Baltimore has taken its place as a wine-lovers destination, now being on the rise with memorable festivals and tastings. In 2024, the city will be host to a lineup of outstanding wine festivals featuring local wineries and their exclusive blends. Here’s a guide to the best wine festivals in Baltimore, tips to make your festival-going experience better, and more activities to enjoy around the city.
Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Baltimore has a certain wine scene to give you a great experience!
Key Takeaways
- Top Wine Festivals in Baltimore for 2024: These include the very best, such as Wine on the Water at Middle Branch Waterfront, Wizards and Wine at the Maryland Science Center, the Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, the 4th Annual Susquehanna Wine & Seafood Fest, and the Fell’s Point Fun Festival.
- What to Carry/Wear: To ensure maximum satisfaction, it is recommended to have portable tasting glasses, valid identification, light snacks, layer up, and wear comfortable shoes.
- There are some nice activities to do during the wine festival season, such as visiting Homeslyce Pizza Bar for happy hour and taking tours of local wineries and vineyards.
Why Baltimore is a Top Destination for Wine Lovers?
Baltimore is quickly building on its claims to be a great destination for wine lovers and enthusiasts with its eclectic line-up of wine festivals, a host of new wineries, and a thriving culture of wine appreciation going on full tilt at every level of taste and experience.
These yearly happenings are excellent avenues for local artisans and vendors to exhibit collections to patrons who get the chance to taste rare wines and pair them with gourmet suya while tasting the greatness of agricultural wares the region can offer. As wine tasting grows in popularity, several venues are beginning to experiment with innovative pairings, which highlight the region’s agricultural richness.
These festivals are more than the attention lavished on the diverse vintage wines that boutique wineries in Maryland come up with; they also entertain enabling participants to be educated on interesting details of winemaking.
Baltimore, with its waterfront and its attractions, guarantees that each festival will be memorable in gatherings and bring community bonds closer to embracing the growing wine scene in the area.
Further reading: 10 Best Beer Bars in Baltimore You Need to Visit (2024)
Top Wine Festivals in Baltimore for 2024
Looking towards 2024, Baltimore will host a string of Wine Festivals that promise to enchant wine lovers and foodies of all kinds. They feature a fine array of local wineries, craft beverages, and gourmet food pairings in a vibrant festival setting with live music and unique forms of entertainment.
With a full schedule of exciting activities, it’s sure that many will want to take note of the dates and make provisions for tickets long ahead of time.
1. Wine on the Water
Wine on the Water is the most anticipated yearly Wine and Arts Festival Baltimore has to offer; it boasts the ultimate wine-tasting experience with a rich variety of participating wineries. The festival takes place on the beautiful Middle Branch Waterfront, only 10 minutes from downtown, and provides nonstop live music and entertainment for the entire day.
This year’s festival will be hosted by April Sampé, featuring premier local talent headlined by Secret Society, April Sampé will feature Dem Bmore Katz, DJ Tanz, Mr. Dynamite “DJ Jamal,” and Davon “The Percussionist.” Don’t miss this energetic event that will let you discover the best of Baltimore’s cultural and wine scene.
Price:
- General Admissions: $35
2. Wizards and Wine
Enjoy a little enchantment on Friday night at the Maryland Science Center’s “Wizards & Wine.” Light up your magical science demonstrations with company, elixirs, and enchanting potions from Boordy Vineyards, then throw in the freedom to explore the Science Center’s exhibits at your leisure.
This event is part of the Adult Programs at the Maryland Science Center, for 21+ guests only. So, please bring a valid ID. Admission includes all activities and access to some exhibits with a cash-only full bar provided by Whiskey Hill.
Price:
- General Admissions: $44.52
3. Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Join in the Fest Of Fall Caribbean Festival—an enlightening but family-friendly event that celebrates colorful culture, rhythmic music, and stunning food from the Caribbean. It delivers an all-around rich tradition of the Caribbean with live performances from the most celebrated Caribbean artists, while local bands bring the vibing sounds of reggae, soca, and calypso alive on stage.
You will find authentic Caribbean cuisine featuring a very diversified menu—jerk chicken, roti, patties, and replete with many tasteful beverages. The cultural exhibitions display the traditional Caribbean crafts, clothes, and artifacts that elucidate the heritage of the islands. You can see several dance performances, which not only inform but also allow viewers to join in and dance to the pulsating beats of the Caribbean.
Price:
- Kids 12 & under: Free
- Family Special: $30
- Kids 13-17: $30
- Groups: $35
- Friends or Lovers: $40
- General Admissions: $45
- VIP: $90
4. 4th Annual Susquehanna Wine & Seafood Fest
The 4th Annual Susquehanna Wine & Seafood Festival will host more than 20 local restaurants and food trucks, including Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, Forge Southern Comfort, The Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, and Faidley’s Seafood. All will have plenty of samples of seafood, including such treasures as Local Maryland Pick Up and Enjoy delights that include crab cakes, lobster rolls, grilled oysters, fish tacos, Maryland steamed crabs, and many non-seafood items.
There will also be an extensive selection of over 40 wines, signature cocktails, and brews at the festival. Besides food, guests will enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations by local chefs, wine pairings, mixology demos, boutique shopping amid Fells Point, a VIP tent, and a family-friendly zone.
