Port of Leonardtown Winery

Okay, before you say anything: I know. Maryland wine? In the words of Wedding Crashers: crab cakes and football, that’s what Maryland does. But since in the decade+ since the movie, Maryland has started to branch out. I actually remember photographing one of the MD wineries for a local newspaper after The Maryland Winery Modernization Act was signed in 2010.

Yes, their climate is nothing like Napa Valley, but that’s why the winemakers like Lauren Zimmerman at Port of Leonardtown Winery aren’t using the same varietals. Instead of Cab and Chardonnay, we were given Barbera and Vidal Blanc. There was also an apple wine, which reminded me of some I tasted in Skaneateles during my college years. I can’t wait to try it warm with mulling spices on a cold winter’s day.

Leonardtown is nowhere near D.C., or any other tourist attraction, so getting here is a deliberate act. Tastings are only $5pp and the attention is incredibly personal. There are also events in the park where the tasting room is located on Saturdays with live music in the warmer months and a tasty, celiac-friendly restaurant in town.

Disclaimer: Turns out I’m distantly related to the winemaker. Who knew?