Royal Rabbit Vineyard

I went to this Vineyard with a couple of friends to celebrate getting a new job. I have to admit, I was apprehensive at first because the Vineyard looked more like a family home than a place of business. I was skeptical all the way up until I had my first sip of wine. Every wine that we tasted was it’s own unique taste experience. Roy the purveyor was knowledgeable and welcoming, his expertise in wine making is something you can surely taste. He said that his main objective was to make quality wines, to which we all agreed he accomplished.

Came here with a group of friends on a LivingSocial deal and had a great time. We’ve been through more than a handful of vineyards and Royal Rabbit is one of our favorites so far. The wine is excellent and the host/​owner, Roy, is a very down to earth person who spoke about his wines simply. No need for fanciful descriptions, the wine, house, and property speaks for themselves. It was a memorable experience and we would be happy to come back again.

I was super excited to finally be out in this area so that I could see the vineyard and get inside that tasting room! Every year at the Maryland Wine Festival in Columbia, I make it my number one priority to locate Royal Rabbit’s tent inside so that I know where to go once the event opens (My Mom and I are always in line thirty minutes prior to opening, it’s a must). At the Wine Festival I have only ever met Roy’s Dad, a charming and overly enthusiastic wine pourer – we love him. He sparked my interest in visiting the winery last year so now that it was finally happening I was very thrilled!
Mom and I had purchased another Groupon while we were driving from Woodhall for Royal Rabbit, which included two tastings and two stemmed wine glasses. The tasting is based on what wine they currently have opened. Roy has about nineteen wines available for purchase, however, I believe one or two have already sold out – I could be wrong though but definitely not surprised.
The family owned and operated winery is located in Parkton, Maryland (1090 Jordan Sawmill Road) and is open weekly on both Saturday and Sundays between 12:00pm and 5:00pm. Owners, Roy and Linda Albin run the vineyard and tasting room. A fun fact is if you say Roy’s full name fast enough it sounds like «royal» and that is how he came up with the name. Also, there is a lot of research placed into these wines and historical themes when it comes to naming his wine. I love cleverness and appreciate historical themes, especially when it comes to Europe. The tagline of the winery is «treat yourself royally.» LOVE it. It’s nice to sip on a wine and see yourself as a Marquise, Duchess, or even a Jongleur. Definitely one of the more creative and thought-​out wineries in Maryland. The names of their wines speak to a passion of theirs and a time era that sipping on their wine can place you somewhere else – sort of like being Claire from the Outlander series (TV or novel) by Diana Gabaldon.
When arriving onto the property you can see all the well-​groomed and perfectly lined grape vines. The owner’s home, tasting room and vineyard are located all in the same spot. The tasting room was very homey and clean. There were a few tables for groups of at least five to sit and enjoy the wine and art. I didn’t explore into a conversation about the art, however, there was a lot to look at and it looks as if you were able to purchase the art right off the wall – I could be wrong. The same with jewelry – maybe all local artisans?
The only aspect missing was music, however, for awhile it was just my Mom and I talking to Mr. Roy so the music wasn’t entirely needed but it would still of been nice to have in the background. Everyone knows that music and wine goes great together!
Once we finished our tastings and purchased our wine bottles to go Roy handed me a delightful gift of one of my favorite things ever, coupons! Being the sweetheart he is, he provided me two coupons to use for when I come back with my friends which consists of free tastings for each two bottle of wines and this is something that is SO easy to do. Also, if you are a Unilocaler, there is a deal for you when you check-​in. Also, know that you are welcome to bring snacks and food to pair with your tastings. There are also picnic tables for you to use (weather permitting). Paring can be slim so make sure you call in advance, especially when there are Living Social and Group deals.
I plan on coming back out here very soon.
Wines I loved: Chevalier, Chatelaine’s Blush, La Chatelaine, The Baroness and The Marquise.

Royal Rabbit is fantastic. My friend bought a groupon and I have to say we were pleasantly surprised. The tasting room was quaint and homey and the staff could not have been more welcoming. Having grown up in Parkton I was surprised I had never visited before, but we loved every single wine and went home with four bottles and were so sad once we had finished them all. I am looking forward to returning and bringing more people!

We did not care for the wines at RR. Went there for the barbera and they were not tasting it that particular day. They only taste certain wines each day. I think there are better wineries int the area.

Great little vineyard in northern Baltimore county along the wine trail. Small little tasting room. Friendly staff. We got the deal from Groupon $ 24 for 2. 6 tastings glassware each n a bottle of wine to take home. Great deal. Only complaint is the staff really didn’t talk much about the vineyard n the grapes. We were in n out in 15mins. Would of loved to hear about the history of the vineyard.

We came here with a Groupon deal for a tasting with a take home bottle. The property is pretty, but the tasting room is literally the basement of someone’s house that was converted. We didn’t really like a single wine, but that’s true of most Maryland wines. The two folks there were really kind and allowed us to continue drinking our Groupon-​included bottle in the backyard after they closed. It was a nice afternoon.

