Lower Shore Chambers Unite for Regional Networking Mixer at Bordeleau Vineyards & Winery

Allen, MD — Despite rainy weather across the Lower Shore, more than 100 business professionals gathered yesterday at Bordeleau Vineyards & Winery for a regional Multi-Chamber Mixer that brought together members from eight Chambers of Commerce across Delmarva for an evening of networking, local food, award-winning wine, and regional collaboration.

The event gave a unique opportunity for Chamber members to connect with business leaders and professionals from neighboring communities while enjoying the scenic setting of one of Maryland’s premier wineries. Participating Chambers included the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce, Crisfield Chamber of Commerce, Fruitland Chamber of Commerce, Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, Princess Anne Chamber of Commerce, Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Worcester County Chamber at Ocean Pines.

Guests enjoyed Bordeleau’s signature wines, delicious offerings from Playa Bowls and Billie’s Catering, and the opportunity to expand their professional networks with business leaders from across the region. Lakeside at Mallard Landing provided cute hand fans and Grocery Outlet provided bottled water to keep guests cool on the rainy, muggy day.

Bordeleau Vineyards & Winery co-owner and winemaker Tom Shelton welcomed attendees and shared exciting news that he and wife Lisa Shelton will celebrate the winery’s 20th anniversary in August 2026.

Shelton’s journey to creating one of Maryland’s most respected wineries began with a lifelong interest in agriculture and winemaking. After purchasing a farm in Allen, Maryland, in 1998, he planted his first grapevines in 1999, starting with Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, and Chambourcin. Additional plantings followed over the next several years, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Pinot Grigio, Viognier, and Muscat.

From vineyard management and pruning to bottling operations and tasting room service, Shelton remains personally involved in every step of the winemaking process. His hands-on commitment to quality has helped establish Bordeleau as one of Maryland’s premier wineries, earning recognition for its award-winning wines and exceptional guest experience.

A highlight of the evening was the drawing of door prize gift baskets contributed by each participating Chamber of Commerce and local member businesses. The baskets featured gift cards, summer essentials, coolers, promotional items, and other prizes donated by Chamber members throughout the region.

Door prize winners included:

• Ryan McManus – Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Gift Basket
• Ross Taylor – Fruitland Chamber of Commerce Gift Basket
• Corey Boerner – Worcester County Chamber at Ocean Pines Gift Basket
• Joseph Londeree – Mercantile Processing Gift Basket
• Hank and Sharon Yuloff – Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Gift Basket, sponsored by Cole Gismondi, Payne Team RE/MAX Advantage Realty

The Multi-Chamber Mixer continues to serve as an important regional networking event, fostering relationships among businesses throughout the Lower Shore while highlighting local venues, attractions, and entrepreneurs that contribute to Delmarva’s economic vitality.

The SACC thanks Bordeleau Vineyards & Winery, Playa Bowls, Billie’s Catering, participating Chambers, Grocery Outlet, Lakeside at Mallard Landing, and attendees for helping make the event a huge success despite the inclement weather.

For information on upcoming chamber events, visit salisburyarea.com.