The 2026 Freeze And What It Means For Maryland Vineyards: From Corteau Vineyards

MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — Welcome to our new expert series on The BayNet written by members of Corteau Vineyards. We are a family-owned winery and vineyard located in Northern St. Mary’s County. While the property has been in our family since 1941, we have been growing grapes for more than 20 years and opened our winery on Golden Beach Road in 2023.

In this series, we will share insights into vineyard life, winemaking, seasonal farming challenges and the realities of growing grapes in Southern Maryland.

No doubt by now you’ve heard about the devastating freeze of April 21, 2026, when temperatures across the Mid-Atlantic dropped low enough to damage small fruit crops, orchards and vineyards. Farmers throughout the region prepared as best they could, but there was little anyone could do against temperatures that reached the mid-20s. By many accounts, this was the most devastating freeze event in a lifetime.

At Corteau Vineyards, we have been growing vines since 2004 and have never experienced anything like this since our first planting. Others who have worked in the industry for more than 40 years have said the same.

Freeze Vs. Frost: Understanding The Difference

A freeze is not the same as a frost.

In a frost event, moisture in the air becomes dew as temperatures fall. When temperatures then dip below freezing, that dew freezes on the surface of the plant. Frost damage usually affects leaves and surface tissue.

A freeze is far more serious. It impacts the plant systemically, damaging cells deeper within the vine. It can affect leaves, buds and critical tissue, causing permanent cell death.

In our vineyard, we quickly discovered that any greenery froze solid once temperatures reached 27 degrees. When temperatures rose the following morning, leaves rapidly withered and turned brown. Most of the shoots responsible for producing this year’s grape crop had frozen and died.Fortunately, grapevines can sometimes produce secondary shoots, which may still generate a crop between 60% and 80% of what was originally expected. We have seen some new growth pushing through, but not at the level we had hoped for.

The Impact Across Maryland

In more isolated freeze events, wineries often have the option of purchasing grapes from other Maryland growers. This year, however, so many vineyards across the state were affected that available supply is extremely limited.

Under our winery license, Corteau Vineyards is permitted to purchase up to 49% of our grapes from outside Maryland. We have never needed to do that before, but it may become necessary this season in order to maintain wine availability for our customers.

The freeze affected vineyards across much of the Mid-Atlantic. From the Eastern Shore to Southern Maryland to Western Maryland, most growers experienced damage. Vineyards located directly on the water appeared to fare better because of the moderating effect of nearby waterways.

Some vineyards reported damage severe enough that secondary and even tertiary shoots died. When that happens, the vine itself dies and must be removed and replanted. Even when vines survive, they may produce no fruit this season while still requiring all the labor, spraying and maintenance of a normal year.

Recovery Could Take Years

When a new grapevine is planted, it generally takes three to five years before it produces a commercial crop.

That means vineyards suffering major losses this year could face financial impacts lasting well into the next decade. Many growers may spend 2027 replanting damaged acreage, followed by years of nurturing new vines before production levels return somewhere between 2030 and 2032.

The Reality Of Crop Insurance

Some people assume farmers will recover losses through insurance or government programs. The reality is much more complicated.

Only growers carrying crop insurance will receive compensation, and for many small farms, crop insurance is extremely expensive. In some cases, coverage costs more than the level of risk farmers are financially able to absorb. Many small operations simply cannot afford it without significantly increasing prices.

Why Protection Wasn’t Possible

Others have asked why vineyards did not cover or protect the vines once forecasts showed temperatures dropping.

At Corteau Vineyards, we manage about 14 acres of vines. Growers had roughly 24 hours’ notice before the freeze arrived. Covering every row with plastic or protective material would have required miles of covering, enormous labor and significant expense in a very short period of time.

Maryland’s largest vineyards span roughly 80 acres, making full coverage nearly impossible. At least one vineyard attempted to use helicopters and fires to circulate warmer air through the vines, but growers say the temperatures were simply too cold for those efforts to work.

How You Can Support Local Growers

One of the best ways to help local farms and wineries recover is simply by supporting them.

Visit your local winery or farm stand. Talk with growers and hear their stories. Purchase locally grown products whenever possible so the farms and food producers serving our communities can continue operating for years to come.With community support, we believe specialty farming in Southern Maryland and across the region can recover and continue moving forward.

Learn more about the vineyard and plan your visit at corteauvineyards.com. Corteau Vineyards is located at 38713 Golden Beach Rd., Mechanicsville, MD 20659.

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