ANNAPOLIS, MD – As spring approaches, Maryland Governor Moore has officially declared March as Maryland Wine Month, inaugurating a season of celebration for wine enthusiasts across the state. In a collaborative effort with the Maryland Wineries Association and Maryland's Best, unique pairing and tasting experiences have been crafted, offering an innovative approach to exploring the state's rich wine culture.
Throughout March, Maryland's Best invites residents and visitors alike to partake in the "Situation-Sip" pairings, an inventive play on situation ships tailored to match various personal experiences with the perfect wine. Participants are encouraged to share their wine pairings online, tagging @mdsbest and @marylandwine on Instagram or Facebook. The most captivating pairings will gain online recognition; some will win gift cards to their preferred wineries.
Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks emphasized the initiative's broader goal: "Getting people to experience farms in different ways, like a winery, is one of our goals at the department," he said. This effort aims to enrich the consumer experience and forge a closer connection between Marylanders and the agricultural roots of their favorite wines, underscoring the significance of supporting local farms.
In tandem with these experiences, the state encourages wine lovers to download the "MD Craft Beverages" app, available on Apple and Android devices. The app offers an interactive wine trail experience, rewarding users who check into at least three participating wineries with a chance to win one of five Maryland-themed wine prizes. These prizes include tickets to the Maryland Wine Experience on April 6 and the Maryland Wine Festival on September 14. A full list of participating wineries can be found at Marylandsbest.net, inviting enthusiasts to explore the diverse offerings throughout the state.
Maryland boasts a thriving wine industry, home to 110 wineries distributed across all counties, with a significant number situated on farms or utilizing at least 51 percent Maryland-grown grapes. The 2022 USDA Agricultural Census highlighted the growth of the state's viticulture, reporting 239 farms cultivating 1,472 acres of grapes, marking an increase of over 20 percent from the previous census in 2017.
This month-long celebration not only showcases the variety and quality of Maryland wine but also highlights the state's commitment to agricultural innovation and local enterprise. For additional details on the events and participating wineries, interested parties are advised to reach out to Maryland's Best Director of Special Projects, Kristin Hanna, at kristin.hanna@maryland.gov.
Maryland Wine Month represents a unique opportunity for both connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts to explore the state's wineries, engage with the local farming community, and experience the joy of discovering the perfect wine for every situation. As the festivities commence, Maryland opens its doors to a world of taste, tradition, and community, celebrating the integral role of winemaking in the state's cultural and economic landscape.
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