WHY GO: Brandywine MD, in Prince George’s County’s “Rural Tier,” has found its footing as home to Maryland’s newest – albeit shortest – wine trail (at 5 wineries). Five legacy tobacco farms have turned to grapes, and farm owners are eager to share their stories. Come at the end of a day after exploring Upper Marlboro, ten miles north, where you can learn about a 1700’s gal whose life was wracked by tragedy, but still she persevered. Then plan a winery crawl to sip – exhale – sip – exhale as you take in farmland vista’s.
This post lets you in on the best of both Brandywine and Upper Marlboro – as a day trip from College Park.
Prince George’s County MD is so spread out, we had to break our posts into three sections: this one; Greater College Park, with arts and flights of a different sort; and National Harbor MD. Each section has its own vibe and personality.
As a day trip from DC (25 miles) or College Park (20-30 miles), we recommend visiting Upper Marlboro first, and celebrate late afternoon sun at the wineries in Brandywine.
Brandywine MD is so romantic, we’ve added it to our 18 Top Romantic Getaways in Maryland. Check it out.
The “Rural Tier” also made it on to the Getaway Mavens 20 Most Popular Romantic Getaways in the Northeast US 2021 list.
Things to Do in Upper Marlboro MD
TOUR: Darnall’s Chance House Museum, Upper Marlboro
Come to Darnall’s Chance House Museum and travel back in time to the 18th century. Step inside and take a tour of Lettice Lee’s home to learn about what life was like for one colonial woman who lived here.
What was “Darnall’s Chance?” In 1704, Colonel Henry Darnall was granted a Patent on 104 acres of this land – thus, given a “chance” to make a life and living here. The Colonel, however, is given short shrift in the interpretation of this home – and instead guests are privy to the story of the much more interesting, thrice married, twice widowed Lee.
Darnall’s Chance was considered an “Urban Dwelling” (as opposed to a farm), and extravagant for the times. The house itself, privately owned until the 1960’s, was of course updated over the years. But it’s been exquisitely restored to the way it looked in the 18th century, with no artificial lighting at all. You experience it the way people who lived there did in the mid to late 1700’s.
The Gorgeous Lettice Lee
Wealthy merchant, James Wardrop, built the 15-room Georgian-style home in 1742. Wardrop lived here for six years as a bachelor, and then won the heart of Lettice Lee, a beautiful and highly educated (in advanced math and sciences) relative of the well-known Virginia Lee family. Lettice’s boudoir-like portrait still hangs in the parlor, above peach-hued cabinets (Lee’s color choice), as it did when the Wardrops lived here.
Lee had eight younger siblings who fell into her care when her parents died early in the marriage. “So, the home went from being a bachelor pad, to a honeymoon haven, and then a bustling household in a matter of a few years,” said the docent.
Rooms reflect Lettice’s time line in the house. The dining table is set for dinner: the mid-day, three-course meal of meats and oysters would have been prevalent on a Maryland table. Dark grey paneling – James’ color selection – hides a cupboard on one side, and a passageway to the ADA entrance on the other.
In 1760, James fell ill and died on a business trip in New York. Lettice, 29 and childless, then married Dr. Adam Thomson, known for creating a less lethal form of smallpox inoculation than was in use at that time.
Lettice had two children with Thomson, but alas, the Doctor also fell ill and died while on a business trip to New York. (What are the odds?) His wife and daughters, Mary and Alice, inherited the home and property.
Lee in Business
After the death of her second husband, the savvy Lettice established a rum distilling business, selling her product to the dozen taverns within town limits. As evidence of her gumption and business acumen, Lettice sued a tavern owner who refused to pay her, and won in court.
In 1771, at age 40, with two pre-teen girls, Lettice married Colonel Joseph Sim, though her third marriage didn’t last long. This time, it was Lettice who passed away, in 1776, of a “wasting disease.” The Colonel took off to fight in America’s War of Independence, leaving the home to the daughters, who married poor soldiers, and who both died in their early 20’s.
In the basement kitchen “meet” 14-year-old Margaret, an enslaved cook – one of 32 enslaved men and women who toiled here in 1760. Outside, find Lettice’s burial vault, where she rests eternally with two of her siblings.
First floor ADA compliant, 45-minute guided tours. Check website for dates open and tour times.
