Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/66135
WineEast nados, since they are so rare in Maryland. "We've been here since 1972, and it's the first we've experienced," he said. Aellen said that no wine was lost, but he had yet to check on his 60 acres of mostly hybrid grapevines. "The people from the NWS said that the highest-velocity winds start at 20-30 feet above the ground, and my vines are trained on 6-foot-high wire cordons," he explained. Buds are just beginning to swell in his vineyards. More than they bargained for? In an improbable twist of fate, scant months ago the winery an- nounced on its website, "As of Feb.1, 2011, 100% of the electric- ity used at the winery will be generated from wind power….We have now made the commitment to green energy by buying all of our electricity from wind-generated sources." Despite the havoc, Aellen seemed in surprisingly good spirits, and the tasting room, which was not damaged, did a whirlwind business Sunday. "We were packed after the storm; it was so rare for this part of the world," he said. Some curious visitors commented on his cheerful demeanor, saying: "You're not too upset." His response: "Nobody died. It's wood and steel. It can all be rebuilt." PolyMax_Jan11.qxp 12/7/10 2:13 PM Page 1 The grape-processing facility at Linganore Winecellars now has an unwanted sunroof, thanks to a tornado that struck the winery April 16. Founded by the Aellen family in 1976, Linganore has increased production about 20% per year since 1989, attain- ing an estimated 47,000 cases for the 2010 vintage, Aellen reported. When state auditors paid their annual visit last year, one commented, "There are 50 wineries in Maryland, but you make 50% of the state's wine." (WinesVinesDATA currently lists 46 licensed wineries.) About 50% of Linganore's production is sold direct-to-con- sumers at the popular destination winery (there is no wine club.) "We're distributed nationwide…as long as you live in Maryland," Aellen said. "It's neat," he commented about the unprecedented storm. "People don't appreciate the power of nature. This puts you in perspective. "When the weather's good, you drink wine. When the weather's bad, you drink wine." —Jane Firstenfeld Wines & Vines JUne 2011 63