January 2022 Newsletter
Prepare for the 2022 Annual Meeting and Election, Explore events at Black Star Farms, Plan for the 2022 Eastern Winery Exposition, Read a message from MWC President, and more! |
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2022 Orchard & Vineyard Show
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| The 2022 Northwest Michigan Orchard and Vineyard Show is scheduled for Jan. 18-19 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Michigan. Registration opens at 8 a.m. on Jan. 18 and the cost for both days is $45 in advance and $50 at the door. The line is often long at the registration desk, so meeting attendees are encouraged to arrive well before the 9 a.m. start time. Both days will feature educational programs and vendor exhibits.
MWC is encouraging all attendees to wear masks during this event. |
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Join us for the MWC Wine Marketing Panel, an update on the 4H Viticulture Project, a sponsored luncheon with keynote speaker Jenelle Jagmin of the MI Craft Beverage Council, the 2022 MWC Annual Meeting and Election, and more. See the schedule of sessions below.
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2022 MWC Election & Annual Meeting
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| The MWC Election and Annual Meeting will take place during the 2022 Orchard & Vineyard Show in Traverse City, January 18th-19th. Our meeting will be on January 19th at 2:30 pm. We encourage all members to attend the conference and the Annual Meeting, however, remote participation options will be available.
We have some open board seats, executive positions, and committee chair posts available for dedicated MWC members looking to get involved.
OPEN BOARD SEATS 2022
GRAPE GROWER (OUTSIDE OF SW & NW MICHIGAN)- CANDIDATE: PATRICK SPENSLEY OF CHERRY CREEK CELLARS
WINERY (OUTSIDE OF SW & NW MICHIGAN)- CANDIDATE: PETER KING OF DREW RYAN WINES
SW GRAPE GROWER- CANDIDATE BY SIDNEY FINAN OF STRANGER WINE CO
BOARD SEATS UP FOR RE-ELECTION (These CAN be contested if you are interested in running for any of the seats below)
NW WINERY (CURRENTLY HELD BY LEE LUTES OF BLACK STAR FARMS)- NO OPPOSITION CURRENTLY
SE WINERY (CURRENTLY HELD BY BOB UTTER OF FLYING OTTER WINERY)- NO OPPOSITION CURRENTLY
NW GRAPE GROWER (CURRENTLY HELD BY TOM PETZOLD OF TEN HANDS VINEYARDS)- NO OPPOSITION CURRENTLY
TOURISM (CURRENTLY HELD BY ED PEABODY OF HOUR DETROIT/MICHIGAN WINE COUNTRY)- NO OPPOSITION CURRENTLY
EXECUTIVE POSITIONS AVAILABLE
VICE PRESIDENT- CANDIDATE: BRIAN LILLIE OF CHATEAU CHANTAL
TREASURER (UP FOR RE-ELECTION; HELD BY LEE LUTES)- NO OPPOSITION CURRENTLY
COMMITTEE CHAIR POSITIONS
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE |
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MWC Announces Partner for 2021 SCBG Grant Project
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| Partnering with the Michigan Wine Collaborative for our 2021 Specialty Crop Block Grant is Factory Detroit, Inc., a Royal Oak-based advertising and design firm founded by Mark Lantz, one of the creators of the state’s groundbreaking Pure Michigan marketing campaign.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Michigan’s wine industry on this initiative,” Lantz said. “Agriculture is vital to this state’s economy. Helping shine a light on Michigan’s vineyards, wineries and wines can make a difference statewide. And it’s a great excuse for enjoying the excellent product our wine industry creates. Not that we really need one.”
Brian Lillie of Chateau Chantal and the MWC Marketing & Communications Chair has been the driving force behind this important initiative. “The time is now for Michigan Wine. It’s time to share fruitful stories from our industry’s work…from budbreak to bottle where our one-of-a-kind landscape has produced amazing fruit cultivated from the hands of the farmer, tamed and crafted through the hands of the winemaker, and ready to be enjoyed for all of its amazing graces on the palates of the consumer.” Lillie says. |
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Events at Black Star Farms
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| Experience Black Star Farms Suttons Bay in its winter splendor! Explore our easy to moderate trails, then warm up with a glass of mulled wine on the Terrace Patio. The Hearth & Vine Café will also be offering some hot nibbles at the tasting room (the café is closed for the season) to enjoy after your hard work. This is your chance to take in the woods, orchards, and vineyards on our iconic estate while beautifully blanketed in snow.
This fun, adventurous event is offered *Saturdays (except New Year’s Day) through winter.
Click Here to Learn More!
Enjoy an intimate 3-course dining experience at the exclusive Inn at Black Star Farms. Our Estate Chef has created a special prix fixe menu to accompany our wines and help you warm up on a chilly day. With our open kitchen, you can enjoy the sights and smells as your food is prepared while sipping on a glass of vino. The setting is casual, but your meal will be exquisite. Dinner begins at 6:30 pm, and seating is limited.
$50 per person (does not include tax or service fee)
Wines by the glass/bottle will be available for an additional cost.
Click Here to Learn More!
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Eastern Winery Expo Discounted Rate for MWC Members
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I write this as we watch the final days of 2021 pass. 2021 has been a challenge but our tasting rooms remained open and wine sales were strong. The wine grape crop was large and of excellent quality, producing outstanding wines. Late – season rains dampened our spirits a bit, but the quality of the vintage was set long before that, during the June through September period.
The year ahead promises to be busy as we continue to get back to our new normal. We are excited to tackle some projects that have been on hold since early 2020. Join us at the annual meeting and join one of our committees to help guide the future of Michigan’s wine industry and help on a project you are passionate about.
If you have not registered for the Northwest Orchard and Vineyard Show I encourage you to consider joining us for an in-person gathering in mid-January. The MWC is sponsoring a wine marketing session January 18th with speakers from other up and coming wine regions sharing their secrets for success. There is tremendous interest in this topic and this session features some of the most savvy marketing representatives in North America.
We will conduct our annual meeting at the Northwest Orchard and Vineyard Show January 19th. There be 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.
Finally, this will be my last newsletter as the MWC President. I will be handing off the leadership responsibilities to our Vice President, Gina Shay, who will do a wonderful job guiding the MWC for the next two years. Gina’s energy, can – do attitude and knowledge of the industry are sure to provide the leadership necessary to take the MWC to the next level. I am excited to see what’s to come under Gina’s guidance. It has been an honor to serve with the dedicated group who make up the MWC and to serve as President of this awesome organization.
Cheers and Happy New Year!
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Michigan Wine in the News
Check out notable mentions in the media featuring Michigan Wine Collaborative members and promoting the Michigan Wine Industry
Click Here to Read the News! |
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| The Michigan Wine Collaborative appreciates support from the following supplier/vendor members, sponsors, and donors: |
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| 2021 MWC Sponsors & Donors |
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