Trek and Taste Patapsco: Revolutionary Wines of the New World

Explore the Trails of History. Sip the Wines that Changed It.

Join Blaze Adventure Tours for a one-of-a-kind immersive experience that blends the wild beauty of Patapsco Valley State Park with the bold spirit of the New World’s most revolutionary wines. This expertly guided half-day adventure offers a sensory journey through both terrain and terroir.

🚶‍♂️ The Trek

We'll begin with a scenic, moderate hike along the rolling trails of Patapsco, a region rich in American Revolutionary history. As we walk, your guide will connect the landscape to the stories of rebellion, reinvention, and resilience that shaped the nation—and the wines we’ll taste later.

Expect a blend of forest paths, river views, and historical insights as we hike roughly 3.5 miles through Maryland’s most beloved state park.

🍷 The Taste

After the hike, we’ll settle in for a guided comparative tasting of six groundbreaking wines from the New World. Each pour is a rebel in its own right—a wine that broke the mold, rewrote the rules, or reclaimed forgotten traditions to forge something entirely new.

From effervescent sparkling born in the sun-drenched valleys of California to bold reds that emerged from long-lost Bordeaux grapes rediscovered in South America, each wine in our lineup represents a seismic shift in the wine world—an act of vinous revolution.

You’ll learn how climate, culture, and curiosity shaped these wines into modern classics, and what makes New World producers fierce innovators on the global wine stage.

🧠 The Why

Throughout the tasting, our wine educator will illuminate the “why” behind each selection—how these wines defied expectations, elevated local terroir, and made the wine world take notice. You'll come away with a deeper understanding of what makes a wine “revolutionary,” and how these bottles connect us not only to the land—but to legacy.

What’s Included:

• Guided 3.5-mile hike through Patapsco Valley State Park
   
• Historical storytelling and interpretation along the route
   
• A comparative tasting of six revolutionary New World wines
   
• Expert wine instruction (no prior knowledge needed!)
   
• Locally sourced snacks to pair with your tasting
   

Length: Approx. 3.5–4 miles
Location: Patapsco Valley State Park, Maryland
Who It’s For: Curious sippers, casual hikers, and history lovers alike

Take a Hike. Taste the Revolution.
Book your spot now and experience the bold flavors and untold stories that changed the wine world—one trail and one glass at a time.d Taste Charlottesville

 An immersive hiking and wine tasting experience where we learn about the geology, climate, and history that make Virginia a unique and incredible place for wine. 

What's Included:

• Fine wine tasting and charcuterie curated by level-1 sommelier David Miller
• Guided beginner level terroir hike and lesson through the Blue Ridge Mountains

What's not Included:

• Day packs/hiking apparel
• Packed Lunch Day 1

The Lowdown

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Charlottesville, Virginia! Join us for a thrilling hiking and wine tasting event that promises to elevate your senses and your spirits! Imagine sipping exquisite wines, expertly curated by our outdoor sommelier David Miller, while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley. As you traverse the picturesque trails, you'll not only indulge in tantalizing flavors but also soak in the rich history of the area near Monticello. This is not just an event; it's a sensational experience where nature and fine wine converge in perfect harmony. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to create lasting memories in the great outdoors—secure your spot today and prepare for an adventure like no other! Why you ask? Because wine tastes better in the woods.  

What You'll Love

You probably know that the Blue Ridge Mountains boast some of the best views and hiking trails on the east coast. What you may not know is that the original connoisseur of Virginia wine, Thomas Jefferson, called these mountains home. We'll learn about the history of wine in Virginia while hiking through the mountains that help shape the Shenandoah Valley and Monticello AVA's. If that's not enough, you will also LOVE our comparative wine tasting pitting Virginia's premier varietals against their old world counterparts while enjoying the view from the side of a mountain.  

The Trip

Meet near Charlottesville, VA in the Blue Ridge Mountains for a hike through the blue ridge mountains where our very own Blaze Adventure Tours sommelier will teach you about the terroir and varietals of Virginia as we look over the Shenandoah Valley and Monticello AVA's below. Following the hike we will have a 6-wine comparative tasting of old world wines and their Virginian counterparts (accompanied by charcuterie) to highlight what is special about Virginia wines. During this guided tasting, our outdoors sommelier David will teach you about each wine, where it comes from, and how it ties into the history of Virginia wine. Afterwords we will provide a cornucopia of recommendation for great food, history, and of course wineries to visit in the area.