Price:
- Early Bird: $14
- Advance: $16
- Onsite: $18
5. Fell’s Point Fun Festival
Baltimore’s largest live music festival will not just give guests a loud time. There are plenty of food vendors, and retail vendors provide lots of options to choose from. Every drink ticket sold supports The Society for the Preservation of Federal Hill and Fell’s Point and the surrounding community. Grab a cold beverage, eat a crab cake, buy a cool piece of Maryland-themed merchandise, sit back, and listen to national and local bands. This free-entry event is sure to set the tone for a fun weekend in Charm City, which is very encouraging. The perfect way to spend the weekend is to enjoy live music by the waterfront.
Price: Free
Tips for Attending Wine Festivals in Baltimore
Going to wine festivals in Baltimore is a very exciting experience both for professional wine lovers and newbies. With some tips in hand, it can help you a great deal for your adventure.
Knowing wine education basics and how to find great food pairing options will make navigating the event easy and confident. Whether you taste the many wines offered by local wineries or find time to enjoy some of the live entertainment, it will ensure you engage with your time properly, soaking up the atmosphere and mingling with your fellow wine enthusiasts.
What to Bring and Wear?
Knowing what to pack and wear for a wine festival can transform your experience into a more comfortable one with regard to all the outdoor fun and family activities on offer at the event.
- Portable Tasting Glasses: Not all vendors will provide tasting glasses, making it not only convenient but adds to your comfort.
- Bring ID: Ensure that you are carrying some sort of identification proving your age so you can enter the tasting areas with no fuss.
- Light Snacks: Visit with some bread, cheese, or nuts—all great pairings with wines and helpful in enhancing your experience.
- Appropriate Dress: Dress in layers and wear weather-appropriate shoes, preferably comfortable shoes that will help you walk or run from one place to another throughout the event.
Other Activities in Baltimore During Wine Festival Season
Apart from the wine festivals in Baltimore, this city also presents tons of other activities that make it lively during the festivals, and the city is so much fun to visit by both locals and their guests. Other events are happy hours at local restaurants that present regional delicacies and more.
It is being introduced to an urban culinary affair and being immersed in the city’s cultural vibrancy which would do more than ever enrich an experience for any wine lover, nearly turning the trip to the wine festival into an all-encompassing city-adventure.
Homeslyce’s Happy Hour
There are more than wine festivals in Baltimore. Your activities should extend to visiting places around the city, such as HomeSlyce Pizza during happy hours. From 3 PM to 6 PM every Monday through Friday, you will be able to enjoy sensational offers such as half-priced appetizers, $5 drafts, wines, and selected cocktails. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy good food while the festival fun continues in a lively, relaxed atmosphere. Don’t miss this opportunity to make the most of your time at the festival with mouthwatering food and drinks!
Visit Local Wineries and Vineyards
Any wine lover seeking to learn more about Baltimore’s wine knowledge and artisanal craft would find the most thrilling thing to do involves stopping by the city’s wineries and vineyards. This is an opportunity to engage the craftsmen behind favorite wines and vintages while getting to know the regions surrounding the city in a meaningful way—through their wines. Private tastings at vineyards very often come with informative insights about the art of winemaking.
Typically, these tours feature a handful of the country’s most notable vineyards, particularly those situated in the rural landscape in Maryland’s wine country, making an unusually fascinating palette of varietals, and many have further seasonal activities, from harvest festivals to private tasting evenings accompanied by local cuisine at a number of the fine local vineyards.
Conclusion
All in all, wine festivals in Baltimore slated for 2024 are a truly amazing array of activities designed for the skilled aficionado and interested beginners. With the local wineries, gourmet food, and lavish entertainment, they reflect the city’s growing reputation as a prime destination for wine lovers. Just to savor the festivals a satisfaction of the absolute must-haves, find some of the extra attractions around the area, and bask in the cultural dynamism that is Baltimore. Wine festivals in Baltimore have something for everyone—whether it be enjoying fine wine pairings or some of the community’s liveliest events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top wine festivals in Baltimore for 2024?
Baltimore’s top wine festivals for 2024 include Wine on the Water at Middle Branch Waterfront, Wizards and Wine at the Maryland Science Center, the Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, the 4th Annual Susquehanna Wine & Seafood Fest, and the Fell's Point Fun Festival.
What should I bring and wear to a wine festival?
For a comfortable and enjoyable experience, bring portable tasting glasses, valid identification for age verification, light snacks like bread or cheese, and dress in layers with comfortable shoes suitable for walking.
Are there other activities to enjoy during wine festival season in Baltimore?
Yes, besides the wine festivals, you can explore local attractions such as Homeslyce Pizza Bar for happy hour specials and visit local wineries and vineyards for additional wine-tasting experiences.
What can I expect at the Wizards and Wine event?
Wizards and Wine at the Maryland Science Center features magical science demonstrations, enchanting potions from Boordy Vineyards, and access to select exhibits. This event is for guests aged 21 and over, and admission includes all activities with a cash-only bar provided by Whiskey Hill.
What makes Baltimore a top destination for wine lovers?
Baltimore stands out as a wine destination due to its diverse array of wine festivals, local wineries, and vibrant wine culture. The city's festivals offer a platform for local artisans to showcase their crafts, educate attendees on winemaking, and celebrate Maryland’s agricultural richness, all set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop.
