Dickerson, MD – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Finance and Small Business committees, toured the state-of-the-art facilities at the Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard today. The visit was the first stop in Montgomery County for his ‘Made in Maryland’ tour of companies that are making innovative products and reinvesting in our communities to help grow Maryland’s economy. Following the tour, Senator Cardin was joined by local businesses, including other Maryland wineries, catering and tourism representatives to discuss how the federal government could best support regional businesses.

“Small businesses like Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard are at the heart of Maryland’s and the nation’s economic recovery. My Made in Maryland tour is designed to highlight the diverse products being produced in our great state. We’re also celebrating the hardworking Marylanders who make these products, and the companies who are providing jobs in our local communities. America’s manufacturing sector and our innovators have played a major role in reviving our economy and creating the strongest middle class in history. 

“There is so much commonsense, federal legislation Congress can pass to help small businesses and the middle class. Immigration reform, tax reform, and a farm bill would all give small businesses the resources and certainty they need to grow. When companies like Sugarloaf Mountain succeed, so do local economies, the middle class and the Nation as a whole. I am committed to making sure they have the tools they need to do exactly that. ”

The Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard employs approximately 20 people.  Since their inception they have won numerous awards and continue to grow. Overall, there are more than 50 wineries and 600 acres of grapes in our state. In 2011, Maryland wineries sold more than 1.7 million bottles of wine. “Our job in Washington should be to make it easier for small businesses succeed,” Senator Cardin added.”

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