5-01-2025 5:05am

Craft Beer & Wine

Jeff Barto Editor

Governor Moore Announces Additional State Support for the Maryland Craft Beverage Industry

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore announced the latest round of Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing Promotion Fund and Winery and Vineyard Economic Development Grant Program awards, administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism Development. In total, 52 applicants received more than $2 million in funding for expansions, promotions, and agricultural projects to further develop Maryland’s craft beverage industry.

“Maryland’s breweries, wineries and distilleries play a vital role in our state's economic growth,” said Gov. Moore. “These grants will uplift our local businesses, while also fostering new investment opportunities across Maryland. Together, we are making Maryland more competitive, creating new jobs, and growing our economy one business at a time.”

Maryland's Winery and Vineyard Economic Development Grant Program awarded a total of $1 million in funding to 44 applicants for qualified capital expenses, including the purchase and installation of equipment or agricultural materials for use during production. The Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing Promotion Fund awarded more than $1.5 million to eight applicants, which will help businesses cover various costs like marketing, research, education, multi-day events, and improved digital media resources.

The two programs are part of Maryland’s efforts to support the growth of breweries, distilleries, and wineries by attracting visitors, educating the public, promoting minority ownership, and boosting the state’s agricultural industry through beer, wine, and spirits production.

“Maryland’s craft beverage industry has continued to make significant economic impacts across our state, and this funding will allow us to engage more Maryland residents and visitors alike,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. “Our goal is to drive continued growth, establish our beverage and alcohol industry as a regional leader, and foster greater diversity among business owners and customers.”

“Maryland’s craft beverage industry is not only a cornerstone of our agricultural heritage but also a catalyst for economic growth and community engagement,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “By supporting our local breweries, wineries, and distilleries, we’re not just enhancing our state's reputation as a top destination for craft beverages; we’re also investing in the livelihoods of our farmers and fostering innovation at every level of production.”

Maryland is currently home to 143 craft breweries and produces 269,509 barrels of craft beer annually. The state also has more than 80 wineries, and a booming agricultural sector for the growing of grapes. The state’s more than 30 distilleries are known for producing award-winning whiskey, gin, vodka, bourbon, moonshine, absinthe, and historic Maryland ryes.

“The Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing Promotion Fund is unique, in that as the industry continues to grow, the excise tax generated by the state’s breweries, distilleries, and wineries increases,” said Advisory Commission on Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing and Promotion Chair and Lyon Rum // Windon Distilling Company President and Founder Jaime Windon. “These grants are funded by a portion of that tax, which is being reinvested in projects that continue to develop and ensure the success of our craft alcohol industry. Everyone benefits from the sustained growth and long-term viability of our Maryland alcohol manufacturers.”

“Maryland’s alcohol manufacturers are powerful economic drivers providing good jobs and high quality products,” said Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission Executive Director Jeffrey Kelly. “They are community focused as is routinely demonstrated by the collaboration within the industry and, even more, the support they give and get from their local neighborhoods. The awarding of these funds for innovative and promotional activities is vital for the continued successes of Maryland’s alcohol entrepreneurs.”