This winery is gorgeous! I went here on a Sunday afternoon one hour before they closed and had the…read morebest customer service from Thomas and Wendy! My friends and I ordered some bottles of wine and we got some of their wine slushies. So good! I can't wait to come back here so I can try more options as we didn't have a lot of time. They also have horses that surround the property. That's a vibe in itself. Will come back! Especially since parking was a breeze too!

Popped into this winery while in Frederick. It was very cute with lots of options for outdoor…read moreseating. No reservation needed which was really nice given it was a spontaneous visit. We were able to get wine flights and try multiple options. The service was extremely kind. I will say the wine is very dry so if you enjoy that you'll like the options here. They were too dry for me but that's just my personal preference. I'd come back to sit near a fire pit!

Representing the DMV runner-up to out of town pick for letter B for 2025, B is for Black Ankle…read moreVineyards. My girlfriend & I visited Black Ankle on a Saturday in September 2025. We were out somewhat in this direction, and there was a Meetup group going here, so we thought to check it out as it's rare we ever go to a winery as it's normally out of the way, more likely of an occurrence when on a vacation. We took some crazy back roads from where we were in western Howard County, through Carroll, & into eastern Frederick County, where Black Ankle is. We went to the bar inside to get wines. I got a white wine; I think Chardonnay, and I think my girlfriend got a sweeter Rose or something like that. Both were delicious, but we preferred our own more. We sat outside in a nice patio area. We were in the hot Sun on that sunny day, but that was cool with me. We learned of a tour going on, which we got in on. The tour guide who wore an Italian flag bowtie was entertaining and informative. We walked around the vineyard, going inside the cooled storage areas, centrifuge area where the wine is mixed, etc. We even saw some of the old wines they had made from years earlier. We saw sheep dogs, which protect the vineyard from pests, which were cute. Overall, this is a high quality winery with plenty of nice outside & inside seating.

A lot of folks will go to black ankle for their red wine, but I think their white wine is very…read moreunderrated! I love the ambiance in their tasting room and they have so much outdoor space! They allow dogs outdoors which is great for our pup. The staff there is so friendly and always happy to answer questions and let you try something before you commit. I just rejoined the wine club and can't wait to come to some of the members events! Love this spot!

Great Frogs has become one of our favorite places for a relaxed afternoon in Annapolis. We usually…read morevisit on a quiet Sunday, sit outside when the weather is nice, and enjoy a bottle of wine. They often have live music outside depending on the weather, and the overall setting is laid-back and scenic without feeling crowded or hectic. The staff has always been pleasant, and we have consistently enjoyed the wine. They also have snacks available, so we usually get one of the cheese and charcuterie boards to go with it. We have also held two separate group gatherings here over the years. For those larger gatherings, we made reservations so we could have an area set aside for our group. We had plenty of space inside where everyone could eat and spend time together, then moved outside afterward to play cornhole and enjoy the property. Both experiences went very well. Whether we are stopping in for a quiet afternoon or coming with a larger group, Great Frogs has always been a place we enjoy returning to.

Great Frogs Winery is such a gem near Annapolis. The venue itself is beautiful -- a lovely property…read morethat feels relaxed, welcoming, and perfect for lingering. We did both a red and white flight, and each wine was excellent, thoughtfully curated and really enjoyable from start to finish. The vibes were immaculate with live music adding to the experience without overpowering it. After our tasting, we spent time enjoying the outdoor space, which was the perfect place to unwind, sip, and soak in the scenery. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just looking for a great spot to relax with friends, Great Frogs delivers on atmosphere, quality, and overall experience. We'd absolutely come back.

My sister and I celebrated our birthday at Rocklands Farm Winery with a group of 20+ people, and it…read morecould not have been a better experience. We reserved a private space with a private tasting, which made the day feel extra special and perfect for a large group. For many of our guests, it was their first time visiting this location, and everyone had such a great time. One of the co-founders, Greg, personally led our tasting and was fantastic. He was knowledgeable, welcoming, and checked on us throughout the afternoon to make sure everything was going smoothly. Every staff member we interacted with was friendly, attentive, and clearly passionate about what they do. I also appreciated that some friends who don't drink were still able to enjoy themselves thanks to the non-alcoholic options. The property itself is beautiful with scenic views, plenty of space to relax, and such a peaceful atmosphere. We had amazing weather the day we visited, which made it even more memorable. If you are looking for a great place for a birthday, celebration, group outing, or just a relaxing day with friends, I highly recommend! We will definitely be back.

I had an awesome first experience at Rocklands…read more I joined a group of 15-20 on the first really nice Saturday of the spring season; it was fairly crowded but we got there right at opening to secure a large section of shaded picnic tables. There was PLENTY of seating still - lots of large and small tables scattered throughout the property. They also have seating inside the winery at a small bar. The wine itself was really nice; we had several bottles of the rose at the table. It was light, crisp, and easy to sip in the nice weather. I was impressed that they also had 2 non alcoholic wines; the non drinkers in our group were happy to have some options made just for them (which were delicious also). There is a third party pizza business that had food offerings; we had many different types of their pizza which were all good. Very smart to have a food option for folks to enjoy while we sip our wine. Overall, the property is wonderfully maintained and the wines meet all expectations. I'd recommend giving this spot a try if you're looking for a nice winery north of the beltway!

