triple Creek Winery.
Frederick Wine Trail & other neighboring wineries (Frederick and Montgomery Counties)
While walking along the Frederick Wine Trail, visitors will discover some of Frederick County’s best agricultural bounty: its beautiful vineyards and outstanding wines. From the outskirts of Mt. Airy to the edge of Montgomery County and even in downtown Frederick, there is a variety of styles and tastes with something for everyone. Wineries include Elk Run Vineyard, Great Shoals Winery, Linganore Winecellars, Rocklands Farm Winery and the Winery at Olney.
Patuxent Wine Trail (Southern Maryland: Anne Arundel, Calvert, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s Counties)
The Patuxent Wine Trail presents the wineries of southern Maryland, bounded by the Patuxent and Potomac Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. The birthplace of Maryland, the area is rich in history and flavor, home to many historical landmarks, lighthouses and quaint waterfront towns. Visitors can roam the trail and sample superb wines in a restored tobacco barn, on the slopes of a rolling vineyard or along the banks of a pristine creek. Wineries include Cove Point Winery, Fridays Creek, Perigeaux Vineyards & Winery, Port of Leonardtown Winery, Romano Vineyard & Winery, Running Hare Vineyard, Slack Winery and Solomons Island Winery.
Piedmont Wine Trail (Harford and Baltimore Counties)
The Piedmont Wine Trail includes the wineries of Baltimore and Harford Counties. A short drive into the country from Baltimore leads you deep into the state’s agricultural heritage, where Maryland wine began and award-winning wineries thrive today. Visit historic towns, hike through numerous state parks and tour the many cultural attractions set along the Piedmont Wine Trail. Baltimore and Harford counties’ countryside provides a vibrant landscape of rolling hills dotted with thoroughbred horse farms and nationally-recognized wineries producing cellar-worthy reds and lively white wines. Wineries include Boordy Vineyards, Dejon Vineyard, Fiore Winery, Harford Vineyard & Winery, Millstone Cellars, Royal Rabbit Vineyards and Woodhall Wine Cellars.
“We now have over 70 wineries around the state and most Marylanders have never visited them nor tasted their terrific wines. This is our second year in doing the Passport concept and we hope it will be a new and different way for people to get out and explore the state while also venturing onto the wineries and wine trails” said Kevin Atticks, executive director of the Maryland Wineries Association.
About the Maryland Wineries Association
The Maryland Wineries Association is a non-profit trade organization representing Maryland's 70+ wineries. Founded in 1984, the MWA's mission is to develop and expand the grape and wine industry in Maryland through events, education and promotion. From the Eastern Shore to Deep Creek Lake, wine is growing throughout Maryland.