Yesterday my sweetheart and I followed a Groupon deal for wine tasting for two plus a bottle to take home deal at Royal Rabbit Vineyards. We’re glad we did!
The vineyard is is a scenic, beautiful area area of Maryland, near the Pennsylvania border. 80% of the grapes used in their wines are grown there. It works beautifully.
Although Groupon indicated we have make appointments for tastings, we learned from the people at the vineyard that they are quite flexible. If in doubt, contact them.
Parking is easy but can seen tricky because the vineyard has a single driveway leading to a house. But as as long you don’t block anyone in, it works out fine.
The vineyard had a tasting room and there’s outdoor seating if you want to enjoy the beautiful views.
The people at the vineyard know their wines. Quite helpful. Best of all, they did not rush us or the other couple who were there. Pleasant experience.
A lot of the wines were on dry side, drier than we prefer. Still good wines. A matter of taste, not quality. The wine menu had great descriptions and we tried wines not on the tasting list. They were winners for us! Bought bottles of Les Jongeleurs — pardon my French :-) and Le Chavalier. Very good general dinner and fun wines. (we’re not wine snobs. We go for what we like.)
We also learned that Royal Rabbit Vineyards is doing some interesting things: a medieval festival in July and a wine cruise to Bermuda next year. We checking into them.
Gave four stars because we have been to other vineyards yet for wine tasting. So I’m reluctant to give give stars now. But our experience was four stars plus.

As noted in other reviews, the tasting room is the basement of the main house. We went on a Friday afternoon so we were the only ones there and so the relatively cramped space was no problem for us. We had a great time talking with the 2-​winemakers and tasting their selections. Their wine is on the dry side for mid-​Atlantic wines, which is fine by me. My favorite selection surprised me… it was the Vidal Blanc. I normally don’t like white wines, but it was crisp and delicious. I wasn’t as taken with the reds. The Blush was very good and would be great on a summer day. I’ll definitely go back for the Vidal Blanc.

Went for tour de tanks tasting. The wine was pretty good, and the location didn’t bother me at all. The owner provided us the tastings and was very helpful. Explained the wines, and seemed happy to have people come in to sample. We definitely enjoyed it.

Visited on a Saturday with a group of 12 as part of a wine tour. The tasting room is in the basement of the house with a side entrance. Although small the space is clean and inviting. The staff was knowledgeable and kind. The red wines we’re pretty decent. Our favorite was the Le Chamberlin and the Blush. The Blush is good. The staff was great, we had a great time.

Some of the best Maryland wine we’ve had. Very impressed with the complexity of the wines.
I’m not sure why the previous reviewers were so displeased. The owner is very knowledgeable and explains everything there is to know about his wines. The tasting room is located in the lower level of the house but it is well designed and the short walkway from parking to the tasting room is well marked.
We will be back for sure!

You have to appreciate dry wines to like this place, and they have some truly unique and fabulous choices. Yes, the only person who knows anything is Roy, the owner and winemaker. But if you listen to the other reviewers, you will be missing out on a fantastic winery. Don’t go during events if you want personal attention – any other weekend and you will be happy.

Very dry wines. It seemed that the only person that had knowledge about the wine was the «Wine Master». None of the other staff would give any details about the wine I was tasting.

Where do I even begin?
The winery is in a basement of a house, which isn’t so bad but it’s a little awkward. There was actually a lot of people there so we had to park on the grass, there’s only spots for about 4 cars. You have to walk around the the side of the house to get into the winery.
As soon as you walk in theres a little fluffy dog SO cute, I don’t know what breed but adorable! It didn’t bark it was such a good dog, he was the best part of the whole experience. There was a lady terrified of dogs there and they pretty much did nothing to put the dog away or anything for her! HOW RUDE! Even though the dog wouldn’t hurt a fly I mean really. thats unacceptable! They also had another dog in another room the whole time barking. It was loud enough in there already, I want to enjoy my wine tasting not hear a dog barking the whole time!
It was a very small basement only about 4 – 5 dinning tables with chairs and a bar area for people to stand and taste the wines. The whole place was packed, it was very awkward to have to sit at a table with another random couple. Not sure how it was so packed to begin with… Hmmm???
There’s the man that makes the wines and obviously very knowledgeable about them, I guess his wife that was helping and maybe their son or a younger family friend that was also helping with the wine tastings. None of them knew how to run it. Not sure if this is a new winery but they need to hire people to do the tastings for them. It was a DISASTER! All three of them where running around asking the same tables if they had be helped, which they had been. The wines went all out of order because different people we’re coming over at different times. The younger guy didn’t know anything about the wines and didn’t really care to share. Most of the people in there had a coupon for the wine tasting which was a good deal but the people that walked in got the whole history and background of the winery and all the wines. None of the people with the coupon got that, myself included. It was just one hot MESS! My boyfriend and I wanted to down our wine and get out of that place ASAP!
All of the wines are very dry. I only liked 1 white wine which was the free bottle I got included in my coupon. I believe a regular tasting is $ 5/​glass tasting. Craziness! Especially since it’s not worth it!