The Maryland Wineries Association, Inc. (MWA) is a non-profit 501(c)6 trade organization representing Maryland’s commercial wineries and focused on promoting Maryland wine.
General Information
Founded in 1984, the MWA’s mission is to develop and expand the grape and wine industry in Maryland – through education and promotion.
The general objectives of the Association, to which its members unite together and mutually pledge, shall be to broaden the market for Maryland wine through:
- Encouraging the production of high-quality grapes and wine in Maryland;
- Increasing public recognition of the Maryland wine industry;
- Establishing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships with local, State and Federal governmental agencies and industry groups;
- Providing a forum for the exchange of ideas to the mutual benefit of all members;
- Providing a forum for contracts and collective event planning.
Becoming a member of the state trade organization should be an integral part of any winery’s development plans. We invite you to join as an associate member in the years leading to your formal licensing and welcome you as a full member upon formal licensing.
Join the Maryland Wineries Association
Associate member. We encourage individuals or corporations who are in the process of developing/licensing a winery to join the Maryland Wineries Association as associate members. Proof of intent is required, which may include business plan outline, architectural drawings, correspondence with State or TTB regarding licensing, etc. The MWA plays an integral role in winery startup by advocating on the local/zoning/state/federal level for its members.
Full Member. Full membership is open to licensed, bonded Class 3 and Class 4 wineries in Maryland. Proof of State licensure and TTB permitting are necessary. Full members have a board seat and voting rights to set industry policy.
Download our membership application
MWA Benefits
Membership in the MWA brings certain benefits; some great for the bottom line, others great for simply promoting your winery.
Cooperative marketing activities. The MWA engages in marketing activities each year; many of which are at no additional charge to members. Each year the MWA mass-prints a color brochure and distributes it throughout the State’s tourism information centers. This brochure – and other printings – showcase every MWA member, including maps, directions and description of the winery. In addition, cooperative ads in trade and consumer magazines offer significantly lower costs.
MWA-sponsored festivals. The State’s six major wine festivals draw over 40,000 visitors each year. Winery participation is limited to MWA members, and there is no entry fee for MWA member wineries to attend. These festivals are an essential sales opportunity for member wineries.
Cooperative purchasing opportunities. Obtain major discounts through cooperative purchasing of supplies, tent rentals for festivals, etc.
Legal Counsel/Lobbyist. The MWA retains a lobbyist to advise on legislation and other legal issues.
Governmental Affairs. MWA has an active governmental affairs committee that monitors and guides industry legislation and helps build and maintain a favorable business climate for wineries in Maryland.
Educational opportunities. MWA hosts 4-6 educational opportunities each year which are free or discounted to MWA members, including a 2-day winemaking & marketing seminar, “cellar rat” trainings, winemaker roundtable analysis of wines, compliance seminars and more.
Wine competitions. MWA sponsors two wine competitions — the Governor’s Cup and the Comptroller’s Cup, open only to MWA members and associate members.
Association Staff. The MWA staff works for the Board – helping to further marketing, legislative, and other agendas throughout the year.
For additional information, contact the Maryland Wineries Association.
1783 Forest Drive, #343
Annapolis, MD 21401
Janna Howley- Executive Director
janna@CultivateAndCraft.com
