Port of Leonardtown Winery

Port of Leonardtown Winery is the first commercial winery in St. Mary's County, Maryland, operated by the Southern Maryland Wine Growers Cooperative. The cooperative formed in 2007 as local farmers shifted away from tobacco production toward other agricultural pursuits, becoming the first agricultural cooperative in the state to lead the way for viticulture. The winery repurposes former State Highway Administration buildings in Leonardtown, and its tasting room opened in May 2010 as a promotional outlet for locally grown grapes and locally produced wine. The winery sources fruit from 12 cooperative vineyards across St. Mary's, Calvert, Charles, and Kent counties. Winemaker Lauren Zimmerman, who has more than 20 years of experience, leads production of a broad range that includes dry Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Barbera Reserve, Chambourcin Reserve, Petit Verdot, and Old Line Red, alongside sweeter pours, fruit wines, sparkling wines, and rose. Since opening, the winery has won more than 150 awards, including multiple Governor's Cups, a Jack Aellen Trophy, and Comptroller's Cups. Visitors can taste wines by the glass in the tasting room, with live music offered daily.

Written by Ava from public sources. Not written or reviewed by the winery.