Within and near Carroll County are some spectacular vineyards. Before you visit, or take a sip of their offerings, enjoy these facts.
Black Ankle Vineyards
14463 Black Ankle Road, Mount Airy (located in Frederick County, about one mile from Carroll County line); 800-272-1933;www.blackankle.com
Bottles: Traditional reds and whites. Made from grapes grown on the property. Has table room tastings.
Hours: Open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m.
Highlight: In 2011, an additional 20 acres were planted with a variety of grapes. This summer, for the first time, whites from that planting are available, including Albarino and Chardonnay. Reds and some blends from the planting will be available in 2016.
Cygnus Wine Cellars
3130 Long Lane (located in a 1939 former slaughterhouse), Manchester; 410-374-6395; www.cygnuswinecellars.com
Bottles: Traditional reds and whites, champagne, dessert/sweet wines. Uses Carroll County and Maryland grapes.
Hours: Open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
Highlight: Known for themed dinners and wine pairings. On Sunday Aug. 16, “Pork & Cork,” Spanish-style dinner with food from Ferguson Family Farm, Richfield Farm and local orchards; featuring Chef Antonio Baines, Executive Chef of Tapas Teatro restaurant in Baltimore.
Detour Winery
7933 Forest & Stream Club Road, Detour; 410-775-0220; www.detourwinery.com
Bottles: Traditional reds and whites, and dessert wine.
Hours: Open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.; Wednesdays to Fridays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Highlight: Winner of numerous awards from, among others, Winemasters, American Wine Society and Grand Harvest.
Galloping Goose Vineyards
4326 Maple Grove Road (located on a working farm), Hampstead; 410-374-6596; www.gallopinggoosevineyards.com
Bottles: Mostly traditional reds, along with traditional whites. Sells 60 to 80 tons of grapes to other wineries; uses 20 tons for its own wines.
Hours: Open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. for strolling, bring-you-own picnic.
Highlight: New this summer, 3K hiking trail open to the public.
Old Westminster Winery
1550 Old Westminster Road, Westminster; 410-881-4656; www.oldwestminsterwinery.com
Bottles: Traditional reds and whites.
Hours: Open to visitors.
Highlight: Expects to open tasting room this summer.
Serpent Ridge Vineyard
2962 Nicodemus Road, Westminster; 410-848-6511; www.serpentridge.com
Bottles: Two to three dry reds, two dry whites, one dessert wine and one Port-style dessert wine annually. All made from Maryland grapes.
Hours: Tasting room open to visitors five days per week, including Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Highlight: Variety of events during season, including First Fridays and Second Saturdays music and Yoga and Wine in the Vineyard. Oldest vineyard in Carroll County. In 2013, present owners, Hal Roche and Karen Smith, bought the vineyard. Grow four varieties of grapes on property; has won numerous awards.
– List compiled by Barbara Pash
