– What started in 1984 as a small event to promote the local wine industry, The Maryland Wine Festival® has now grown to become one of the nation’s largest wine festivals. Hosted by the Carroll County Farm Museum, Carroll County Economic Development and the Maryland Wineries Association, the event draws over 15,000 attendees from across the region and includes wine samplings, craft and food vendors, live music and tours of the Carroll County Farm Museum and homestead. The festival will take place on Saturday, September 20 from 10 am- 6 pm and Sunday September 21 from 12 noon- 6 pm at the Carroll County Farm Museum (500 South Center Street in Westminster) and tickets range from $30.00 for general admission to $65.00 for the Premier Pass. For more information, call 410-386-3880 or log onto www.marylandwinefestival.org.

“It’s our premier event,” said Kevin Atticks, executive director of the Maryland Wineries Association. “Wineries from across the state debut their wines at this event each September.”

General Admission pass holders will enjoy two stages with live music throughout the day, over 100 craft and food vendors, tours of the Carroll County Farm Museum & homestead, and a tasting glass to enjoy samples from over 30 Maryland wineries.

Guests who purchase an upgraded Premier Pass get even greater access to Maryland’s finest vintages. For Premier Pass holders only:

• Access to the Premier Tent, where 20+ exclusive and premium wines will be available for tasting and purchase, including some from wineries not otherwise attending the festival. Lite fare/samples will be provided by local restaurateurs. Guests receive a 16-oz wine glass to sample like a sommelier and Premier-only portable rest rooms.
  • Free State Throwdown. Sunday, Sept. 21, the Baltimore Ravens will battle the Cleveland Browns. Ravens fans alike will be crossing their talons for a win. However, at the Maryland Wine Festival, the real battle between Maryland and Ohio will be raging on in the Premier Tent. The Free State Throwdown will feature Maryland versus Ohio wines in a blind taste off. On Saturday and Sunday—in the Premier Tent only—guests will be able to blindly taste through three Maryland and three Ohio wines. The tastings will be held from 3-5pm each day. Premier Pass holders can vote on their favorites, votes will be tallied and the winners revealed each day just after 5pm. Don’t miss out on the most exciting battle between Maryland and Ohio that any football fan (or not) has seen in years.
  • Winemaker’s Corner. Discuss wines with winemakers scheduled to make appearances throughout the day.
• Premier Hangout. Access to the Premier Hangout on top of Winery Hill next to the acoustic stage, where guests can sit in the shade, enjoy the live music and snag a bottle of water in the midst of the wineries. Tables, chairs and a private spot-o-pot provided.

Advance tickets are available for a discount: www.marylandwinefestival.org