From Sweet To Dry: A First Timer’s Guide To Southern Maryland Wineries

MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — Have you ever wanted to visit a local winery but didn’t know what to expect? Are you embarrassed because you think you don’t know enough about wine? Are you intimidated by the wine vocabulary?

Let me set your mind at ease.

Here in Southern Maryland, the wineries are run by farmers. We grow grapes, turn them into wine and sell it in our tasting rooms. You could look at us as a glorified farmers market — we sell what we grow.

When you walk into a tasting room, you will be greeted by friendly local staff. Depending on the location, you may be greeted by the same person who was working in the vines earlier in the day. Some staff members may have advanced wine certifications, but that is simply to help us better serve our guests.

At Corteau Vineyards, we start by asking whether you prefer dry or sweet wines. There is no wrong answer. If you don’t know, that’s okay. We are simply trying to determine whether we should introduce you to our crisper wines or our sweeter sangrias. Some people enjoy both.

We’ll also ask whether you prefer red or white wines. You don’t have to have a preference, but many people do. The goal is to understand where to begin your experience. You are allowed to drink wine the way you want with no judgment. You don’t have to swirl, spit, smell or identify specific flavors. You only have to try it and decide whether you like it.

Once we get an idea of what you may enjoy, we will offer the choice of a tasting, a flight, a glass or a bottle.

If you are new to wine, we encourage you to start with a tasting. At Corteau, tastings are guided by staff at the bar. If you are more comfortable with wine, we may suggest a flight of three or four wines or sharing a couple of flights among friends.

Flights include larger pours and are enjoyed at your table. The experience tends to move at a slower pace and gives you an opportunity to compare different wines and better understand what you like and dislike.

Some visitors already know exactly what they want, either because they have visited before or because they know they enjoy a particular style of wine. Those guests may confidently order a glass or bottle and enjoy it without guidance.

When you’re finished, we are very likely to ask how your wine was. We aren’t asking to stroke our egos. We genuinely want to know whether we met your needs and expectations. It’s also okay if our wines aren’t your favorite. Everyone’s tastes are different.

Like many wineries, our tasting room offers a variety of charcuterie items to accompany your wine. Some wineries regularly host food trucks. We don’t typically have food trucks, but we always allow guests to bring their own food. We understand that dietary restrictions are common, and we want people to be able to enjoy what makes them happy.

There is one rule worth following. If you take a bottle home and store it upright in front of a warm, sunny window, it probably won’t taste the same as it did in the tasting room.

Light and heat can negatively affect the flavors in wine. Bottles are best stored in a cool, dry place such as a basement or refrigerator. If the bottle has a cork, it should also be stored on its side to help keep the cork moist.

So what are you waiting for?

From southern Prince George’s County to Leonardtown, Southern Maryland has a number of wineries ready to help you explore local wines and discover new favorites.

Learn more about the vineyard and plan your visit at corteauvineyards.com. Corteau Vineyards is located at 38713 Golden Beach Rd., Mechanicsville, MD 20659.

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