Maryland Wine Regions

Maryland is a diverse state that has four grape growing regions. This allows for a wide diversity of grape varieties that will thrive through MD.

Piedmont Plateau

Most of the state's vines are planted in North Central Maryland, ranging from West Frederick to the Chesapeake Bay. The state's oldest wineries are located in the Piedmont Plateau as well as the Frederick Wine Trail and Mason-Dixon Wine Trail. There are clusters of wineries around Westminster and north of Baltimore. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Pinot gris are planted, which consists of Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Howard, Montgomery and Frederick Counties.

Western Mountain

Western Maryland plays host to a number of vineyards and a few wineries. Grapes in this region must be more cold-hardy and able to withstand long winters and a short growing season. Varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Norton, Chambourcin, Vidal and Seyval are found in the region. The region consists of Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties.

Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore is more of a diurnal climate boasting warm days and cool nights. The soil is sandy and great for drainage and the climate is moderated by the Chesapeake Bay. A wide variety of grapes are growing throughout the Upper Shore (Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne's Counties), Mid Shore (Talbot, Dorchester and Caroline Counties) and Lower Shore (Somerset, Worcester and Wicomico Counties).

Southern Plain

Southern Maryland gets hot and stays hot night and day for most of the summer. This may not be good for some varieties, but many Southern Italian and other Mediterranean varieties are found growing in the region. Barbera, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Chardonnay, Vidal and sometimes Blau are common. This area consists of Anne Arundel, Prince George's, Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's Counties.