SERPENT RIDGE VINEYARD AWARDED 2009 AGRIBUSINESS AWARD BY CARROLL COUNTY

Serpent Ridge Vineyard, which opened to the public in April 2009, was awarded the 2009 Agribusiness Award during by the Carroll County Office of Economic Development.

“Carroll County is excited to recognize Serpent Ridge Vineyard as our recipient for the 2009 Agribusiness Award,” said Gabe Zepp, Agriculture Development Specialist in the Carroll County Office of Economic Development.

“Greg and Karen Lambrecht have shown tremendous enthusiasm as business owners and much support for Carroll’s growing viticulture industry,” Zepp said. Vineyards and wineries are an integral piece of the county’s agricultural heritage and its future. The Lambrecht's goal is to use 100% Carroll County-grown grapes, and they are hoping publicity surrounding their winery encourages more farmers to plant grapes. The Lambrechts spend a good deal of their time speaking with farmers and others interested in starting wineries and vineyards in the county.

“They are strong members of our industry and supporters of their peers,” said Kevin Atticks, executive director of the Maryland Wineries Association. “We are proud of their many accomplishments.”

“We persevered through the winery startup process and are thrilled at the reception our wines are receiving,” said Greg Lambrecht, noting that every bottle of Serpent Ridge wine sold generates tax revenue for the county and state.

A 2008 economic impact study conducted by the Jacob France Institute noted the Maryland wine industry’s impact on the state’s rural economy. The 23 wineries participating in the study contributed $40 million in economic activity through their employment, sales, festivals and winery tourism. There are now 41 wineries in the state.