When's the last time you had a glass of Maryland wine? Did you know that only last year, Fiore's Chambourcin received a highly coveted three stars in Decanter magazine (www.decanter.com)?If you, like me, appreciate the fact we live in a state that has a blossoming wine making industry and want to keep it that way, now more than ever, the wineries need your support.

Some Maryland wine recommendations for this evening: Woodhall Seyval 2004, Basignani Chardonnay 2004, Elk Run Riesling 2004, St Michael's Winery Chardonnay 2005, Cygnus Cabernet Sauvignon, Boordy Vineyards Seyval, Vidal and Chardonnay blend 2003, Woodhall Duet 2003 (a blend of Cabernet and Merlot), Penn Oaks winery Muller- Thurgau and Woodhall Copernica Reserve. Most with the exception of the Copernica (which has won numerous awards locally, regionally and nationally, including the highly coveted Governor's Cup) are under $15 a bottle.

To make a long story short, as per the Maryland Winery Association web site: The Maryland Wineries were notified by the Comptroller's Office that as of May 31, 2006, they will no longer be permitted to sell and deliver wines to retail stores and restaurants in the State. Losing this ability will cause great harm to the wineries, the industry and the prospects for new growth in this vibrant new agriculture. It's a thorny issue, and not being a lawyer I prefer to direct you to the facts so you can make up your own mind about where you stand. I hope, like me, you'll raise your voice and write your representatitve to reconsider this preposterous legislation. In my humble opinion, it's not good business and it just doesn't make sense. Since the days I ran Slow Food in Maryland I've always been an advocate for "Think Global act Local" this is a chance to put my money where my mouth is, I hope you'll join me.

Our March events are sold out so save the date for April 26th! This year, I'm inviting you to join me in celebrating two years of wining and dining. True, as with any great idea it seems women-only wine groups are popping up all over the place. No time like the present to come celebrate the original - The Women's Wine & Dine! Wednesday April 26th, Chefs Dan and Chris are preparing something amazing. We promise you fine wine, fabulous eats, great fashion and loads of fun! Expert stylist and personal shopper extraordinaire Lori Kilberg (Nordstrom and Vasarri) will give us real advice regarding the summer season's funky styles and the experts from Water Water Everywhere are on a mission to prove you can love yourself in a bathing suit (no matter what your size!). More details on the wines to come shortly.This is our only event in April - but it's going to be a biggie! Please join us for a night to remember, great prizes and giveaways and an all around grape girls night out!

In May, June and July stay tuned for events that are completely "outside of the bottle" including our first ever golf outing "Girl, Get your Golf Game On!" in support of My Sister's Circle a fantastic mentoring organization for young girls aged 11-15. Just when you thought you knew what to expect from the WW&D we will surprise you.

One of my favorite sayings goes: Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that repeating a successful formula, or what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow.=94 With that in mind, watch out - we are headed for a summer filled with more fun than you can handle.

Join me for a day that includes fabulous guest speakers, breakfast & lunch and a lot of education, networking and fun. I will be hosting (though it may be full - check when you register) a seminar entitled Wine for Women 101. I hope to see you there, its for a terrific and very important cause.

We are almost sold out for our trip on June 30th to Montreal ending Monday July 3rd (getting you home in time for July 4th of course!). There are only two spots left. Don't miss out on this grape time in a city Gourmet magazine just featured in their March issue as a "major food and wine destination on par with Paris, San Francisco, London, NYC ". We promise you a hoot of a first class time! We will close out reservations in one week.

Join WW&D member, BGE spokesperson and past WW&D Guest speaker Allegra Bennett for a true women-only happening of huge proportions. April 1, 2006 at Houseworks in downtown Baltimore come learn about all kinds of things from recognized industry experts.

EMPOWER YOURSELF! Learn how your house works Learn how to fix what is broken yourself Get hands on experience fixing a hole in a wall Learn how to replace a toilet, install safety features and demystify those pesky fix-it tasks around the house Get design tips for your problem room.

Breakfast & lunch as well as a variety of workshops will be offered for the modest sum of $25 in advance until March 25th and $35 at the door. You can learn about all kinds of things and there's even a workshop called "Starting a wine cellar in any space" conducted by yours truly! A portion of the profits will be donated to one of our favorite charities, The Women's Housing Coalition. For that alone, you need to be there.

If you're not a morning person, set the VCR or DVD recorder and learn about fantastic wine and cheeses made right here in Maryland. No time like the present to encourage the Maryland wine industry - visit a winery today!