Md. wine panel formed

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Following last year’s report on bolstering Maryland’s fledgling wine industry, the state has appointed the members of a new commission charged with helping the industry grow.

The members of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Maryland Wine and Grape Growing are commercial grape growers Richard Penna of Antietam Vineyards in Knoxville and Byron Wates of Harness Creek Vineyards in Annapolis, plus winery owners Eric Aellen of Linganore Winecellars in Mount Airy and Albert Copp of Woodhall Wine Cellars in Parkton.

‘‘They have received letters from the Governor’s Appointments Office and are in the process of being sworn in,” said Theresa A. Brophy, a marketing specialist with the state Department of Agriculture.

Other commission members are a representative each from the Comptroller’s Office and the University of Maryland Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Sen. Donald F. Munson (R–Dist. 2) of Hagerstown and Del. Virginia P. Clagett (D-Dist. 30) of West River have also been named to the panel.

The commission will make recommendations for spending the $100,000 budgeted this year for strengthening the industry, Brophy said.

While Maryland’s wine industry is growing, it is not growing as fast as it could with more help from the state, said last year’s report, commissioned by Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) and released by the Maryland Wine & Grape Advisory Committee.

The industry lags neighboring Pennsylvania and Virginia, according to the 52-page report, which is available at www.marylandwine.com.

Forming the commission was one of the report’s 53 recommendations.