Most folks don’t consider winter to be an optimal time for dining outdoors. But that’s only because they haven’t seen the unique outdoor Igloo Dining Experience that Windmill Creek Vineyard and Winery in Berlin provides between November and March.
Despite being located just seven miles away from Ocean City, Maryland Windmill Creek Vineyard remains one of Worcester County’s prized hidden gems. While it’s been the home and property of the Mariner family since 1924, historical records reveal that the farmhouse was originally built by Lemuel Showell II (founder of the town of Showell) for his son Lemuel Showell III and his bride in 1858. The Showell surname has since become a popular one in county history, as it was Lemuel Showell III who later became president of the Pocomoke and Wicomico Railroad and is even credited as one of Ocean City’s founders. For this, the farmhouse is now listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Current owner Barry Mariner and his wife Jeannie inherited the home in 2015. While the family property had been used previously for farming, the new owners were unsure what to do with it going forward. That’s when their daughter Brittany, who studied Enology and Viticulture in college in 2012 (and shared the same “hobby” as her great-grandparents for winemaking), expressed interest in establishing a resident winery. So, after three years of renovations, vine-planting, and readiness, Windmill Creek Vineyard and Winery opened to the public in 2018.
Today, Windmill Creek stands out as one of the best-kept secrets near downtown Berlin, always hosting special events and fun happenings right onsite. You have tastings, seasonal happenings with live music and entertainment, activities for the entire family, and so much more. The property even serves as a premier wedding and event destination. And given the compatibility of indulgent drinks with gastronomic pairings, you’ll find their resident Garden Grille setup conveniently located on the grounds as well.
The popularity of wine and dine pairings eventually led the Mariner family to devise a unique way to present such an offering during the winter months—a way to take the chill off the colder weather with something both cheerful and warming. Enter their one-of-a-kind Igloo Dining Experience!
Here the grounds are graced by multiple heated igloos, complete with tables, twinkling lights, and even heated blankets. Available to guests exclusively by reservation, diners may delight in a delectable fondue-style meal with unparalleled evening views, while enjoying personalized entertainment taking place in each private Igloo.
Up to six individuals may dine per Igloo. For larger parties, two separate Igloos will be arranged side-by-side. Furthermore, Igloo Dining is a family-friendly affair that even offers a special children’s menu along with non-alcoholic beverages.
Arranging for an Igloo Dining Experience comes with a $35 reservation fee, which does not include the cost of food and drink. Guests are asked to arrive as close to their reservation time as possible, checking in with the hostess inside the farmhouse backdoor. Proper walking shoes are encouraged.
Windmill Creek Vineyard and Winery is located at 11206 Worcester Highway, Berlin, Maryland 21811. For more information or to learn more about their Igloo Dining Experience specifically, call 410-251-6122 or visit www.windmillcreekvineyard.com.