LEONARDTOWN, Md. — St. Clement’s Island Museum will welcome visitors to its fifth annual First Landing Wine & Arts Festival on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Held on the museum’s waterfront lawn in Colton’s Point, the event features St. Mary’s County wineries, craft beverage makers, artisans, food trucks, and live music. Admission is free, with costs for beverages, food, museum entry, water taxi rides, and vendor items.
The festival showcases local producers like Port of Leonardtown Winery, Corteau Vineyards, and Xella Winery & Vineyard, offering wine by the glass or bottle. Other St. Mary’s County craft beverage makers will also participate, expanding the event’s scope this year. Attendees can browse handmade goods from local crafters, enjoy family-friendly activities, and take in the scenic Potomac River views. A special edition First Landing Wine Trail wine glass will be available for purchase at the museum store.
Guests can explore Maryland’s origins inside the museum, which details the 1634 “First Landing” of English settlers on St. Clement’s Island. Water taxi rides to St. Clement’s Island State Park provide a chance to visit the historic site firsthand. The museum, located at 38370 Point Breeze Road, sits near where the Ark and the Dove landed, marking the start of colonial Maryland.
“We have had an amazing response from the public regarding this event over the first few years, so we decided to welcome all St. Mary’s County craft beverage makers to the festival,” said Karen Stone, manager for the St. Mary’s County Museum Division. “Hosting our First Landing Wine Trail wineries and craft beverage makers, as well as local artisans, at the location of the original ‘First Landing’ in 1634, just makes sense!”
The event builds on the region’s growing reputation for craft beverages. St. Mary’s County’s wineries are part of Maryland’s broader wine industry, which contributes millions annually to the state’s economy. The festival offers a blend of history, culture, and local flavor, drawing both residents and tourists.
For more details, contact the museum at (301) 769-2222 or visit Facebook.com/SCIMuseum. The event promises a full day of enjoyment along the Potomac, connecting attendees with the area’s heritage and craftsmanship.
