March 12, 2025 — A name well-known to the Maryland wine community has taken over as president of the state’s wineries association.
Melissa Aellen was appointed to the position last week.
She is a third-generation vintner and the director of winery operations at Linganore Winecellars and Simple Theory Wine Co., where she oversees all aspects of production and daily operations.
Her grandparents Jack and Lucille Aellen and her father Anthony planted their first 6 acres of vines on a portion of 230 acres of rolling countryside near New Market, Maryland, in 1972. Linganore Winecellars opened in 1976 in the lower half of a 19th-century post and beam barn that previously housed the farm’s dairy operation.
The Aellen family was instrumental in forming Maryland’s first American Viticultural Area (AVA).
Simple Theory Wine Co. opened a shop at 37 N. Market St. in Federick, Maryland, in December 2024. Its single-vineyard wines are crafted primarily from classic European varieties including Chardonnay, Albariño and Merlot.
“I am honored to have been entrusted with this position by my fellow wine community members,” Melissa Aellen told PennLive in an emailed response. “Growing up in the Maryland wine industry, I’ve always been passionate about Maryland wine and want to see our smaller region succeed in a very significant way. My mind constantly races with ideas to help push Maryland to the next level, and I’m thrilled to work along some of the industry’s best leaders to continue to promote and grow wine in Maryland.”
Maryland Wineries Association (MWA) is a non-profit, member-based trade association that represents more than 80 wineries across the state. MWA’s mission is to cultivate a sustainable wine-growing community by expanding agricultural products and by increasing awareness through special events, industry education, advocacy, promotions and tourism. It’s represented by the management group, Cultivate + Craft.
The group’s other officers include Lauren Zimmerman, Port of Leonardtown Winery, vice president; Damon Callis, The Urban Winery, treasurer; and Rachel Lipman, Loew Vineyards, secretary.
Here’s a link to the full list of officers, including regional representatives.
Aellen will preside over all MWA meetings, assist with membership initiatives and guide major policy discussions at this critical time of industry growth.
“Melissa has been an industry leader for years and we look forward to her dedication in the role of president of the association,” said Janna Howley, the MWA’s executive director.
After earning her Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and Enology from Cornell University, Aellen gained hands-on experience at six wineries across the United States and New Zealand before returning home to Maryland. She also holds an Executive MBA.
“Having grown up in the heart of Maryland wine country, I’ve had a front-row seat to the incredible evolution of our industry,” she said. “With a strong, united winery association, the sky’s the limit for what we can achieve. Maryland’s diverse wine regions offer something for every palate — from crisp whites to bold reds — giving locals and visitors alike the chance to explore a truly exciting and ever-expanding world of Maryland wines.”
Asked about the current state of Maryland wine, Aellen told PennLive that “it has been growing exponentially for the last two decades — from a mere 12 wineries 20 years ago to over 100 today, and we are fine-tuning our craft to showcase it on a larger stage, outside of the mid-Atlantic region. With new energy and investment into consumer engagement, intimate and engaging experiences, and community-led research, we are set to continue to grow and evolve together as a community.”
Still, she noted, there are challenges facing those involved in making and selling wine in Maryland and, frankly, in many places across the country.
“From uncertain funding to declining event attendance to overall decreases in wine sales globally, we are feeling a little pinch, but it’s the best time to reinvent,” she said. “Pivot and use the wisdom of the last 40 years to help position us for an incredibly successful next phase of Maryland wine.”
