Have you heard of Chesapeake Wine Country? The Maryland Eastern Shore has a wine trail that runs along the bay and is home to many wineries and vineyards. If you’d like to visit some of the wineries located along this trail, keep reading to learn about our favorites!
When you’re planning the rest of your trip to the Maryland Eastern Shore, be sure to utilize our Chesapeake Bay Vacation Guide. It’s free to use and provides insider tips to help you make the most out of your vacation.
What Makes Chesapeake Wine Country Unique?
The five rivers that form the head of the Chesapeake Bay (Susquehanna, the North East, the Elk, the Bohemia, and the Sassafras) converge at Turkey Point in Cecil County’s Elk Neck. When the freshwater surges into the upper bay, it produces cooling breezes that are beneficial to grapevines.
The water on the bay’s eastern shore tends to be saltier than water on the western side. The Coriolis Force, a phenomenon caused by the earth’s rotation, pushes water in the Northern Hemisphere to the right. So, saltier water moves up the bay and veers toward the eastern shore. This saline water plays a significant role in the harvest season.
The Best Chesapeake Wine Country Wineries
Crow Vineyard and Winery
A quick and pleasant 30-minute drive from Inn at Huntingfield Creek.
The Property
Crow Vineyard and Winery sits on a third-generation working farm which has diversified to become a thriving winery. The 365-acre farm includes a herd of Grass-fed Angus cattle, soy and corn, and other farm animals.
The Winemaking
The vineyard continues to expand and supports the state-of-the-art winery, which produces award-winning wines that are enjoyed at our wine tasting room year-round.
Standout Wines
The delicious Crow Club Select Red Blend and Sparkling Vidal Blanc are winners of the Maryland Governor’s Cup Medal.
What’s Happening at the Vineyard
Crow Vineyard and Winery hosts a plethora of exciting events throughout the year. From festivals to 5Ks to brunch, there’s always something going on at Crow!
Chateau Bu-De Winery and Vineyard
The Property
The gorgeous Chateau Bu-Du Winery and Vineyard sits on the historic property that once belonged to Augustine Herrman, a Bohemian explorer, merchant, and cartographer. Herrman produced a map of the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay in exchange for permission to establish a plantation. The plantation land spans over 440 acres and is now home to the Chateau Bu-De Winery and Vineyard.
The Winemaking
The winemaker, Jacques van der Vyver, produces high quality, hand-crafted wines using old and new world techniques in a state-of-the-art facility. Finding innovative methods to maintain the natural and pure form of the grapes enables Chateau Bu-De to make the finest Maryland wines.
Standout Wines
Don’t settle for one when you can get a flight! Seasonal wine flights cost $8-$10.
What’s Happening at the Vineyard
Chateau Bu-Du Winery and Vineyard always has entertaining events to attend. Some of their most popular gatherings are dog-friendly happy hours and farmers markets. This breathtaking property also makes the perfect backdrop for your special day. You can have your wedding or another private event at the Chateau.
Triple Creek Winery
The Property
The Triple Creek Winery tasting room and vineyard is in Cordova, MD, just a few miles off Route 50. When you stop in for a visit, you’ll be greeted by the Tasting Room Manager, Terri. She’ll give you intriguing descriptions of the wine and property as you sip on some of the best wine in Maryland’s wine country.
The Winemaking
Triple Creek belongs to the Spies family, who have been involved in agriculture on the eastern shore of Maryland for five generations. As a family business, everyone pitches in. From the youngest kids helping pick up pruned vines to the family coming together to bottle the newest vintage of wine, it’s always a family affair here.
Standout Wines
You must try the Barbera Rio. It’s a unique, light-bodied red wine with a touch of carbonation.
What’s Happening at the Vineyard
Triple Creek is pleased to offer their space to you for a private wine tasting or another special event. Send them an email to learn more!
The Trail Starts at Inn at Huntingfield Creek
When you’re planning your adventure to visit Chesapeake Wine Country, make Inn at Huntingfield Creek you home away from home. We are close to the vineyards listed above, as well as other must-see attractions and restaurants.
We offer five handsomely appointed guest rooms in our Inn as well as seven luxurious, fully furnished, private cottages adjacent to the Inn. Each cottage has its own beautifully themed decor, and some of them are pet-friendly! Our Pond Cottage features a stunning view of our natural pond, a cozy fireplace, and romantic artwork. No wonder it’s nicknamed the “the honeymooner!”
Check our availability and start planning your getaway to the Chesapeake Bay area today. We can’t wait to meet you!