Press Release:

MT AIRY, Md., Sept. 30, 2024 –

Linganore Winecellars, a pioneering force in Maryland’s wine industry, has added another innovation notch to their belt. The progressive vineyard, winery duo has secured its first two of three Monarch electric utility tractors, the first all-electric utility tractors with autonomous features, with the support of the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) grant program. As a new addition to the fleet, these tractors provide cutting-edge technology with the same promise of efficient field operations as their fuel-reliant counterparts, and more. This strategic move emphasizes the winery’s commitment to sustainable farming and agricultural innovation in the wine industry.

Monarch Tractors provide a farmer-first approach to innovation whilst dually advocating for healthier solutions for the planet, the consumer, and the global food ecosystem. They aim to supply the technology needed for a more precise, profitable, and sustainable farming future. By attaining these state-of-the-art tractors, Linganore Winecellars is taking another significant step towards reducing their carbon footprint and promoting sustainable viticulture practices.

“We are super excited that after placing a deposit way back in February of 2021 that the first two of our three tractors have arrived,” said Eric Aellen, Vice President and Vineyard Manager. “We used them on Monday to have our first harvest with them to pick nearly 5 tons of Chambourcin.”

The epitome of modern agriculture, the tractors themselves will be powered by the winery’s on-site solar power plant, are driver-optional, and reduce emissions while increasing savings. They even have an app that farmers can use for automated operations planning, remote fleet management, and maintenance diagnostics, to name a few. Other key features include best-in-class safety, lower horsepower field operations, state-of-the-art battery systems, and fully electrified drivetrains that are proven to deliver relentless power and productivity.

“These tractors will replace tractors that we currently use, but with a green solution,” said Aellen. “The tractor still does the same work as the diesel tractors. We just get rid of the fossil fuels. We are trying to go green here. We are improving the environment by having a green tractor rather than one that’s using fossil fuels.”

Instrumental in this transition, Linganore was able to acquire these tractors through the MEA’s Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) ZEV Grant. The grant was designed to support local government and commercial fleets with the purchase of new on- and off-road MHD ZEVs to aid in the adoption of clean energy technologies such as Monarch electric tractors. The awarded funding amount is 75% of the difference between the cost of the ZEV and the conventional fuel vehicle alternative and facilitated the acquisition and integration of these electric tractors for Linganore, and their many foreseeable uses.

“Not only are we planning on using these new tractors for harvesting, hand picking, and bringing fruit back and forth from vineyard to production, but we are also planning on using them for mowing and for other tasks that happen regularly in the vineyard,” said Aellen.

As Linganore Winecellars continues to prioritize sustainable practices, the use of Monarch electric tractors is a testament of their dedication to sustainable wine production. The new tractors are expected to play a crucial role in the vineyard’s operations, helping to cultivate the highest quality grapes while minimizing environmental impact, and will serve as an inspiration to the industry and the community, demonstrating that agricultural advances and sustainability go hand in hand.

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Linganore Winecellars is a 48-year-old family-owned business. As the largest winery in Maryland, they are dedicated to sustainability and innovation, continually seeking ways to enhance its operations and contribute to the local community since the 1970’s.  

For more information about Linganore Winecellars and its commitment to sustainability, please visit www.linganorewines.com

For more information on Monarch visit https://www.monarchtractor.com/

For more information, including additional program requirements on the MHD ZEV Grant, see the MEA MHD ZEV Grant Program website.