Maryland Wine Week kicks off today and runs through next Sunday 17 June. This second annual celebration from the Maryland Wineries Association features festivities across the state showcasing the 56 winery strong industry.

Restaurants and wine shops around Maryland will host winemaker dinners, special wine flights, wine themed menus, tastings and promotions – all about Maryland Wine. New this year is their MD Wine Pop-Up Tastings happening in downtown areas around the state.

Find featured events here. Their Facebook page has lots of great event info, restaurants featuring Maryland wine by the glass, updates and more. Join the conversation on Twitter while you’re enjoying Maryland wine… @MDWine / #mdwine and @MDWineWeek / #mdwineweek.

There are also eight Wine Trails across the state to explore. Take your Maryland Wine Passport you can pick up at any participating winery to keep track of your visits in your passport and online and get rewards like discounted event tickets, access to special receptions, etc…

I’m joining the fun tomorrow at the Annapolis Arts and Crafts Festival…a combination artists and craftsmen collection AND wine festival with over fifteen Maryland wineries sampling wines. I’ll be tweeting what I try.

Cheers to drink local & Maryland wine!