Although your wallet seems to be growing thinner and thinner by the second, each day we inch closer to a most eventful, beloved time of year. A time of family, tradition and togetherness. A time of jam-packed malls, mile long check out lines and the drainage of bank accounts. We, the inhabitants of western civilization, are about to plummet into the endless abyss of holiday gift giving. It’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza and New Years. Grandma’s 100th birthday, Uncle Larry’s getting married and the couple next door just had a baby.
Each year all of these events seem to curiously conspire to fall within a one-month span, creating the perfect storm of never ending parties, showers and bar mitzvahs.; brunches, lunches and dinners. All of which require gifts. Some give up immediately, as invitations fill their mailboxes, and simply begin writing checks. Happy (insert occasion)! Here’s 20 bucks! But this year budgets are tighter and the ability to give to all the people who grace our lives is no longer plausible.
How do we show that we care without breaking the bank and our spirits in the process? One no longer needs to arrive at their next holiday event baring a re-gifted fruitcake. The solution is quite simple, Maryland residents, and it is being grown in your back yard.
Maryland wine is a booming industry, with more variety and selection than ever before. Award winning wines are being processed, from locally grown grapes, in wineries across the state. A bottle of wine is inexpensive- most Maryland wines are under $20- and unconventional.
It is likely that many of your friends and relatives have never tasted Maryland Wine, thus giving you the opportunity to bring something novel and exciting to your next gathering. It is also a way for you to stimulate local economy and support Maryland grape growers and wine makers. All industries, including agriculture, are affected by the stagnant economy. By purchasing Maryland wine, relationships between Maryland producers and consumers are solidified and local commerce is able to thrive despite national and international distress.
There are currently 40 wineries in the state of Maryland, producing thousands of gallons of wine each year, in every variety, price range, size, shape and color. At many wineries, cases of wine are sold at discount prices, making it even easier to reach out to more people. You can go to the individual wineries to purchase cases at a discount or you can ask for Maryland wine at your local liquor store. It is the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life and perhaps more importantly, a treat for yourself.
When all the gifts are wrapped, house cleaned, food prepared and children dressed, pour yourself a glass of wine, sit back and relax. Because, despite all of the inevitable chaos and stress masked as holiday cheer, this truly is a season to celebrate with the ones you love…and a nice glass of wine. For more information about Maryland wine and the wineries near you, log onto www.marylandwine.com.
