Meet the tastemakers of Montgomery County
By Visit Montgomery
March 12, 2024
Montgomery County, Maryland has a long history as a hub of agriculture. Today, the diverse agricultural landscape has birthed a unique blend of locally-owned vineyards and farm breweries across the county.
Visitors to Montgomery County can enjoy the fruits of these farms and vineyards by exploring the Tastemakers Trail, which features more than 20 locally-owned wineries, breweries, distillers and cideries.
Spanning all corners of Montgomery County, the trail includes destinations such as Elder Pine Brewing & Blending Company, located on a 17-acre Christmas tree farm in Gaithersburg; and Windridge Vineyards, owned and operated by a family that’s been farming on the idyllic Piedmont plateau for over 60 years. Both locations encourage visitors to take in the county’s great outdoors.
“Customers come to our property, see the beautiful views and they’re blown away that it’s that close to the urbanized areas,” said Robert Butz, owner of Windridge Vineyard. “I enjoy showing them farming in Montgomery County.”
Andrew Chalk, a bartender at Elder Pine, says the brewery has become an escape for visitors from Northern Virginia, D.C. and Baltimore. “When you come to Elder Pine you can expect to get a great beer, enjoy the outdoors and be present with your friends and family,” he said.
Another stop on the Tastemakers Trail is the Waredaca Brewing Company, a farm brewery that grows adjunct ingredients for its beers, such as lemon verbena, thai basil and lemongrass.
Jessica Synder, co-founder of Waredaca Brewing Company, says the farm is family friendly. “We really pride ourselves in being what’s considered a destination brewery,” she said. “The farm was a camp for so many years, we couldn’t not lean into being a place for kids to come and have a great outdoor experience, too.”
To prepare for the perfect beverage-centric weekend, visitors can download the Tastemakers Trail map in advance. Plan your adventure to Montgomery County.
