Maryland’s Boordy Vineyards has played an important role in the renaissance of regional wines in America. Founders Philip and Jocelyn Wagner operated Boordy nursery in the 1930’s and introduced new varieties of French hybrid grapevines throughout the United States. They established Maryland’s first commercial winery in 1945, and their success at producing classically-styled table wines inspired many pioneers around the country to follow their example.

Since 1980, Boordy has been owned by the R.B. Deford family, and is located on their historic 240-acre farm in the Long Green Valley of northeastern Baltimore County. The winery is housed in a 19th century stone barn whose massive walls provide an ideal environment for the production and aging of wine. Rob Deford, who received formal training in enology at the University of California, Davis, manages Boordy with his wife, Julie, a graduate of the Maryland Institute of Art.

Boordy’s winemaker since 1986 is Tom Burns, whose dedication to his craft is clearly reflected in the many accolades and awards that Boordy has won for its wines, including from competitions such as the International Eastern Wine Competition, the American Wine Society Competition, the Los Angeles County Fair Wine Competition, and the Maryland Governor’s Cup Competition.

Boordy currently produces 70,000 gallons of wine annually. Forty acres of grapes are cultivated in the Long Green Valley (Central Piedmont region) and in the Catoctin Mountains of western Maryland. Varieties grown include chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, petit verdot, seyval blanc, and vidal blanc

Boordy is committed to the enjoyment as well as the production of fine wines. An estimated 40,000 visitors visit this Baltimore County landmark annually. The winery’s tasting room and wine shop are open year-round and visitors are welcome to enjoy a picnic on the grounds, take an informative tour of the winery, or attend one of the many special events that are held throughout the year.