Wine, Wine, Wine: The best places to find quality wine in Frederick, MD

Are you looking for your new favorite wine? We have some good news: you don't have to travel to California or Italy to taste the best varieties; there are plenty of delicious options in and around Frederick, Maryland! 

The Frederick area has some truly unique places to find your next favorite bottle of wine. Here, we highlight two vineyards that offer incredible scenic views, a tiny downtown market that has seemingly endless options of wine and more, and for the ultimate wine enthusiast, the upcoming Frederick Wine Festival. 

​If you’re looking for the best vineyard or bottle of wine, we’ve got you covered — check out these great local places near Frederick to find your new favorite variety this summer: 

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Catoctin Breeze Vineyard

Thurmont’s Catoctin Breeze Vineyard is the perfect place to go for stunning mountain views, exquisite wine and a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere. Patrons can enjoy on-site food trucks every Friday night from May to September, or bring their own provisions to the outdoor picnic areas. 

The vineyard also offers tours and appointment-only group tastings during the week; email sales@catoctinbreeze.com.to schedule. 

Catoctin Breeze offers three types of tastings, each with five samples.
-Signature Tasting: $10. 
-Premier Tasting: $12. Includes samples of five wines selected by Catoctin Breeze winemaker Mike Lentini. (Only available Saturday and Sunday.)
-Sweet Wine Tasting: $8. 
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The best part? Catoctin Breeze ships! Maryland residents can order wines here and those living outside of Maryland can create a VinoShipper account and order here.

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Springfield Manor

​Maryland’s only winery-distillery-brewery is an ideal setting for a wine-filled day trip, weekend getaway or your next big celebration. The historic 135-acre estate at Springfield Manor is also a working lavender farm, hosting the annual Maryland Lavender Festival in June. 

Conveniently located off Route 15 in Thurmont, the property offers breathtaking Catoctin Mountain views, ten varietals and blends of wine produced onsite as well as craft beers and spirits, including award-winning gin and vodka. These distinguished spirits are only available for sale at Springfield Manor. 

Check out Springfield Manor’s calendar of events to plan your next trip. If you’re planning on a longer getaway, book a night or two at the cozy, romantic inn — a complimentary tasting from the winery-distillery-brewery is included with your stay, and be sure to try the lavender gin! 

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Firestone's Market on Market 

This little specialty shop on Market Street has everything you need for your own wine and cheese pairing, whether you’re hosting an event or enjoying it on your own. 

It may look small from the outside, but Firestone’s Market on Market carries over 100  varieties of wine and craft beer, carefully selected to appeal to a diverse variety of palates. Not only does it have a wine for every enthusiast, it also carries local and imported artisan cheeses, sweet treats and salty snacks to serve with a bottle or two. Also, be sure to check out Firestone's mouthwatering selection of freshly-baked bread.

In addition to delicious bottled wine and packaged snacks, Firestone's offers a full menu with fresh and scrumptious sandwiches, soups and salads straight from the kitchen of Firestone's Culinary Tavern next door. 

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The Frederick Wine Festival 

Photo courtesy of Celebrate Frederick

Saturday, August 3 marks the ultimate wine-lover’s experience. The fourth annual Frederick Wine Festival presented by Celebrate Frederick is sure to have a wine for every enthusiast. 

Located on beautiful Carroll Creek, this summertime festival showcases the most innovative wineries across Maryland, and yes, the grapes used to make these wines are local too!
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Sip on complimentary wine tastings paired with signature food selections from local chefs as you stroll the creek listening to live local music. If temptation strikes and you purchase your own bottles of wine, a Wine Check is offered so you can keep your bottles safe while you enjoy the festival. 
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So far, over a dozen local wineries including Catoctin Breeze Vineyard, Big Cork Vineyards and Linganore Winecellars are slated to participate this year. The festival coincides with August's First Saturday — Art Attack is the theme — so plan on joining the celebration! 

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