Cool Temperatures Can't Stop Weekly Business Visit

Despite cool temperatures representatives from Frederick County Government and members from the Business Development Advisory Council were hosted by Catoctin Breeze Vineyard for a busines visit. Sherman Coleman and Colby Ferguson, both from the Business Development and Retention Division of Frederick County Government were also guests of Mr. Voytek Fizyta. The 24 acre vineyard has been in business for two years and was a dream of Mr. Fizyta when he arived in this country from Poland 31 years ago. Fizyta's grapes will be ready for harvesting later this year, but the Polish immigrant and electrical engineer has already made a variety of honey wines, traditionally known as Mead. The vineyard represents the ninth and newest Frederick County winery, and offers two table wines and three dessert wines. When Fizyta and his wife Alicja, looked to relocate from Potomac five years ago they immediately fell in love with the hilly terrain in Thurmont which provided the perfect spot for growing grapes because of the soil. Perched along hilly terrain, grapes get ample sunlight at Catoctin Breeze Winery. The constant breeze evaporates moisture which is a major problem for East Coast grape growers. The Fizytas outfitted their 1,200-square-foot basement to accommodate making wines. They expect their first significant harvest from the 2011 planting later this year. they are also planning to build a production facility on the premises in the near future. The business is licensed to sell wine directly to consumers and restaurants, using the company's website, www.catoctinbreeze.com