Lost Order 191
Boordy Vineyards · HydesPepperCedarCherryPlum
Tasted & Scored Monthly
Top Maryland wine picks
Every month we taste widely and crown a favorite in four categories — the best of what Maryland vineyards have to offer right now.
This Month · May 2026
The current winners
Albariño
Windridge Vineyards · DarnestownWhite FlowersLemonPeach
Drytown Rosé
61 VineyardStrawberryLimeBubbles
Abisso
Linganore Winecellars · Mt. AiryPort-styleCaramelWalnut
Our method
Six things in every glass
We score every wine the same way, so a pick means the same thing in January as it does in July. Clarity, balance, and a finish that lingers — that's what earns a spot.
Clarity & color
Brilliance, hue, and intensity — the first honest signal of how a wine was grown and made.
The nose
Complexity and intensity of the bouquet, from fruit and flowers to oak, earth, and spice.
On the palate
Do the aromas follow through? We look for depth, accuracy, and a true sense of place.
Texture & body
Tannin, acidity, and weight — how the wine actually feels from first sip to swallow.
The lingering
Great wine doesn't leave quietly. We reward length, harmony, and a clean close.
Impression
The sum of the parts — and whether we'd reach for a second glass. The truest test of all.
Cellar Standouts
Find these wineries
Bottles worth the drive
Estate Rosé
Sugarloaf Mountain VineyardWidely called the best rosé in Maryland — and the mountain view doesn't hurt.
Cabernet Franc
Old Westminster WineryThe grape Maryland was made for — bright, peppery, and food-friendly.
Grüner Veltliner
Antietam Creek VineyardsCrisp, peppery, and proof that cool-climate whites thrive in Western Maryland.
Never miss a pick
Get next month's winners first
Our monthly Top Picks land in your inbox before they hit the site — plus a free Maryland wine trip planner when you join.
No spam, just good pours. Unsubscribe anytime.