Maryland’s breweries, wineries and distilleries have launched a collaborative campaign called Make Mine a Maryland to encourage consumers to choose locally produced beer, wine and spirits. The initiative, introduced by the Maryland Wineries Association, Brewers Association of Maryland and Maryland Distillers Guild with support from Cultivate + Craft, began this fall and aims to boost local businesses through consumer preferences at bars, taprooms and tasting rooms.
The campaign promotes more than 300 craft beverage experiences statewide, from IPAs and rye whiskeys to vineyard tastings. It emphasizes economic contributions, with beer generating $925 million annually and supporting nearly 10,000 jobs from 134 breweries, wine contributing $4.28 billion and more than 25,000 jobs from 80 producers alongside 365,000 tourist visits, and spirits adding $3.4 billion and 30,100 jobs. Participants urge adults 21 and older to request Maryland-made options when ordering, fostering community support and state pride.
Kelly Dudeck, co-founder of Cultivate + Craft and executive director of the Brewers Association of Maryland, described it as a movement where ordering by name affirms belief in local quality and creativity while aiding small businesses that anchor communities. Jon Zerivitz, senior marketing strategist at Cultivate + Craft, noted makers pour pride into every glass from the Chesapeake Bay to the mountains, uniting that spirit for Marylanders and visitors.
The launch includes merchandise at events such as the Fells Point Fun Festival on October 11-12 and Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill on October 16-19, plus a media push and social media engagement via #MakeMineAMaryland. Consumers can visit makemineamaryland.com for details, to join and explore destinations, or follow @makemineamaryland on Instagram and Facebook for updates, events, contests and giveaways.
In Southern Maryland, the campaign aligns with established local efforts to highlight craft producers. St. Marys County features a Craft Beverage Trail showcasing handcrafted beer, wine, cider and spirits from artisans using regional ingredients. The trail, launched in 2023 during a festival from August 19-20 that year, celebrates entrepreneurs and includes stops at venues like Tobacco Barn Distillery in Hollywood, which produces rum, vodka and whiskey from local grains, and Perigeaux Vineyards and Winery in St. Leonard, known for estate-grown varietals.
Calvert County hosts several producers contributing to the scene, including Mullys Brewery in Prince Frederick, offering ales and lagers, and Running Hare Vineyard in Prince Frederick, which spans 290 acres and focuses on wines like chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. Other notable sites include Cove Point Winery in Lusby, emphasizing small-batch productions, and Unauthorized Brewing Company in Solomons, specializing in IPAs and stouts.
Distilleries in the region, such as Southern Trail Distillery in Mechanicsville, craft moonshine, whiskey, vodka and rum using family recipes and local components, operating from a site open for tours and tastings. BlueDyer Distilling Co. in Waldorf produces rum with a focus on sustainability, drawing from Chesapeake influences. These operations often serve as gathering spots, hosting events that blend tastings with live music or food pairings.
Breweries like Patuxent Brewing Company in Leonardtown offer a range of styles from pale ales to sours, while Ruddy Duck Brewery in Dowell provides seafood-infused brews reflecting bay-area heritage. The RAD House in Leonardtown and Colonial Beach Brewing in Colonial Beach, though across the Potomac, attract cross-border visitors with craft selections. Brudergarten in Prince Frederick rounds out options with German-inspired beers.
Wineries such as Fridays Creek Winery in Owings feature tastings amid scenic views, and Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards in Brandywine grows grapes for reds and whites. Triple Creek Winery in Hollywood and Bordeleau Winery in Eden, though farther, contribute to the broader southern network.
Statewide, Maryland’s craft sector has grown steadily. The Brewers Association of Maryland reports consistent expansion, with breweries increasing from about 100 in 2019 to 134 now. Distilleries number over 30, many reviving rye whiskey traditions tied to the state’s history as a pre-Prohibition leader in spirits production. Wineries benefit from diverse terroirs, from coastal plains to Appalachian foothills, supporting varietals like viognier and petit verdot.
In Southern Maryland, the industry ties into agricultural roots, with many producers sourcing from local farms. For instance, events like the Sotterley Barn Bash & Craft Beer Tasting have historically featured regional brews alongside music, drawing crowds to historic sites. Seasonal promotions, such as Maryland Beer Month in February pairing oysters with local beers, highlight culinary integrations.
Challenges include supply chain issues, as some brewers import hops and malt, potentially affected by tariffs. However, the sector’s economic role remains vital, supporting tourism and jobs in rural areas.
The Make Mine a Maryland movement builds on these foundations, encouraging exploration of trails and venues. As Dudeck stated, it reinforces community anchors. With social media buzz from recent posts, the campaign seeks widespread adoption. Residents can engage by visiting sites, sharing experiences and prioritizing local pours.