May has been proclaimed Michigan Wine Month by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. According to the official proclamation, Michigan's wine and wine grape industry contributes $5.4 billion in economic impact. That includes a whopping $253 million in tourism spending. It also supports more than 47,000 jobs. That makes it an industry worth honoring, and let’s face it, there are
May is Michigan Wine Month and a great time to explore the budding greenery of the countryside. Why not pair your weekend retreat with some fine wine? Michigan’s flourishing grape industry is not only producing more award-winning wines than ever before, it has sprouted a booming addition to our tourism industry. While wineries and tasting rooms can
Wisconsin may be known for as the land of Cheeseheads, but that doesn’t mean it’s cornered the market on making or selling cheese, glorious cheese. In fact, it should come as no surprise that a state with well over 1,200 dairy farms, there is in fact, a Michigan cheese trail. If you are a cheese lover, then
Traditionally this is a wonderful time of year to make a visit to your favorite winery, or explore a wine trail, and this year is no exception. Grapes are ripening, the air is getting crisper, leaves are starting to change color…oh, and there’s wine! However, COVID-19 has changed the usual procedures so it’s best to prepare and
The 13th American Fine Wine Competition is in the books and the Best of Class list includes not one, but two entries from Black Star Farms out of Suttons Bay. The winery’s 2017 Arcturos Sauvignon Blanc captured top honors, and its 2017 Semi Dry Riesling maintained the top spot for the second year in a row. Black
Stock up on snacks, pick a meeting place, fill the tank, and hit the road. There are few things I enjoy more than a road trip, especially when it involves some of my favorite people. Such was the case recently, when my high school friends and I headed up north for a long overdue winetasting weekend. Winter
This Festival has established itself as Michigan’s annual tasting event, measured by more than 1,200 wines, beers, ciders and spirits from around the world, along with creations from the area’s finest restaurants. From the connoisseur who lives and breathes for the finer things in life to the novice looking for an introduction to the world of food
This Festival has established itself as Michigan’s annual tasting event, measured by more than 1,200 wines, beers, ciders and spirits from around the world, along with creations from the area’s finest restaurants. From the connoisseur who lives and breathes for the finer things in life to the novice looking for an introduction to the world of food
This Festival has established itself as Michigan’s annual tasting event, measured by more than 1,200 wines, beers, ciders and spirits from around the world, along with creations from the area’s finest restaurants. From the connoisseur who lives and breathes for the finer things in life to the novice looking for an introduction to the world of food
It’s apple harvesting season, and there’s nothing quite like biting into one of these sweet, crispy fruits of fall. That is of course, unless you take advantage of one of the many other scrumptious ways to drink in all that flavor. About half of the more than 20 million Michigan apples harvested each year, are processed into
Winemakers and oenophiles from both peninsulas gathered yesterday for the state’s ultimate celebration of fermented grapes in their many forms. The Gold Medal Reception for the Michigan Wine Competition was held at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center on the campus of Michigan State University. Guests at the annual event were invited to experience the best Michigan
The Michigan Beverage Garden is located in Town Square across from the famous clock and Marquis Theatre. Anyone may enter the area at no cost to enjoy the live entertainment and Faygo soft drinks. For those 21 and over, wishing to partake of a Michigan-made beer or wine, wristbands and tickets are available for purchase. Michigan Beverage
For some of us, winetasting can be a bit intimidating. Knowing common terms can help. Here are some of the most commonly-used words by oenophiles. Acidity — the liveliness and crispness in wine that activates our salivary glands Aging — holding wine in barrels, tanks, and bottles to advance them to a more desirable state Astringent — tasting term noting the harsh, bitter,
Paw Paw’s St. Julian Winery, Michigan’s oldest and longest-operating winery, has set its sights on expansion. The company has announced plans to open two new tasting locations this year according to Nancie Oxley, Vice President and Winemaker. “This is an exciting time for St. Julian as we continue to increase our overall wine and spirits production as well
While much of the libation attention in the state in recent years has been on the enormous growth in popularity and quality of the craft beer industry, our wineries have earned high acclaim as well. For example, earlier this year, Wine Enthusiast magazine chose Michigan as the only U.S. state on its global list of “Wine Regions
Traveling from vineyard to vineyard tasting fruit of the vine along one of Michigan’s wine trails has become one of the most popular things to do in our beautiful state. Each winery offers its own unique style, but it can be very time-consuming going from place to place, not to mention often involves travel. Well what if
Gubernatorial proclamations have made it an annual tradition for April to be celebrated as Michigan Wine Month. The designation kick-starts a season that attracts more than 2 million visitors. It’s also a good time to take a closer look at the economic impact of Michigan’s expanding wine industry, and toast the coming season. The number of wineries
