Linganore

As the second oldest winery in Maryland, they planted their first vines in 1972. Linganore is responsible for bringing more hybrids to Maryland than any other  active winery. The original owner and founder was Jack Aellen, from Queens, New York. His Swiss father taught him how to make wine. Jack was a manufacturing chemist. He planted a lot of test plots for different grape varieties for Cornell's hybrid-grape program in the 1980's. Cayuga (White Raven’s grape) was one of those plots. Linganore winery opened in 1976 and had the first wine festival in the state in 1977. They own the first and only mechanical grape harvester. Jack was almost completely blinded by a chemical explosion in 1957. A tornado in 2011 did $1 million in damage to their property. In the same year, they installed the first solar panels and electric car stations of any winery in MD. The back story for this winery is so interesting to me and shows nothing but strength and resilience. Today they are  Maryland's largest winery, that has tastings in its main area in addition to in the back with the tanks. There is a brewery on site, and a large lawn area where you will typically find live music and food trucks. Currently they make over 40 different wines from their White Raven, albarino, Bacioni, chardonnay and rose to cabernet franc. They have a full line of sweet wines, a Port-style and sparklings. True to their history, you will still find them at festivals like the Maryland Wine Festival and the Home and Garden Show. They continue to have festivals on their property every summer with popular Caribbean and Reggae themes. With four different spaces available, they are also an event venue. From showers and rehearsal dinners to cocktail receptions and weddings, the 230-acre estate is also a great place for events of all sizes. Whether you're planning an event, interested in their holiday vendor weekends, trivia nights or cocktail classes, or just thirsty for  some wine, this is a great winery full of history and experiences.