Now in year three, the Wine Village in Baltimore is becoming a spring tradition. In case you aren’t familiar, the gathering of wooden huts and festive decorations—reminiscent of the “Weindörfer” (wine villages) that pop up across German wine regions every spring—is a spinoff of the Inner Harbor’s popular Christmas Village, which takes over the same location, West Shore Park, in the winter.
Open daily through June 1 (Mon-Thurs from 3-10 p.m. and weekends from 1-10 p.m.) the fest’s run—typically Mother’s Day through Memorial Day—has been extended by one week this year, giving locals more time to explore the eats and drinks, shop locally made crafts, pop by for live music, picnic on the lawn with the kids, attend a Thursday-night movie screening, or pregame for an O’s match or a concert at CFG Bank Arena.
To go along with the expanded timeline, organizers are stepping things up this year with new highlights including vegan, vegetarian, and non-pork food options; more beer garden-style seating; corn hole, giant Jenga, and other lawn games; and a fresh live music lineup with daily performances on weekends.
But the drinks (obviously) remain the draw. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a newcomer, here are some of the newest beverage booths—pouring everything from Charm City-inspired cocktails to zero-proof options—to hit while strolling around this year.
Maryland Wines Manor
Aside from the impressive selection of European vino that can be found across the grounds, there’s a brand new booth dedicated to pours that are made right here in the Old Line State. Walk along to waterfront to find the Maryland Wines Manor, which serves reds like Old Westminster’s Tendril 1st Edition and St. Michael’s Winery’s Gollywobbler Black, as well as Linganore’s Watercolor Skipjack Sweet White and Elk Run Winery’s Chardonnay, among others. The team from Boordy Vineyards will also be back again this year, uncorking their Jazzberry, Tango Peach Moscato, Boordy Blush rosé, sparkling Pink Spritz, and other varieties.
M8 Beer
This aussie-born brewing company (pronounced “mate”) is bringing four best sellers from its South Baltimore taproom to the Wine Village as the event’s official beer partner this year. If you’re in the mood for something light, try the Dockers Lager or Czech Mate Pilsner. For a hoppier choice, M8 will be slinging pints of its Slim Dusty Hazy IPA, made with Nelson Sauvin hops from New Zealand. Of course, you can also keep with the German theme and try their Hammerhead Hefeweizen, a traditional-style wheat beer. The company will be posted up all month long at their booth right next to the village stage.
Harborview Cocktails
If a mixed drink is more your speed, there’s plenty to choose from at the Harborview stall on the Light Street side. Offerings include summer staples like mules, margaritas, Aperol spritzes, an NA Shirley Temple garnished with a cotton candy glitter bomb, and a new liquified ode to the Baltimore Lemon Stick—which fuses vodka with mint and simple syrup.
Inner Harbor Freeze
It wouldn’t be a spring celebration in Baltimore without snowballs. New this year, the festival is introducing a booth near the carousel where you can top yours with a dollop of marshmallow, frozen custard, or a shot of rum or tequila to make it a boozy adult version. Choose from flavors like strawberry, blue raspberry, mango, pina colada, and more. The stand also offers a “pup cup” of whipped cream and milk bones, so furry friends won’t be left out of the fun.
Eiskeller
Named after the German word for “ice house,” the village’s most popular booth is back with double locations and brand new alcoholic and booze-free slushy options. For a frozen spin on a Preakness classic, try out the Black-Eyed Susan slush blended with whiskey, vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and sour mix. Another local creation: the Orange Crush slush with classic vodka, triple sec, orange juice, Sprite, and a little white wine for good measure. There’s also frosé and frozen sangria, plus the option to level up with a scoop of wine-infused fruits like strawberries or pineapple.
Pineapple Paradise
Added by popular demand, this summery stand located at the heart of the village serves up Instagram-worthy piña coladas and lemonades in cored pineapples. If tropical flavors and eccentric drinks are your style, this stand has you covered with both NA and spiked options.
Paulaner Sunset Orange Cola
Last but not least, one of the stars of this year’s village is a partnership with one of Germany’s most popular soda brands, Paulaner Sunset—whose colorful psychedelic label hints to the recipe’s creation in 1974. The drink is described as a lighter, zippier version of a Coca-Cola with a hint of citrus from real orange and lemon juices. Don’t miss out on the chance to try the soda (cans and bottles will be sold at nearly every both) in its first appearance on the East Coast. If a dirty soda’s more your style, get it spiked with a single or double shot of tequila.