I have lived in Michigan for most of my life, but it was only as an adult that I truly fell in love with all it has to offer. When I was young, this was just home – I didn’t know how to appreciate all that our state had to offer. I didn’t appreciate the gorgeous coastlines, the uniqueness of our cities and towns, the diversity of our citizens, or the singular brand of beauty that can only Michigan possesses. Even after I learned those things, it took me a while to catch on to the Michigan beverage industry and the high-quality beer, wine and spirits they were producing.
Michigan wine was my first love when it came to drinking Michigan. In fact, when Audrey and I started Drink Michigan, we had a pretty clear division – she knew more about craft beer, and I knew more about wine. Over the years, we’ve shared our knowledge with each other, and learned so much more together, of course, but in so many ways, that original division of our passions still exists.
There’s a lot of well-deserved press out there about the Michigan craft beer industry – a lot of it from us. It’s a booming industry that’s making its mark on the craft beer world, and has positive economic implications for our state. We could not be more proud of what Michigan brewers are doing.
The same thing can be said for our Michigan wineries – the quality of the wine produced in our state is astounding.
There are so many things to love about the Michigan wine industry, but I first want to start with the winemakers. They’ve intentionally bred a culture that is accessible and welcoming, and so different from any other wine region in the world. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some of the most well-known wineries in Europe – I’ve been to Tuscany and Bordeaux and many others – and not one of them offers the warmth that Michigan wineries do. Whether you’re a wine “expert” or novice, you’re welcomed into Michigan tasting rooms with a smile. There’s no wine snobbery here – Michigan winemakers are eager to share their passion and knowledge, and are honestly grateful for each person who walks through their doors.
The diversity of our winemakers and their styles is also something that Michigan wine does so well. As you drive through any of our wine trails, you’ll find a unique vibe in each tasting room. You can go from modern at 2 Lads, to Old World charm at Ciccone, to farmhouse style at Black Star Farms, to nothing but bubbly at L.Mawby – all within a 30 minute drive of each other.
It’s not just the beauty and kindness that make Michigan wine special – it’s the wine itself. Our wines are winning worldwide competitions, and becoming recognized around the globe for their superior quality and craftsmanship. Like many things in the world, it is passion and artistry that separate the good from the best, and Michigan wine has an abundance of both.
Each year, we are fortunate enough to be invited to the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association Media Weekend in April. It’s our chance to go up north, tour the Leelanau wine trail, and attend a winemakers reception. This is by far the best weekend of the year for us! This year, we hit a personal record with 6 wineries visited. We started our day the way we always do: at Black Star Farms, then headed to L.Mawby, Ciccone, Blustone (new and beautiful – a must visit), Bel Lago (where we were lucky enough to get a tour and do some tasting right from the barrels and tanks!), and 45 North (puppies galore!).
If, like me just a few short years ago, you are new to Michigan wine, or unsure of how to begin, then I highly recommend that you join us for this year’s Traverse City Wine & Art Festival weekend. The festival Saturday will give you the chance to taste wine from nearly all of the wineries on the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas in one place, for one flat price. This is a great way to learn about what you like, what you don’t like, and get introduced to new wineries. This festival has been a favorite of ours for years – it’s all of our favorite wineries in one place, along with excellent food, fun entertainment, and beautiful art by local artists. This year, they’ve added on a very special Friday night event – a Winemakers Party. This event will allow you to get to know many of the winemakers of the region, sample their wine paired with small plates from extraordinary local chefs.
If you’re more interested in the southwest Michigan wine scene, then get yourself over to the Toast The Coast At The Lake Wine Festival this weekend in Bridgman. This festival is one of the best events that happens in the state of Michigan all year long. It’s delicious wine and food and great live entertainment all right on Weko Beach. You can cool off during the festival with a quick dip right in Lake Michigan!
No matter what, I hope you’ll take the time to explore Michigan wine country this summer. No matter what your tastes or experience with wine, I know you’ll find something to fall in love with. Just spending a day driving through a Michigan wine trail is beautiful in itself – it’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy a weekend.
If you’ve never been wine tasting in Michigan but want to go, let us know – we’re always happy to help you plan an itinerary.
If you have been wine tasting in Michigan, let us know your favorite winery. I’m on a mission to try out some of the places I haven’t been yet, and would love to know what you recommend.
