The Wine Festival Kurtz's Beach

The Wine Festival Kurtz's Beach is an annual grand tasting wine festival held each fall at Kurtz's Beach, a waterfront venue in Pasadena, Maryland — and it has run for over two decades. The festival draws approximately 3,000 attendees each year and features pours from 15 Maryland wineries, making it one of the more established regional wine gatherings in the Mid-Atlantic. Note: ticket pricing and 2025 dates had not been announced at the time of this writing; check the festival website for updates.

The Wine Festival Kurtz's Beach is distinguished by its setting on the Chesapeake Bay waterfront, where attendees can sample wines from Maryland producers including Boordy Vineyards, Linganore Winecellars, and Great Frogs Winery. Each ticketed guest receives a commemorative wine glass to keep. Beyond tasting, the festival includes wine education seminars, craft vendor stalls featuring local artisans, and live music from regional acts such as The Reagan Years and Sons of Pirates. Food options span local food trucks and vendors offering artisanal cheeses, wood-fired pizzas, and other gourmet pairings.

The Wine Festival Kurtz's Beach offers a VIP experience with a dedicated area, exclusive wine selections, and premium seating — a meaningful upgrade for those who want more space and access during a 3,000-person event. General admission includes wine tastings, the commemorative glass, live music, and access to the vendor area. Because the festival is held outdoors at a waterfront venue in the fall, attendees should check weather forecasts and plan layers accordingly. Specific dates and ticket prices for the current year were not confirmed in available sources; prospective visitors should verify directly before purchasing.

Maryland's wine industry has grown steadily over recent decades, with producers like those featured at this festival working across a range of styles from the state's varied growing regions. Linganore Winecellars, one of Maryland's oldest continuously operating wineries, and Boordy Vineyards, which has produced wine in the state since 1945, represent the depth of local viticulture that The Wine Festival Kurtz's Beach puts on display each year.