More News

Allowing the expanded sale of Maryland wines at Montgomery County farmers markets is a business- and consumer-friendly move that is easy to swallow.

The bill, which allows state wineries 12 permits to sell their products and offer samples at Montgomery County farmers markets, is awaiting Gov. Martin O'Malley's signature — just in time for the start of farm-market season, which runs through the fall. A similar bill was passed for Prince George's County.

The law — though somewhat limiting as there are dozens of farmers markets in the county — would welcome grape growers and wine producers as vital to the state's agricultural industry, just like growers of fruits and vegetables. It would also benefit an industry hampered by Maryland's onerous ban on the shipping of wine to consumers.

In fiscal 2009, Maryland's 41 licensed wineries sold 1.4 million bottles of wine, a slight jump from 1.36 million bottles in fiscal 2008, according to the Maryland Wineries Association. That accounts for more than $15 million in sales annually, according to the association.

Montgomery welcomed its first state-licensed winery with the arrival of Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyards in Comus in 2006. Owners there say wineries have been limited by state laws that restrict them to three special events permits annually. With dozens of festivals and fairs, wineries generally seek permits for events that draw the biggest crowds.

Bethesda Central Farm Market co-founder Mitch Berliner, whose market hosted Black Ankle Vineyards in September —the first winery to sell at a county farmers market, said the limit on permits has discouraged wineries from offering their wares at venues like his.

"Markets are generally open four hours," he said. "If you only have three shots to get in touch with people, what are you going to choose?"

This new law would help winery owners avoid having to make that choice.

Pass the gruyere.