Maryland Governor Larry Hogan today issued a proclamation to kickoff Maryland Wine Month. Wineries across Maryland are joining together to host special events, offer unique culinary pairings, and participate in the Wine Month Challenge. Maryland Wine Month is held annually as a partnership between the Maryland Wineries Association and the Maryland Office of Tourism, a division of the Maryland Department of Commerce. The month-long celebration will help fuel Maryland’s economy by attracting visitors, which leads to increased hotel bookings and spending at restaurants and wineries throughout the state.
“Our state couldn’t be more proud of our wine producers. It’s hard to believe that just over a decade ago our state had just thirteen wineries, and today Maryland is now home to more than 90 licensed wineries,” said Governor Hogan. “Maryland Wine Month is about thanking everyone who has been a part of helping our state grow this incredible industry.”
Maryland’s wine industry continues to grow each year and acts as an incredible tourist destination, hosting 300,000 visitors annually, and benefitting Marylanders by contributing more than $4 million in taxes back into our economy.
Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to raise a glass to Maryland Wine Month by participating in the Wine Month Challenge. Challenge cards are available at any local winery, Maryland Welcome Center, or by downloading it online at marylandwine.com or visitmaryland.org. Uncork the month and fill your challenge card with winery stamps by visiting as many wineries across the state during the month of March. Prizes vary by the number of stamps earned, with a grand prize winner of a Maryland Wine Lovers Weekend for 2.
New this year is the launch of the Legacy Wine Trail, Maryland’s 8th wine trail. The newest wine trail promotes wineries in Prince George’s County and Charles County, bringing together Southern Maryland agricultural heritage and the new legacy of its fine wines. There are currently four wineries forming this trail – Gemeny Winery and Vineyards, JaneMark Winery & Vineyard, Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards, and Romano Vineyard & Winery. The official debut celebration will take place March 17, and feature an open house at each of the four wineries, tastings of five wines and a souvenir gift.
Visitors are encouraged to share their Maryland Wine Month experiences on social media using the hashtags #mdwine, #savormaryland, and #MDinFocus.
For more information on Maryland Wine Month, Wine Month Challenge or Legacy Trail, visit www.visitmaryland.org or call 1-800-719-5900.
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About Maryland Tourism
The Maryland Office of Tourism is an agency of the Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts within the Maryland Department of Commerce. Visitors to the state spent $17.3 billion on travel-related expenses in 2016. The Maryland tourism industry also generated $2.35 billion in state and local taxes, and provided Marylanders with more than 146,000 jobs with a payroll of $6 billion. For more information, visit www.visitmaryland.org.
About Maryland Wineries Association
The Maryland Wineries Association, formed in 1984, is the non-profit trade association that represents the 80+ wineries in Maryland. The MWA is made up of a board of winery owners – and over 80 members representing wineries and associate members from across the state. MWA’s mission is to develop and expand the grape and wine industry in Maryland – through education and promotion. MWA is represented by the management group, Grow & Fortify. For more information, visit www.marylandwine.com.
