One of my favorite weekend activities in Calvert County is to take a potluck dish to Running Hare Vineyard and spend a couple of hours with friends listening to live music while sharing laughs, food, and wine. Tastings take place year-round from Wednesday through Sunday at Running Hare Vineyard.
Before you even sample Running Hare’s wines, you know you’re going to have a special experience. As you drive slowly down the long road toward the winery (try to overlook all the potholes), you pass a duck pond and a small barn with chickens and farm animals. Eventually, you see a beautiful Tuscan-style villa sitting gracefully atop a hill, overlooking the vineyard.
If the weather is nice, tastings take place in the outdoor pavilion. Several patio tables with chairs and umbrellas are set up near a small stage, inviting visitors to linger. During cold or inclement weather, tastings take place inside the Tuscan villa.
For the live music events on Saturdays and Sundays (12PM to 5PM), the cover charge and tasting is $5, and you get to keep your tasting glass. Running Hare Vineyard stays open until 10PM on Friday evenings for either date or karaoke night.
I’m familiar with their wines now, so I usually just skip the tasting and order by the glass. My favorite is their Pinot Grigio (Clif’s is the Jack Rabbit White), but they have wine to suit all palates. It is probably worth noting that several of the varietals are made from imported grapes, so if you’re looking for authentic Maryland wine, you may want to stick with their Chambourcin (dessert wine) or Jack Rabbit White or Red (semi-sweet).
So, if you’re looking for an inexpensive, relaxing, and thoroughly enjoyable afternoon out in a gorgeous setting, pack a picnic, and head out to Running Hare Vineyard!
http://www.runningharevineyard.com
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What do you like most about Running Hare Vineyard? Tell us in a comment below.
