FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2026
Taste Michigan Educational Wine Tasting Sessions at the Grand Rapids Wine Fest
Meet Michigan Winemakers and Wine Experts for Interactive Tastings Exploring Sparkling Wines, Sensory Science, and the Stories Behind the Glass
Media Contact:
Emily Dockery
Executive Director
Michigan Wine Collaborative
info@michiganwinecollaborative.com
(269) 615-8739
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.- Michigan wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to go beyond the tasting room and explore the wines, people, and stories behind Michigan’s growing wine industry during a series of guided educational tasting sessions presented by the Michigan Wine Collaborative and Taste Michigan at the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, November 20–21, at DeVos Place.
Featuring award-winning winemakers, wine educators, and industry storytellers, the sessions will explore everything from holiday-ready sparkling wines and the science of sensory perception to the unique identities of Michigan wineries and the stories behind each glass.
“One of the most exciting things about Michigan wine is how much there is to discover, whether you’re exploring a new grape variety, learning about the science behind tasting, or getting to know the people and places behind your favorite wines,” said Emily Dockery, Executive Director of the Michigan Wine Collaborative. “These sessions are designed to make Michigan wine education approachable, engaging, and fun while giving guests a deeper appreciation for the incredible diversity of wines being produced across our state.”
Discover Michigan Wine Through Guided Tasting Experiences
Bottled Harmony: The Wines of Harmony Estates with Michigan’s Winemaker of the Year
Explore the distinctive wines of Bel Lago, French Valley Vineyard, and North Farm in a guided tasting featuring the expertise of Blake Lougheed, the 2026 Taste MI Governor’s Cup Winemaker of the Year. Discover how three Michigan wineries maintain their own distinct identities while finding harmony in the vineyard, the cellar, and the glass.
Holiday Bubbles: Celebrate the Season with Verterra Winery
Raise a glass to the holiday season with Verterra Winery as they unveil five newly released sparkling wines perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, Christmas celebrations, and New Year’s festivities. Guests will explore a selection of sparkling wines, including a traditionally made Pinot Noir sparkling wine, award-winning Brut Sparkling Rosé, Chaos featuring Pinot Grigio and Pinot Blanc, the festive rosé Joy, and the newest vintage of Sparkling Pinot Blanc. Discover distinctive Michigan bubbles that bring sparkle to holiday tables, celebrations, and gift-giving.
Intuitive Tasting: The Science Behind What You Taste
Join Tim Godfrey of Lake Michigan College and Lake Michigan Vintners for an exploration of the science behind the wine tasting experience. Discover how our senses shape the way we perceive aromas, flavors, and textures, and gain a new perspective on what’s happening when we taste wine. This session invites guests to approach each glass with curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the sensory experience.
Uncorking Michigan: The Story Behind Each Glass
Join Steve Salisbury, host of the If Vines Could Talk podcast, for a journey into the stories behind Michigan wine. Explore the people, places, and experiences that shape the wines in our glasses, and discover how Michigan’s wine industry is building a distinctive identity through its vineyards, wineries, and winemakers. This session will encourage guests to look beyond the label and connect with the stories that make each glass uniquely Michigan.
Guests can explore the complete lineup of Taste Michigan educational tasting sessions, view presentation schedules, and register for their preferred experiences at https://showspan.com/grw/presentations-and-stages/.
Advance registration is encouraged, as sessions are expected to fill quickly.
Experience Taste Michigan at the Festival
The Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival returns to DeVos Place November 20–21, bringing together beverages from around the world, regional culinary talent, and specialty tasting experiences.
Festival Hours:
- Friday, November 20: 4–9 p.m.
- Saturday, November 21: 2–9 p.m.
Taste MI Governor’s Cup Award Ceremony: Friday, November 20, 3–4 p.m.
Industry Tasting Hours: Friday, November 20, 1–3 p.m.
Location: DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI
For festival admission, tasting experiences, and additional event information, visit www.GRWineFestival.com.
For information about the Taste Michigan Governor’s Cup, Michigan Wine Collaborative, and participating Michigan wineries, visit www.TasteMichigan.org.
About the Michigan Wine Collaborative
The Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC) unites wineries, growers, suppliers, educators, and industry partners to strengthen Michigan’s wine industry through advocacy, education, networking, and shared resources. Its mission is to enhance the sustainability and profitability of the Michigan wine community now and for generations to come.
About Taste Michigan
Taste Michigan is a statewide initiative developed by the Michigan Wine Collaborative to increase awareness and demand for wines produced from Michigan-grown grapes. Through consumer events, trade engagement, educational programming, and collaborative marketing campaigns, Taste Michigan highlights the diversity, quality, and regional identity of Michigan wine while strengthening connections between wineries, restaurants, retailers, and consumers.
For more information, contact us by reaching out to info@michiganwinecollaborative.com or send us a message on social media.