The Maryland Wineries Association in conjunction with the Maryland Jockey Club presents the second annual Decanter: A Celebration of Maryland Wine & Racing on April 21-22, in the infield of Pimlico Race Course. Tickets start at $30 and feature an infield vantage... read more >

The Maryland Wineries Association in conjunction with the Maryland Jockey Club presents the second annual Decanter: A Celebration of Maryland Wine & Racing on April 21-22, in the infield of Pimlico Race Course.

Tickets start at $30 and feature an infield vantage point to all turf and dirt races, samples of Maryland wine, access to local artisans and specialty food, all under white tents.
 
Attendees can purchase an upgraded Decanter Pass that includes a full size Riedel wine glass and samples of exclusive “Decanter” wines from each winery. Decanter Pass holders will also have access to a Racing 101 class taught by the Maryland Jockey Club. Decanter Passes are available for $50.

All tickets are available now on www.DecanterWineFestival.com.

“The Maryland Jockey Club is excited to partner with the Maryland Wineries Association for our second annual Decanter Wine Festival,” said Tom Chukas, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Maryland Jockey Club. “Horse racing and local wine are two great Maryland traditions and together make a great pairing.”

“We love this event,” said Kevin Atticks, executive director of the Maryland Wineries Association. “Watching the races from the unique turf-side vantage point while enjoying local wines is quite fun.”

The event is from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, and the event is rain or shine. No ticket refunds will be offered. Media and other sponsorships are still available. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate.

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More information can be found at:
?http://www.decanterwinefestival.com Hide

Get the latest Maryland wine news via our monthly e-newsletter .

Get the latest Maryland wine news via our monthly e-newsletter.

The Office of the Comptroller’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Annual Report shows that the wineries of Maryland sold 181,000 more bottles of wine in 2011 than 2010; an 11.6% increase.  Wineries increased their share of the state wine market to 2.38% and total sales... read more >

The Office of the Comptroller’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Annual Report shows that the wineries of Maryland sold 181,000 more bottles of wine in 2011 than 2010; an 11.6% increase.  Wineries increased their share of the state wine market to 2.38% and total sales came in at over $19 million dollars for the year.

The industry maintained momentum after the last two years' legislative changes, such as the passage of both the Winery Modernization Bill and the Direct Shipping Bill.

“This industry grows more than just good wine," said Comptroller Peter Franchot. "It promotes agriculture, tourism and land preservation, all while adding to the state’s bottom line through job creation and tax revenue.”

Industry programs like Maryland Wine Week and new events such as Decanter and Eat•Drink•Go LOCAL create opportunities for Marylanders and wine lovers from outside the state.

“Wine and culinary tourism is one of the top reasons people travel, and Maryland's wineries are no exception," said Hannah Byron, Assistant Secretary of Maryland's Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts. "With over 50 wineries, five wine trails and many events throughout the year, visitors from around the world travel to this region to uncork a bottle in Maryland."

“This is further proof that agriculture is a growing industry in Maryland, creating high-quality jobs to support the state’s rural economy,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.

“The Maryland Wineries Association is thrilled about the industry growth in 2011,” said Dick Seibert, president of the Maryland Wineries Association. “This growth indicates that more Marylanders are eating, drinking and choosing local businesses and products. This growth also shows that wineries are economic engines that create jobs.”


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Additional resources:
Comptroller's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Annual Report
Maryland Wineries Association Hide

Port of Leonardtown Winery is pleased to showcase the work of budding photographic artist, Katie Buckler, in the winery tasting room beginning Tuesday, January 24, 2012.   A member of one of St. Mary’s County’s deep rooted families, Katie photographs... read more >

Port of Leonardtown Winery is pleased to showcase the work of budding photographic artist, Katie Buckler, in the winery tasting room beginning Tuesday, January 24, 2012.
 
A member of one of St. Mary’s County’s deep rooted families, Katie photographs scenes common to the region with a fresh new perspective.  Her photographs provide the viewer with a glimpse of her subject they might have otherwise missed.  Katie’s work can be found at many local art and craft events and she was a return participant in the annual WARMTH Art Show at the Camalier House in Leonardtown to support the Three Oaks Center.
 
Katie will be available in the Tasting Room on Friday evening, February 3, 2012 to show and discuss her work.  Katie’s work will be available for sale at the winery tasting room Wednesdays through Sundays – 12 noon to 6:00 p.m.

About Port of Leonardtown Winery: Early in 2008, the Southern Maryland Wine Growers Cooperative (SMWGC), T/A (trading as) Port of Leonardtown Winery, partnered with St. Mary's County Government and the Town of Leonardtown to complete a feasibility study to ensure success of grape growing in Southern Maryland and to examine potential markets for the grape production. The outcome was that the SMWGC entered into a lease agreement with the Town of Leonardtown in 2009 to operate the cooperative winery. The Port of Leonardtown Winery first started producing wine from the 2009 grape harvest, using berries from both local and regional vineyards. Port of Leonardtown Winery is open for tasting and purchase Wednesday through Sunday noon to 6 pm with extended hours on First Friday and other special dates.  The winery is located near Route 5 just off Newtowne Neck Road in Leonardtown. We can be found on the web at www.portofleonardtownwinery.com or 301-690-2192. Hide

Have you taken great photographs of local wineries and vineyards in the past year? Enter our annual photo contest for a chance to win $500! See all the details here. CDs must be postmarked no later than January 13th. read more >

Have you taken great photographs of local wineries and vineyards in the past year? Enter our annual photo contest for a chance to win $500! See all the details here. CDs must be postmarked no later than January 13th. Hide