Maryland breweries, wineries, and distilleries are raising their glasses to toast their industries and start a new trend saluting their home state: when ordering your drink, say, “Make Mine a Maryland!”
Launched by the Maryland Wineries Association, Brewers Association of Maryland, and the Maryland Distillers Guild, with support from Cultivate + Craft, this movement encourages people to support hometown businesses by choosing Maryland-made beer, wine, and spirits. The choices are plentiful, given Maryland has more than 300 locally crafted beverages, from IPAs to small-batch rye whiskey to vineyard-produced wines.
Kelly Dudeck is co-founder of Cultivate + Craft and executive director of the Brewers Association of Maryland. Dudeck insists “Make Mine a Maryland!” is more than an advertising campaign – it is a movement.
“When Marylanders order by name, whether at a taproom, tasting room or bar, they’re saying they believe in the quality and creativity of what’s made here,” Dudeck said. “They’re also supporting small businesses that anchor our communities.”
The movement launches this fall with merchandise being sold at major events like the Fell’s Point Fun Festival and Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill. A statewide media campaign will ask Marylanders over the age of 21 to visit the landing page and share their support on social media with #MakeMineAMaryland.
Maryland has 134 breweries that contribute approximately $925 million in annual economic activity and support nearly 10,000 jobs. The state has 80 wine producers fueling $4.28 billion in economic activity and more than 25,000 jobs. There are more than 365,000 wine-related tourist visits annually. Maryland’s spirits sector supports 30,100 jobs, and generates $3.4 billion in economic activity with production, sales, and hospitality.
“From the Chesapeake Bay to the mountains, our makers pour pride into every glass,” said Jon Zerivitz, senior marketing strategist at Cultivate + Craft. “This movement is about uniting that spirit and giving Marylanders and visitors a way to say loud and clear: Make Mine a Maryland.”
There is a website for the “Make Mine a Maryland” movement, where people can learn more and explore the state’s craft beverage destination spots. Their Instagram and Facebook accounts will have updates on events, contests, and giveaways.
