Layton’s Chance Winery

Layton’s Chance Winery in Dorchester County, Maryland is just a ten minute detour off of Route 50, and a great place to stop, rest, relax and feel the slow pace of Eastern Shore living. The winery is situated in the middle of the Layton family’s 1800 acre farm, and is in close proximity to their vineyard. There’s plenty of parking, a tasting room, a restroom and lots of areas to sit and take in the views of a landscape that hasn’t changed in hundreds of years.

The third generation of farmers is running the wine operation which includes not only wine making, but running a tasting room and gift shop that is open year round – 7 days a week. Got kids with your?  No problem.  There’s plenty of little snacky things to buy for them and a little playground for them to romp in – away from traffic. Parents can relax on porch rockers or have a picnic on the winery grounds.

The Laytons also offer tours of the winery and vineyard at 1 and 3pm (weather permitting). They offer fifteen different wines – both red and white, and the wines have names associated with the farm and family members like Joe Cool Red, and Alison’s Wonderful Watermelon Wine  and Lazy Day Rosé and Lazy Day White (Lazy Day Farm is the official name of the Layton’s farm operation). The Layton’s Chance wines have been winners in the Maryland Governor’s Cup Awards receiving a Bronze Medal in 2014 for their Farm White wine as well as a Gold Medal (Chambourcin 2011) and two Silvers (Dessert Traminette and Vidal Blanc) in 2013.

Personally, I’m excited about the  Turbo Charged Joe Cool’s Red – a high octane version of the very popular Joe Cool’s Red with 18% alcohol.  That should get me pretty relaxed.

What I personally love about Layton’s Chance Winery is the casual and welcoming atmosphere of the entire operation.  The tasting room has a nice bar where you can pull up a stool and chat with friendly people who are native to the Eastern Shore and chat about wine, family, work or what ever is on your mind.  The shop carries wonderful gift items if you like to shop – but the relaxed atmosphere from the rocking chairs, to the picnic tables and play yard to the friendly people are the real draw for me.  It’s a perfect place to stop when you want to break up that long drive to the beach.

Layton’s Chance Winery
4225 New Bridge Rd.
Vienna, MD 21869

Phone: (410) 228-1205
Email: info@laytonschance.com
www.laytonschance.com 

Dorchester County
GPS Coordinates –  38.486685,-75.907974
HOURS: M-Th 11am to 5pm, Fri & Sat 11am to 6pm, Sun 12pm to 5 pm
ADMISSION:  FREE

100 Things to Do Between the Bridge and the Beach

Every year millions of people cross a bridge to travel to the Atlantic Beaches on Delmarva. It may be the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel or a bridge over the Delaware Canal. They may be headed to Ocean City, Chincoteague, Rehoboth, Bethany, Dewey or Assateague, but most don’t know about the fabulous sites and attractions they are passing by. This 100 Things  to Do Between the Bridge and the Beach series shows  fun things to do on your way there and back, encouraging visitors to pull off the highway, take a day trip, and widen your vacation scope of activities – or make the Eastern Shore a destination when you’re not headed for the beach.