I had such a great experience at Boyd Cru Wines Tasting Room. From the moment you walk in, you can…read morefeel that this is more than just a wine tasting room, it's a true community space. I was really impressed by their commitment to supporting the community and showcasing other small businesses. That intention shows up in every detail, from the collaborations to the overall vibe. The food was so good. The jerk chicken was a standout, flavorful and perfectly cooked, and the charcuterie board was fresh, well-balanced, and beautifully done. Pair that with their wine cocktails and you're in for a treat. They're creative, well-crafted, and honestly some of my favorite wine-based cocktails I've had. What really sets Boyd Cru apart is that it's family-owned and operated, and they truly make you feel like family while you're there. Warm, welcoming, and intentional. Bonus: the space is also available to rent for private events, which is such a great option for anyone looking to host something intimate and meaningful. Highly recommend stopping by, whether for a tasting, a cocktail, brunch on Sundays or to support a local gem that's doing things the right way.

The venue? Gorgeous! The staff? Superb!…read moreThe wines? Phenomenal! This spot is a hidden gem... and I almost don't wanna tell yall about it. But it's too good to keep to myself. The whole place is a vibe. The decor is thoughtful, intentional, cozy, and inviting. The staff were welcoming, genuine, and extremely knowledgeable. Whether your are vino virgin or a cultured connoisseur, this spot is unpretentious and overwhelmingly welcome. But make no mistake... these ladies know their way around a grape, and they are well equipped to tell you whatever you need to know about what's in your glass. Let's get into these wines. I highly recommend the flight to get familiar with the different wines they have to offer. The Sparkling Vidal Blanc is not included in the pairing, so go on and get you a glass of that too. Trust me. The "Community" Vidal Blanc is easily one of the best bottles of white that has ever blessed my palate. Crisp, refreshing, full of bright, summery flavors but not too sweet... it's practically begging to be paired with a delicious plate of seafood (preferably one cooked with butter and lots of garlic). This is a great sipping wine, and an even better one to pair with dinner. The "Free Spirit" rose is another great sipping wine. Light, slightly sweet, and full of character, this was also a really great glass of wine. I like my reds a little bolder, so the "Living Legacy" red was not my favorite. It was still a good sip, and if you enjoy reds a little on the lighter side, this might be for you. Still worth a try in my book. Now I love bubbles and the only thing I enjoyed more than the vidal blanc was the sparkling vidal blanc! There's so much character in this bubbly... you'll have to taste and experience it for yourself. For me personally, it's high on the list of the best sparkling wines I've every had. If a plain glass of wine is not your thing, no worries. They also offer a number of wine-based cocktails, as well. In partnership with nearby businesses, the winery offers a limited variety of snacks including charcuterie boards, flatbreads, cake flights, as well as trail mix and popcorn available at the bar. I got the Smith Island Cake flight. While it's definitely not authentic Smith Island Cake, it's good to curb a raging sweet tooth. Speaking of partnerships, the winery also offers products from other local small businesses for sale: spices, body care products, jewelry and other items... So you can sip and shop. A few small areas of improvement I would recommend. -More, bigger and better signage...especially on the street. I was driving all around the area, then roaming all over Savage Mill Shopping Center before I finally found my way. -Provide more parking details, landmarks and directions on the website. (I ended up parking in a nearby neighborhood, only to find that there was a free parking lot available). -Expand snack offerings... perhaps sell individually packaged snacks from local businesses for purchase within the winery. -Consider adding a flight that will allow patrons to try all of the wines available. Shoutout to Eden and the crew for such a fantastic afternoon of good vibes and great wine. I'll be back... and I'm bringing friends!

It was my first time visiting a meadery, and I had such a great experience! This charming local…read moremeadery is tucked away in a warehouse complex, but the inside was surprisingly spacious and cozy. I was impressed by the wide selection of meads on tap so it actually took me a while to decide what to order! I ended up building my own flight with five different flavors. Overall, the meads leaned more toward the dry and crisp side rather than being overly sweet, which made them easy to drink without salty snacks. My personal favorites were BA Knotty Soda (Vanilla Bourbon) and Blueberry Brunch. In addition to mead, they also offer ciders, beers, smoothies, and snack plates like hummus, so there's something for everyone to enjoy. The staff was welcoming and friendly, making the experience even better. Parking was also convenient, with plenty of spaces right in front of the meadery. I'd definitely come back to try even more of their meads!

