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The Maryland Wineries Association (MWA)
The Maryland Wineries Association, Inc. is a non-profit
501(c)6 trade organization representing Maryland's commercial wineries.
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 are joined 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.
For additional information, contact Kevin
Atticks, executive director of the Maryland Wineries Association.
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. Individuals or corporations who
are in the process of developing/licensing a winery are encouraged
to join the Maryland Wineries Association as associate members.
Proof of intent is required, and may include: business plan, 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.
Associate
Member Application: MWA-AssocMemberApp.pdf
Full Member. Full membership is open
to licensed, bonded Class 3 and Class 4 wineries in Maryland. Proof
of State license and TTB bond are necessary. Full members have a
board seat and voting rights.
Full Member
Application: MWA-MemberApp.pdf
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 activites each year – many of
which are at no additional charge to members. Each year the MWA
mass-prints a color brochure which is distributed 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.
Major discounts can be found 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 buid and maintain a favorable business climate
for wineries in Maryland.
Association Staff. The MWA staff
works for the Board – helping to further marketing, legislative
and other agendas throughout the year.
Contact the
Maryland Wineries Association (MWA)
22 W. Padonia Road
Suite C-236
Timonium, MD 21094
Kevin Atticks - Executive Director
410-252-WINE • 800-237-WINE • 240-525-7438
fax
kevin@marylandwine.com
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