Detour, MD – Maryland Wine Cellars is one of this year’s finalists in the fifth annual Carroll Biz Challenge in Carroll County, Maryland. The Barkers, who never experienced farming before, are now becoming agriculture experts as their winery grows.

Although agricultural production occurs in all 50 United States, Maryland isn’t exactly known for its strong agriculture industry. Luckily, the Bakers are doing everything they can to change that.

According to the Carroll County Times, Enter Exit Escape, an entertainment venue that focuses on live adventure experiences took first place. Even though Maryland Wine Cellars didn’t win this year’s $5,000 grand prize, they are still moving toward their goal of bringing quality wine to Maryland and helping people transition into the winemaking industry. 

The Bakers currently have six brands of wine on their company property.

“I think each brand is much better because of the space,” said Baker.

Carroll County used to have a much larger farming population, but wine-related agricultural property is becoming more of the norm, bringing value back to the area.

“It’s really bringing a whole new market that didn’t exist before,” said Baker.

The Baltimore Sun reports that Kimmi Doran, 17, winner of the 2016 Miss Harford Farm Bureau competition, plans on spreading awareness about Maryland’s agriculture over the next few years.

“Teaching the public about agriculture is very important because some people from other areas don’t know where their food comes from, so for them to know that the walking in the ring is the animal that is eventually on their plate is very important,” said Doran. “I am very fortunate to win this competition; I am very excited to meet as many agricultural people throughout my journey that can teach me new things so I can help teach agriculture around our county.”

Kimmi, who is a 2016 graduate of North Harford High School, plans on studying early childhood special education at Harford Community College and wants to become a special education teacher.

“We are very fortunate to live in such an area where agriculture is so plentiful,” said Doran.