I saw this local meadery on Google Maps when I was in the area and decided to check it out. It was…read morea quiet Thursday afternoon so the place was pretty much empty. The bartender at the bar was very friendly and knowledgeable about all the meads they had on tap. I ended up trying a few but settled for a glass of the tart for the heart . It was so good! I like that they have a spacious place and Sofia events and board games to play. I'll definitely be coming back when it's more lively on the weekends :-)

We visited Big Cork on Saturday with a group of 14. Unfortunately, the weather was much colder and…read morewindier than we expected, and there was no space available inside. At that point it was also difficult to find another place for such a large group. Thankfully, Meghan from the Big Cork team truly made our day! She was incredibly kind, patient, and went above and beyond to help us with everything we needed. Thanks to her, we still had a wonderful time. We are very grateful for her help. We really liked Big Cork and look forward to coming back again when the weather gets warmer.

Met a buddy in Columbia for beer and in our discussion, we started taking wine, from Paso Robles to…read moreMaryland. He told me Maryland specialized in Cabernet Franc and Viognier and I knew nothing about Big Cork prior to arrival, but dad it was named as a top 10 tasting room by USA Today. Bold claim, especially coming from California. It was an absolutely beautiful day to visit Big Cory on Sunday. U called to confirm I didn't need a reservation, was told I didn't. That was nice, so I continued my drive to the winery, following three other vehicles that turned into the winery grounds. Ample parking, stunning grounds and views of the surrounding area. A big white building with a surround patio greeted me as I walked in, taking in the ambiance of the place. It was busy with patrons sitting outside, standing at mo sitting at the bar. I was greeted by an English chap, names Andy who said he works be right with me. Gave me a few minutes to look around and take in the experience. Andy greeted me and told me to grab any seat. Told him o was new to Maryland wine, as it was my first time at any winery outside of Paso Robles. I guts my expectations were high but I dialed them back as I ordered my tasting flight. Not a big white fan, I was impressed I'm with their Chardonnay, not buttery like the California. It was light, crisp and fruity. A very well done white. In fact I enjoyed it more than the Sauvignon Blanc, which if drinking a white I usually lean towards. Found this a bit too sweet. On to the reds, which is what I was reliably looking forward to. Andy took time to explain each wine, some characteristics and processes behind each glass. Their Meritage, a red blend was okay but was missing something for my liking. I did however enjoy the Cab Franc as single varietal. Never got to the Siberian Ice but was treated to the Syrah, Nebbiolo and Black Label Malbec. Those last two tasting were wonderful. My tastings done, I ordered a glass of the Rose Brut as I took care of Andy and my bill. I did walk out with a bottle of Chardonnay and Cab Franc. Overall a wonderful tasting with some good wines. Worth checking out but being from Paso I'm not going out of my way to find East Coast wines. I know what my palate enjoys but a little change now and then can be a good thing. If I get t girlfriend out, we will be back.

Such a cute experience. FOOD 10/10. Ambiance 10/10. Service 10/10. We got a reservation for sunset…read moretime and I highly recommend coming for this hour, the views were amazing. Definitely will come back! I advise not to wear heels or just get dropped off at the front because the parking lot and road leading to the entrance is gravel.

Came here early May with another couple, after securing a reservation for a table in the lounge…read morearea. I paid a reservation fee of $112 for 4 people, which includes a welcome drink (champagne) and 3 hours to drink & dine. Not sure if the recent hype justifies the reservation fee, on top of what you're already paying for the food and wines. Excellent service & friendly staff from the welcome at check-in and throughout the experience. Cute touch with the Polaroid picture they took of us outside at the beginning to commemorate our time there. The lounge area is beautiful; loved all the overall style and vibe. They mentioned they will add seating outside in June, once the weather gets warmer! They also have farm animals roaming in the grassy area in the back. Food: the menu for lunch was pretty limited to some salads, small pizzas, a charcuterie board, and a few other small bites. We ordered the margherita pizza (made with sourdough focaccia) & the charcuterie board, for which I selected salami and several cheeses. Decent food, but not filling for a real meal. I assumed there would be more menu options after reading about the chef's tasting/kitchen. The wine: for the first bottle, I ordered The Stonehold, which is a red blend. Our server told us that it was one of their newer wine offerings, limited to only 100 bottles or so and once it's gone, it's gone. We all enjoyed this wine, so I highly recommend if they still have it available. For the second bottle, I ordered our server's favorite, which was the Fieldborn (another red wine), but we all still preferred the first bottle. At $88 a bottle, although they were good, we weren't particularly blown away by the wines. Overall, 4/5 for price to value ratio and limited selection for food & wine, but 5/5 for the service and ambiance.

This winery is simply lovely. The best part is that it's only a half hour away from home! Last…read moreyear, their whites were stronger than the reds (in my opinion). This year, the reds seem to be stronger. Regardless, all of the wines are good! I enjoyed both the red and white flights. I love that they allow outside food, and you can order in from surrounding restaurants. If you're in the area, you have to check out 61 vineyard.

Good wine in a great setting with exceptional service and friendly staff. Just a wonderful place…read moreto relax and enjoy good weather and wine. The wine club pick-up day gatherings are the best!