RSS
Home
Maryland’s Interstate 95 wineries from oldest to newest
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
.jpg)
At times traveling Interstate 95 north of Baltimore in Maryland can be a breeze, at other times it can be torture especially on hot summer days when the traffic just doesn’t seem to move. For me the breeze usually comes before 5:00 am. At one of those not so pleasant times, consider that five wineries within 30 minutes of the interstate can transpose you from hectic to serene. Mount Felix winery is only one minute from exit 89 (see map).
This 53-mile stretch of the Interstate from Baltimore to the Delaware line can hardly be termed wine country, but it has a start. Closest to Baltimore is Boordy Vineyards in Hydes. Boordy is one of the oldest and largest Maryland wineries. The drive to Boordy is pleasant and takes you along winding country roads. Boordy is on a restful spot of land in the countryside. The tasting room was built in an 1830’s bank barn. Boordy produces three lines of wines and will certainly have wines that you will enjoy.
If Boordy is one of the oldest vineyards in the state, Legends Vineyard is one of the newest. Legends is located in the small town of Churchville and the tasting room opened in September of 2008. The vineyard was planted in the spring of 2008. Close to Legends in Havre de Grace is another new winery, Mount Felix. Located a minute from I-95, Mt. Felix produces several wines many with names that have historical significance to Havre de Grace and even American viticulture. The location of the tasting room is in a restored water house next to Mount Felix Manor that was built in the 1800’s. At one time the water house was used to pump water to the manor. In addition to tasting the wines in the tasting room, you will receive a gentle history lesson about important events and people from the area. You will learn about John Adlum and how he became the father of American viticulture. Ask about the story associated with the wine Matilda’s Devotion. It is very inspirational especially near Father’s Day.
After crossing the long Tydings Memorial Bridge with panoramic views of the river and countryside, you can take exit 93 and make you way to Dove Valley Vineyards in Rising Sun. The vineyards were planted in 1998 and the large log building houses the tasting room that opened in 2007. There is plenty of room to spread out and tables and sofas are available for tasting the wines. The owner, Harry Hepbron , decided to develop a vineyard and tasting room as a legacy for his children and grandchildren. Just before Delaware in Elkton, Maryland is Terrapin Station Winery. The first vines were planted in 2003 and at the time of my visit had picture perfect clusters of St. Vincent and Vidal. Currently the tasting room is under construction and should be open later in 2009.
Opening times vary for each winery. Call ahead of a visit or check their website for hours. The wineries along I-95 in Maryland give you a “taste of the place.”
You can read reviews of many of these wineries on the Wine Trail Traveler website.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
