Great Frogs Winery is located on a historic farm in Annapolis (established in 1681) and specializes in artisan-crafted boutique wines. A visit transports you to a beautiful country vineyard and working farm where they showcase the wines they’ve carefully produced from grapes grown on-site in the soil of the Chesapeake Bay region. To locals, it’s a treasure in our own neighborhood and thanks to the unique event experiences, there’s always a reason to visit!

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As I stepped onto the luscious grounds of Great Frogs Winery earlier this month, I was greeted to a boutique shopping experience — a pop-up shop had set up for the evening’s guests — and an overflowing display of fresh flowers inside the Tasting Room. The Tasting Room, recently built and modeled after the Winery’s original tobacco barn, has expanded Great Frog’s indoor space allowing more wine tastings for guests and events.

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On this occasion, the flowers were there to be carefully selected and shaped into flower crowns, under the direction of local florist Eclectic Blooms for a “Petals, Pours and Pix” workshop. Photographer Jennifer Simmons Photography was on hand to capture the process, and of course, photograph the guests wearing their handcrafted crowns in the Vineyard. The mini shoot was timed for golden hour and Great Frogs bartenders served sangria tastings and charcuterie throughout the event.  

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The “Petals, Pours and Pix” workshop is a great example of the fun to be had at Annapolis’ own rustic artisan winery where they focus on small-batch production wines and unique tasting experiences. For instance, I’ve been to Great Frogs more than once for yoga in the vineyards followed by a wine tasting. Yes, vinyasa and vino are an excellent pairing! Great Frogs takes pride in making handcrafted dry wines and sharing them with guests. And even a passive observer will tell you they also take pride in the details. The Tasting Room and Tobacco Barn are beautifully decorated and every item that goes into the tasting experience from the branded flight glasses to the rustic menu feels carefully selected. String lights and working farm dogs add to the ambiance. 

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Like any good vintner, Great Frogs offers a variety of wines and complementary ways to enjoy them. Here are the top ways to visit Great Frogs:

  • Attend a workshop or event! The Great Frogs team is always adding new workshops and events, often in partnership with other local businesses, musicians or artists. 
  • Reserve a tasting! Great Frogs is currently open on Saturdays from 11 am - 6 pm and tastings are seated indoors and by reservation only. They include a wine flight, snack plate, souvenir glass and a full glass of your choice.
  • Pack a picnic! Weather permitting, Great Frog’s grounds are open to the public during business hours. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome. Purchase a glass of wine or bottle to enjoy at one of the picnic tables. 
  • Join the Club! Club Members enjoy Members-Only events plus other perks.

Image courtesy of Jennifer Simmons Photography