Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, Maryland

In a Baltimore Sun article, “Howard’s first farm winery gains approval” by Amanda Yeager, I was surprised and happy to learn Howard County has approved its first Class 2 farm winery.  Howard has been the last county in Maryland to become winery friendly.

For longer than I like to think about it, Howard County, Maryland has been adverse to anyone who wanted to start a commercial winery. About three years ago, I attended a county meeting that was contemplating allowing wineries in the county to open. Several people in attendance spoke negatively using the stereotypical comments that have been proven time and again incorrect. Others spoke in favor of allowing wineries but the anti-wine and anti-development critics seemed to win by fear mongering. The only type of winemaking in the county that has been allowed has been a winemaking teaching facility not allowed to sell wines.

Galloping Goose Vineyards, Maryland

There are many benefits to locating wineries and vineyards in any region. Wineries and vineyards offer employment opportunities, support agritourism and add to the economy of the region. In addition, visitors to wineries will frequently need gas, food and lodging. Many winery facilities are architectural delights while others are small, simplistic buildings. Usually the landscaping around the wineries is well done. When the winery has vineyards, the vineyards are a sea of green during the growing season. During the winter vineyards offer numerous photo opportunities.

Congratulations to Howard County for recognizing the value of wineries and vineyards and approving its first Class 2 Farm winery. It will be interesting to watch the development of wineries and vineyards in the county.

Cheers!
Kathy