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75th Anniversary: The Repeal of Prohibition
December 5, 1933 was the day that Congress repealed the 18th Amendment, ending Prohibition and giving states the right to regulate alcohol on their own individual terms. This monumental day in history gave rise to a reinvigorated wine industry, now vibrant in all 50 states.
But the language of the first post-prohibition laws adopted by most states—and still in effect today—guide states to regulate alcohol with the principle goal of promoting temperance.
States are currently in the middle of a tug-of-war as consumers and alcohol interests seek clarity through courts and legislatures about access to—and the regulation of—alcohol.
To read more about alcohol laws, visit:
• Repeal of Prohibition [Wikipedia]
• MD's Three-Tier System of Alcohol Distribution
Last Shot–'09
Photo Contest Deadline Draws Near
Maryland's wineries and vineyards are
beautiful sights in all seasons. And the scenery only gets
better as the activity begins at harvest and into winter.
Get
the rules and entry info online.
GrapeView:
Seyval Blanc
Armed with a sturdy vine and a hearty disposition, the Seyval Blanc grape has flourished in a variety of moderate and northern climes, including in the sometimes-chilly Great Britian. Seyval Blanc originated in France as a hybrid of Seibel 5656 and Seibel 4986. It has enjoyed growing popularity in the New World, putting down roots in Canada and thriving on the East Coast of North America.
Paul Spies of Tidewater Vineyards, a commercial vineyard in Talbot County, knows all about this hybrid’s success.
“We have been growing Seyval vines for about 20 years here on the Eastern Shore and we have seen some great results,” says Spies, “Maryland has been doing well with this vine.” Read
more.
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Dormant vines awaiting their pruning in a MD vineyard.
Sugarloaf Mtn. Vineyard Vibrant & Expanding
At Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, wine is a business that’s all in the family. “The Windmill Farm” has been around since Dan and Polly O’Donoghue purchased it in 1962. Their four children and their families transformed it into a vineyard in 2002 and have been making high quality wine ever since.
Carol McGarry and her husband Mike got the idea to start a vineyard on Carol’s family farm and open a winery after attending a family member’s wedding in California. After convincing Carol’s sister and brothers to climb onboard, the wheels were set in motion for a business that would see much success.
The family visited a lot of wineries in Maryland and Virginia among other states to learn as much as they could about the method. “We really wanted to be able to make good wine,” McGarry says. “Everyone was really helpful.” Read more.
Wine News
Nearly Zoned Out. Wineries in Calvert County take on proposed zoning regulations that would impede industry growth.
Patience Rewarded. Dragonfly Farms Vinegary is expanding its line of Maryland wine vinegars and starting a CSA.
Wine Co-op Takes Root. The Port of Leonardtown Winery—the state's first cooperative winery—is on track to open in 2010.
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Happy Holidays!
The Maryland Wineries Association wishes you a warm and festival holiday season. (Enjoy it with Maryland wine!)
Festivals
& Events
Our wineries offer a variety of special events—from
barrel tastings to concerts, wineries host events each weekend.
See the full
list of upcoming events.
The
2009 festival dates have been posted.
Mark your calendar!.
Learn More
There's so much more to learn about wine on our site!
• Food & wine pairings
• Guide to MD
grapes
• Know your limits
• History
of MD wine
• Wine industry statistics
• Read or submit FAQs
• MD wines winning
awards
There's
so much more information available on www.MarylandWine.com.
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December 2008 