May 21, 2025 – The Southern Maryland Wine Growers Cooperative (SMWGC) was formed in 2007 by a group of local farmers, of which several were transitioning away from tobacco production to begin planting grapes. 12 farms came together to form the SMWGC making it the first grape-growing cooperative in the state of Maryland leading the way for viticulture and future wineries. With the help of local funding, the group opened Port of Leonardtown Winery in 2010 to process and sell their product. The Port of Leonardtown Winery has developed a strong reputation for producing premium wines grown from vineyards located throughout Maryland. The Winery is located in the prosperous town of Leonardtown and is open daily for wine tastings.

Lauren Zimmerman, winemaker at Port of Leonardtown Winery, will be joined by David Wood, current President of the Southern Maryland Wine Growers Co-op, and vineyard owner at Forest Hall Farm, who supplies grapes to Port of Leonardtown Winery to speak about the Southern Maryland Wine Growers Cooperative and Port of Leonardtown Winery.