In pursuit of that mission, MWC applied for the 2021 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant aimed at creating a unified brand image for the entire Michigan wine industry. This grant intends to create and circulate a cohesive brand image in order to sustain and increase grape sales and production in the state of Michigan.

In order to achieve those goals MWC is partnering with an elite marketing firm to build the new brand and launch into the marketplace. We are in the final stages of selecting the marketing firm with a track record of success in regards to elite branding and marketing projects.

We are excited to begin this new era of Michigan wine with a strong brand image which we hope will create an emotional connection between the Michigan grape and wine industries and the consumers in the state and outside of it.

We will be circulating a press release once we have selected our marketing firm partner.

We’ve been busy working out the details on an event that will continue to serve the needs of you, our community of the East. The Conference program and speaker line-up is complete. The full event agenda is now posted. The Exhibit Hall is filling out. Registration and room blocks will open next month.

Time flies when you’re busy harvesting grapes and making wine. Now that December is here fermentations are complete, red wines are pressed and wines are getting settled in tanks and barrels for the winter ahead. Now we can take a break from the vineyard, winery and tasting room and look forward to 2022 and what lies ahead.
MDARD Specialty Crop Block Grant: Brian Lillie and his Marketing team won a grant of $125,000 for the MWC to market and promote Michigan Wines over the next two years. This project will have a HUGE impact on our efforts to promote Michigan wines so stay tuned to see what the Marketing team has planned for 2022.
Northwest Orchard and Vineyard Show Wine Marketing Session: A session on wine marketing is scheduled for Tuesday, January 18th from 9:55 to 11:15. Several experts in wine marketing in emerging regions have been invited to share their insight and suggestions for Michigan as we grow our industry.
MWC Annual Meeting: We will conduct our annual meeting at the Northwest Orchard and Vineyard Show January 19th. We will conduct an election for Board Members, report on progress for 2021 and plans for 2022. We hope you can attend. If you would like to join the team on our Board of Directors to guide and support the Michigan wine industry in the years ahead, please contact our Executive Director, Emily Dockery for a list of Board openings and to sign up to run for a seat.
PA 232 Meetings: We plan to begin working with MDARD to schedule industry meetings in the first quarter of 2022 to discuss the possibility of a PA 232 program for wine grapes. Watch your email for information and updates as plans come together.
Judgement of Michigan 2022: We are planning on holding this competition again for the 2nd year at Lake Michigan College. Reach out to Emily Dockery if you are interested in helping out with planning, organizing or executing the competition.
It’s going to be a busy and exciting year ahead. Please plan to join the Michigan Wine Collaborative Team to guide the success and sustainability of our industry in 2022 and beyond!
Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season!