Wine Welcomed at Farmers' Markets This Summer

Local wineries will no longer face restrictions that have prevented them from participating in more than three farmers' markets per year throughout Maryland.

Beginning on June 1, Maryland wineries will be able to attend an unlimited number of farmers' markets to sell wine by the bottle and offer samples.

The new policy allows wineries to apply for an off-site permit, which grants access to any farmers' market. However, wineries will still have to be approved, and invited, by markets and event organizers before they are allowed in. In addition, wineries cannot sell wine by the glass at these markets.

Previously, responsibility was placed on farmers' market managers and property managers to fill out the paperwork for each individual event. Wineries were also limited to three market opportunities per year.

“Wineries and vineyards are a growing segment of our already diverse agriculture industry,” Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance said in a statement. “This new permitting process is another way we are working to connect consumers with all Maryland producers.”

The Howard County Farmers’ Market opened for the season last Wednesday. Before the recent state legislation, the county passed a law allowing unlimited market days for wineries to be able to attend.

Elk Run Winery, located in Mt. Airy, has been in communication with the Howard County Farmers' Market and is in the midst of processing the paperwork for its off-site license.

Kathy Zimmerman, an agriculture marketing specialist for the Howard County Economic Development Authority, said the new law could further entice wineries to bring their business to the county.

At the present time, there are no wineries in Howard County. However, Zimmerman mentioned there is at least one looking to set up its headquarters in the area.

“Once they see the real interest with the market, they’ll keep pushing to get their winery open sooner," Zimmerman said.