The Maryland Grape Growers Association (MGGA), together with the Maryland Wineries Association (MWA), will hold its annual meeting on Friday, Feb. 15 and Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Sheraton Baltimore North.
This is a marquee event for Maryland’s grape growers and wineries and promises a wealth of business and technical information for those with existing vineyards and/or wineries, those who are considering establishing a vineyard or winery, and home wine makers.
Speakers will include well-known industry leaders and specialists from across the mid-Atlantic region. Friday’s keynote address, “Developing a Strong Local Wine Identity”, will be given by David McIntyre, a wine columnist and co-founder of DrinkLocalWine.com.
Saturday’s keynote address will feature Dr. Timothy Martinson of Cornell University speaking on the topic of “Sustainable Viticulture: Promotion and Practice.”
Two days of seminars will follow three tracks: new growers, viticulture, and wine.
The new growers track will feature sessions on vineyard economics, funding sources, site selection, and pest management. The viticulture track will offer sessions on soil testing, nutrient management, and leaf pulling.
The wine track will cover best practices for making Cabernet Franc, planning and zoning for wineries, building a successful wine club, and the latest research from the University of Maryland on Maryland-friendly varietals and wines.
Attendees can register for one or both days of the meeting. To register online, visit www.marylandgrapes.org. All standard methods of payment are accepted and PayPal™ is available to those registering online.
Pre-register by Feb. 4 to take advantage of discounted pricing. Non-member pre-registrants only pay $105/person for the Friday workshop and $105/person for the Saturday workshop or $200/person for a two-day registration.
On-site registration will also be available throughout the event.
The registration fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch buffet, and reception each day. Attendees are invited to bring some of their finest vintages to share for the lunches and evening receptions on Friday and Saturday. Bragging is encouraged and the coversation will be lively.
If you'd like to stay overnight, mention the "Maryland Wine and Grape Industry Meeting" to receive a special discounted rate at the Sheraton. Call (410) 321-7400 for reservations.
About the MGGA: The MGGA founded in 1981, is a non-profit organization of grape growers and winemakers that have joined together to promote Maryland's winegrowing industry.
Understanding that premium wines can only be made from premium grapes, the MGGA’s primary objective is to provide its members with the information and skills necessary to produce outstanding fruit for the state’s wineries.
About the MWA: The MWA is a non-profit trade organization representing Maryland's commercial wineries. Founded in 1984, the MWA's mission is to develop and expand the grape and wine industry in Maryland through education and promotion.
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