Trading “Dry January” for “Local January”

For a long time, our Co-Owner and Vineyard Manager, Eric Aellen, has participated in “Dry January”, that month-long reset many like to take to kick off the new year.

But this year, he has decided to try something a little different; he is trading in Dry January for Local January.

The Challenge of Staying Local
At first glance, you might think giving up alcohol is the hard part. Honestly? I’ve found that “Local January” is actually much more of a challenge.

It’s easy enough just to give up a product entirely. What’s difficult is going out to your favorite restaurants and bars and trying to find a truly local glass of wine, a local craft beer, or a Maryland spirit. We have an incredible bounty of world-class beverages right here in our backyard, yet they aren’t always the easiest things to find on a standard menu.

Eric’s rule for the month is simple: If he can’t drink local, he’s just not drinking.

A Challenge to You
Eric wants to challenge you to do the same: This year, don’t just try for a “Dry January”, try a Local January instead.

Give the brewers, the winemakers, and the distillers here in Frederick County and across the state of Maryland a real opportunity to wow you. From our estate-grown grapes at Linganore to the experimental brews and ciders at Red Shedman and beyond, there is an exciting world of flavor waiting for you that didn’t have to travel halfway across the globe to reach your glass.

Why It Matters
By asking for local options at your favorite spots, we do more than just enjoy a great drink. We’re sending a message. We’re encouraging more restaurants and bars to bring in the high-quality, homegrown products that define our region. Next time you are at a local spot, tell them to Make Mine a Maryland!

So, here’s to a January that might be a little “damp,” but is 100% Maryland. Cheers to you, and cheers to local!