MWA Board Elects New Officers

Three new Board members Elected to Leadership Roles

The Maryland Wineries Association Board of Directors has elected officers to lead the organization through 2021.

• President: Judy Crow, Crow Vineyards – Kennedyville, Kent Co.
• Vice President: Adam Fizyta, Catoctin Breeze Vineyard – Thurmont/Frederick Co.
• Treasurer: Kimberly Johnson, Philosophy Winery – Baltimore City
• Secretary: Karen Seppi, Love Point Vineyards – Stevensville, Queen Anne’s County

“This executive committee represents a variety of business models, providing a great foundation for our work ahead,” said Kevin Atticks, MWA’s executive director.

“After many pivots and changes last year due to COVID, I am confident that the Maryland wine industry will flourish,” said Judy Crow, who has served as president since 2018, and was asked to continue in the role in an acting capacity, pending a bylaws change. “There are so many talented and committed Board member that work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that any obstacles that we may encounter can be overcome.”

Adam Fizyta’s Catoctin Breeze Vineyard has earned two Comptroller’s Cup Best in Show awards in the last three years. Kimberly Johnson is co-owner of Maryland’s first African American women-owned winery in Maryland. Karen Seppi is co-owner of one of Maryland’s newest wineries, which began selling wines during COVID. All three joined the Board in January.

The organization’s primary goals are to promote and grow the Maryland wine industry.

Kevin Atticks, Executive Director
Maryland Wineries Association

Michael Zollo grew up in wine. His father and grandfather made wine in their basement sharing the art with young Michael. After seven years as a home winemaker in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, he had the opportunity to go to California to pursue his hobby and passion professionally. His wine making skills were furthered with under the tutelage of Jacques Mercier at Solune Winegrowers.

Zollo looked east and met the Crow Vineyard team in mid-April 2017. According to Zollo, “I am enthusiastic to be named Winemaker at Crow Vineyard and look forward to establishing the Chesapeake Bay Area as the next great wine region”. Zollo will work with Crow’s wine consultant John Levenberg to explore new techniques for the betterment of Chesapeake Eastern Shore wines. He loves to sing in the winery, especially while cleaning tanks because of the amazing acoustics.  Per Zollo part of making great wine is a fun and fantastically clean winery.

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