If ever there were an Instagrammers dream location, it just might be Great Frogs Winery in Annapolis, Maryland.
Located on an old tobacco farm, the winery quickly makes you grateful that the owners had the foresight to prevent the land from being turned into residential development. With its picturesque vineyards, historic tobacco barn, and vintage vehicles parked throughout, you can’t help but feel like you’ve stumbled into a little gem in Maryland.
And if that weren’t enough, you’ll find tasteful touches as an homage to the namesake of the winery: Great Frogs. When I asked one of the clerks there about the name, he replied, “The owners just really liked frogs.” I replied that I do too but I don’t think he believed me.
I never actually figured out the significance of the 7-UP bottle but judging from the age of it, I would guess it was intentionally and strategically placed there.
The most surprising thing, however, about Great Frogs Winery is not the history of the land or the significance of the frogs. It’s that they actually make really good wine.
If you’ve ever been to Maryland, you probably know they aren’t well known for their winemaking. Although there are excellent wineries here, most cater tot he sweet wine drinking crowds with blends that make me cringe.
At Great Frogs Winery, you’ll find mostly drier wines, like the white blend and rosé that we sample pre-dinner.
If the evening had consisted of just the wine tasting, I would have been more than satisfied to make the one hour drive from my house. But since it was my anniversary, I was thrilled that we were invited to attend one of their summer events, Date Night at the Vineyard.
Date night consisted of a four course meal with a wine pairing for each course. What made it even more fun was that each course was PIZZA! Although we were supposed to eat in the vineyard, the threat of rain kept us in the old barn where we sat and waited for each course of specialty wood-fired pizza, provided by Well Crafted Pizza mobile kitchen.
After getting the lay of the land, we sat at a large table as invited guests of Great Frogs Winery, where there was nothing to do but chat with friends old and new, listen to great music, and drink their featured wines for the evening while waiting for our pizza.
Finally, it was time for the main event! I’m going to caution you to lay a napkin down in front of you to catch the drool that comes out of your mouth.
First Course
Summer Squash Pizza: Garden fresh zucchini, yellow squash, green onions, and basil enveloped in velvety goat cheese (my favorite!)
Paired with: Great Frogs 2014 Estate Chardonnay Limited Reserve
Second Course
Sopresatta Pizza: A signature handcrafted tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, aromatic basil, and olive oil topped with sopresatta Italian style salami
Paired with: Great Frogs 2015 Syrah Reserve
Third Course
Banh Mi Pizza: Tasso pork and mozzarella, topped with raw cucumbers, carrots, radishes, cilantro, and Chesapeake Mayo
Paired with:Â Great Frogs 2013 Meritage Limited Reserve
Fourth Course
Black & Blue Berry Ricotta Pizza: Blackberry spread topped with whole blackberries, creamy ricotta dollops, and fresh basil
Paired with: Great Frogs 2014 All Hands On Deck dessert wine
We ended the evening full, happy (me, maybe a little too happy), and with memories of our 16th anniversary that will keep us coming back. And we don’t even need a special occasion for it!
We were invited guests of Great Frogs Winery for their Date Night at the Vineyards as part of my association with Travel Massive Baltimore. All opinions are my own.