VISIT: Patuxent Rural Life Museums, Upper Marlboro
The Patuxent Rural Life Museums, located within the 7,000-acre Patuxent River Park, are a collection of museums and farm buildings dedicated to preserving the heritage of southern Prince George’s County.
The museum complex is composed of the W. Henry Duvall Tool Museum, a Blacksmith Shop with Farrier & Tack Shop, the Tobacco Farming Museum, Duckett Log Cabin with its privy, chicken coop, and meat house, a 1923 Sears catalog house, and the Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Museum: Working the River.
After wandering around – or, if open, perusing the exhibits, head to the overview of the Patuxent River. Or take the stairs down to the fishing docks.
Things to Do in Brandywine MD
Legacy Wine Trail: Prince George’s County MD “Rural Tier” Wineries
This region was once tobacco central. These tobacco farms are slowly turning over to vineyards, thanks to the Maryland Tobacco Farm buyout, starting in 1999, that changed many a career in rural MD.
Wine, of course, is a much more agreeable, not to mention, popular, product. For now, there are four wineries on the “Brandywine MD Wine Trail.” But you can be sure more are coming. So, stop in all four – and make it an uber-romantic late afternoon winery crawl.
Trueman Vineyards
Opened in October 2024, and the latest to join the Legacy Wine Trail, Trueman Vineyards is already earning accolades from the fruit of its vines, planted in 2012. (Its True Rose recently won Silver in the Maryland Governor’s Cup). A family farm since 1706, yields have transitioned from tobacco to other crops, including soy beans, over the years.
Recently young couple, Joel Butson (whose mother was a Trueman) and wife, Amanda, decided to pivot to grapes and winemaking, the likes of which you can taste in a work-in-progress tasting room. Interestingly, the Slave Quarters that you can see at the Patuxent Rural Live Museums (see above) came from this very farm.
Robin Hill Vineyard
Robin Hill has been family farm since 1955, with an agricultural history of tobacco, hogs, nursery, pumpkins, agritourism, and now vineyards – one of four wineries on the Prince George’s County Wine Trail.
The family owned and operated Robbin Hill Farm and Vineyards, generates about 1,500 cases annually from 3,000 vines comprising six grape varieties. Produced and bottled right on the property, wines are handcrafted “grape to glass.”
Janemark Winery & Vineyard
Jane & Mark Vogt, the husband and wife founders of Janemark Winery & Vineyard, developed a passion for wine in the early days of their marriage. Originally from Maryland, Jane and Mark moved to Napa, California a week after their wedding and then back to Maryland to start their own family. And, apparently, their own winery on what was her family’s tobacco farm.
Now, the Vogts grow Barbara, Petit Manseng, Alborinio, and Chamberson grapes, generating popular blends that are a hit with locals. The popular Aviation – a Bordeaux blend – was named for Mark’s father, a fighter pilot. Jack – 100% Blaufrankisch, is named for their first grandson.
Romantic Excursions to Janemark Winery and Vineyard
Pop the question on a personal carriage ride along five miles of country lanes with Brandywine Carriage Tours and then to Janemark for a wine tasting. Check website for pricing.
Janemark also partners with Foxfire Horse Farm next door. Sign up for a unique one hour Trail Ride and Wine Tasting adventure.
This was chosen as one of the Best Places in Maryland to Pop the Question.
Gemeny Winery & Vineyard
Gordon and Mary Gemeny own Gemeny Winery and Vineyards, just 17 miles from the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. Two acres are dedicated to vineyards on this 200-acre working family farm. Surrounded by fields of grain and lush woods, Gemeny places visitors in the heart of Maryland Farmland.
Two Lions Vineyards
When city girl, Callie met country boy, Brad Hankey, they joined together in matrimony and winemaking. The young couple started to plant vines in 2019, and named their winery Two Lions Vineyards. Their Malbec, Barbera, Chambourcin, Merlot, Chards, and more have pretty tame names: Lion’s Share, No Worries Red. I’m just surprised they didn’t name one of their higher alcohol wines, “Hankey Pankey.” Due to its lovely setting and landscape, Two Lions Vineyard is a very popular wedding and event venue – but it’s also perfect for a pop-in and taste as well.
Where to Stay and Dine in Prince George’s County MD
Consult this post about College Park and Hyattsville MD for our recommendations.
