July 2020 Newsletter

Catch up on happenings from a month back to business, an introduction to our newest committee, and a message from the MWC President!

An Introduction to MWC’s Newest Committee: Inclusion & Expansion

The Michigan Wine Collaborative is partnering with George Walker III of Graped Out to form a committee to tackle inclusion and expansion of the wine industry to include more POC, Women, and LGBTQ wine professionals in positions IN the industry and as a way to increase consumer-ship in direct to customer sales, on premise sales, off premise sales, and tourism/tasting room sales. The committee is currently working on forming the core committee, sub committees, and initiatives now. This committee is being chaired by George Walker III of Graped Out and co chaired by MWC Executive Director, Emily Dockery. If you are interested in learning more about the committee, contributing time or resources, or have a committee member nomination please CONTACT US!

Our Mission:
To provide representation and advocacy to underserved demographics in order to increase inclusion and expansion of the Michigan wine industry through increased consumption and sales of Michigan wine, increased tourism, and a diverse recruitment pipeline to the industry.

Some new members recruited for this committee include:
Graped Out
House of Pure Vin
Drew Ryan Wines
GRNoir

What a year 2020 has been! Winery tasting rooms are cautiously reopening after being closed for 12
weeks. Everyone winery is taking precautions to tailor their operations for safety of both staff and
guests. Working together we can remain open while doing everything we can to slow the spread of
Covid 19. The MWC has a link to the Michigan Government website containing information for best
practices for business reopening. Please check it out if you haven’t already HERE.
Michigan Wine Month was a big success with virtual tastings, the All-In Michigan wine challenge which
raised over $10,000 for restaurant and hospitality workers and the opportunity to reconnect with
Michigan wine fans. Even though tasting rooms were closed, lots of folks got creative to make Michigan
Wine Month fun and keep Michigan wine flowing in consumer’s homes.

After much effort to keep the Michigan Wine Competition viable for 2020, the decision was finally made
to cancel the event for this year. Uncertainty surrounding Covid 19 and the safety of our judges,
volunteers and others involved with the competition led to the conclusion that canceling the
competition was the only safe option. The MWC is rethinking how the competition might go forward in a
Covid 19 world in 2021. We will be working with our partners at MSU and others as we begin planning
next year’s event. We look forward to a summer of simple pleasures like enjoying the great outdoors and patio dining as we work together to get through the Covid 19 pandemic.

We encourage everyone to stay safe by following guidelines provided by the CDC and the State of Michigan to slow the spread!
Watch our website, e-news and Facebook for information on our activities as we work through the Covid 19 Pandemic together.
-Dave Miller
MWC President

Michigan Wine Country Press Release Promotion and Magazine Reorder Information

There are a couple of new features on the Michigan Wine Country website.
First, there’s a new home for winery and Michigan wine industry press releases. Please send them, along with a picture, to [email protected] and we’ll get them online and also promote them as we can on social media.
Second, new wineries can register for consideration to be included in Michigan Wine Country’s online and magazine listings by completing the new registration contact form.
Just a reminder, now that wineries are reopening and beginning to plan in-person events again, the website offers a means for wineries to submit events directly to the online calendar. Given the lack of recent events, there isn’t much there now. MWC hopes to build it back up as wineries host more activities.
Any questions? Email [email protected].

Michigan Wine in the News

Check out notable mentions in the media featuring Michigan Wine Collaborative members and promoting the Michigan Wine Industry

Keep Reading

Michigan Craft Beverage Council Industry Newsletter

The Michigan Craft Beverage Council supports a hard-working, collaborative industry with deep agricultural roots. Industry-led and engaged, our work connects growers and producers, guides important research, and promotes Michigan as a world-class craft beverage destination. We also leverage organizational, supply chain and agricultural partnerships – crafting connections from the ground up.

Sign up for the Michigan Craft Beverage Council industry newsletter to receive timely resources, research updates, and other news for producers, growers, crafters, and related supply chain businesses. Please note that when you enter the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development subscription page, you will scroll all the way to the bottom of the list to find Michigan Craft Beverage Industry News. You may also want to check out the recently posted newsletter online. Thank you for your interest! Please direct questions to Jenelle at [email protected].