This post is about Maryland Wineries Pulling Out of Wine in the Woods.
If you’re a wine lover especially one living in the DMV then you have attended or at least know about Wine in the Woods.
Wine in the Woods is the largest wine festival in Maryland and is an opportunity to taste a host of Maryland wines and beers and explore wines from other regions. This year it will be hosted on May 18-19 without several familiar winery partners as Maryland wineries are pulling out of the annual festival.
The Maryland Wineries Association has made an official announcement on its Facebook page stating that the Board voted to “end its relationship with Howard County’s Wine in the Woods”. This came after Howard County leadership reduced the terms of the annual revenue-sharing arrangement.
The Maryland Wineries Association was created in 1984 with the mission to develop and expand the grape and wine industry in Maryland through education and promotion. The organization is made up of a board of winery owners – and over 80 members representing wineries and associate members from across the state.
The Maryland Wineries Association co-created the Wine in the Woods festival with Howard County 30 years ago. The funds gained from the partnership with Wine in Woods played an integral role in sustaining the non-profit organization throughout the year.
The first winery to back out of the festival was Boordy Vineyards. In an announcement posted on its Facebook page, Boordy Vineyards states that “After 29 consecutive years of participation in Howard County’s Wine in the Woods festival, Boordy will not be attending this year”.
To show their support for the Maryland Wineries Association, Boordy’s has pledged 10% of ticket sales from the 3rd Annual Spring Jazz Festival on May 18 to the organization.
Linganore Wine Cellars has also followed suit and decided to pull out of this year’s Wine in the Woods festival. In their Instagram announcement, they show solidarity with the Maryland Wineries Association and will donate proceeds from sales at their winery on the days of the festival to support the Maryland Wineries Association.
Longtime supporters of Maryland Wine are sharing their disappointment about the decision.
Alicia Smith chimed in on a Facebook post to share her thoughts and encourage her friends to continue to support Maryland wines. She says, “My hope is that you will stand in solidarity with this community and support our local wineries at other events that weekend and throughout the month at their individual venues as well as the Maryland Wine Experience which happens on April 6th.”
Gail Diggs, another supporter of Maryland wine, commented on The Maryland Wineries Association Instagram post, that she is “So saddened by this news. I have volunteered at many events over the past 10+ years and I stand in support with MWA and the Maryland Wineries!”
Howard County and Wine in the Woods have not made official statements about the situation. Stay tuned for more details as the story unfolds.
What are your thoughts on Maryland Wineries Pulling Out of Wine in the Woods? Will you be attending Wine in the Woods this year?
I have attended Wine in the Woods for 12 years now. As a native, I am sad to hear this news. To be honest, I feel like the quality of the event has declined over the years due to overselling tickets so I was debating going this year anyway.
I’m so saddened Boordy won’t be participating, it’s always my fav at WitW, but I certainly understand why. Hoping they come to a resolution before next year’s event, but I will still attend this year because they are many other great wineries represented.