Maryland's Cider and Mead Wines

Maryland's ciders and meads are growing in popularity. More and more cidermakers are opening tasting rooms in Maryland.  Its popularity is due to the diverse styles of ciders and meads. Cider is no longer limited to a warm mulled beverage.  Cider styles vary similar to traditional wine styles.  Cider wines are sweet, semi-sweet, dry and sparkling.

Millstone Cellars (Monkton, MD) ciders and meads are non-traditional, dry ciders. Millstone ciders are complex and flavorful. With every taste, you will experience and enjoy different flavors.  If you are not use to this style of cider, try using the cider as a base for cocktails instead of a spirit.  It is a refreshing change to your traditional cocktail.Cidermakers are not only using apples.  Maryland ciders are made with pears, strawberries, and other seasonal fruits.  Great Shoals Winery (Silver Spring, MD) Bartlett Pear sparkling wine is a fan favorite at wine festivals.  It can be served with most appetizers and entrees.Do not be surprised if you are served mead wine with your pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving dinner. Mead is made with honey.  It is honey wine.  It is often prepared as a dessert wine.  Orchid Cellar (Middletown, MD) has a selection of mead dessert wines that pair well with most desserts.  However, mead is not a one trick pony and is made in a semi-sweet style as well.Vino 301 wine tours visits some cider and mead tasting rooms. Give ciders and meads a try this fall on a wine tours or serve Maryland's ciders and meads during the holidays.