August 2023 Newsletter

Get ready for the 2023 MWC Membership Drive and Renewals, Check out the official Michigan Governor’s Cup trophy at St. Julian, Mark your calendars for the River Raisin Wine Trail “Fare & Pair Taste of Fall” Event, Take advantage of the MI Craft Beverage Council Marketplace, Congratulate Dablon Vineyards on their USA Today poll standings, Enroll in LMC’s newest winemaking course, Read the August edition of Wine Law, Get an update from the Michigan Beverage Collective, Get your events on the Vintage Michigan calendar, and More!

2023 Michigan Wine Collaborative Membership Drive and Renewals

It’s that time again! The Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC) membership drive is kicking off. Help us sustain and expand our organization by ensuring your membership information is up to date including preferred payment method and if you are not yet a member of MWC the time to join is NOW! Memberships are billed annually each September 15th. Get a bit more out of your membership by joining TODAY!
Learn more about MWC membership here:
Membership – Michigan Wine Collaborative

Click Here to Log Into Your Member Profile or to Join MWC!

Urgent: Reporting Grape Erineum Mite Infestations in NW Michigan

Dear NW Michigan Grape Growers,

We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to inform you about an important initiative that requires your attention and cooperation.

Currently, we are conducting a comprehensive assessment of Grape Erineum Mite infestations throughout the state, with a special focus on our region. These mites might impact grapevine productivity if left unaddressed. Your input and vigilance are crucial in helping us monitor and manage this issue effectively.

If you come across any signs of Grape Erineum Mite infestations within your vineyards, we kindly request you to report them promptly using the following link: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0CUS8LX9mVHwNwO

Your cooperation in this matter is highly appreciated and will contribute to a better understanding of the situation and the development of appropriate solutions.

Please take a moment to share any relevant information using the provided link. Your contribution will greatly assist us in maintaining the health and productivity of our grape-growing community.

Thank you and please feel free to reach out to us.

Best regards,
Esmaeil

Reach Out to Esmaeil Here!

Michigan Governor’s Cup Trophy at Home at St. Julian

MWC is happy to report the official Michigan Governor’s Cup trophy has been delivered to its home for the next year at St. Julian! St. Julian stole the show at the 2023 Michigan Governor’s Cup with claiming half of the ‘Best Of’ including the following categories: vinifera red, hybrid red, fortified, rosé and specialty wine. They also won one of two of the awarded Platinum medals for their Braganini Reserve Cabernet Franc. The other Platinum medal went to 12 Corners for their Vidal Blanc Ice Wine. St. Julian earned almost 40 medals in total, including one platinum and 16 gold.

“The entire St. Julian team is celebrating the result of this competition. As a blind taste basis, it is encouraging to see confirmation that we continue to pilot the industry in creating incredible Michigan wine,” explains Apollo Braganini, President of St. Julian Winery & Distillery.

Congratulations to the St. Julian winemaking team and to all of the winning wineries from the first ever Michigan Governor’s Cup!! MWC is currently planning the 2024 event and welcoming members to join the planning committee. Contact Emily to inquire on opportunities and planning details.

River Raisin Wine Trail “Fare & Pair Taste of Fall”

Get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate as the River Raisin Wine Trail invites wine enthusiasts and food connoisseurs to embark on a delightful journey this fall season. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 30, because the “Fare & Pair Taste of Fall” event is set to captivate taste buds and elevate the autumn experience. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., amid the beautiful fall colors in Southeast Michigan, wine lovers and foodies can explore the River Raisin Wine Trail while indulging in food and wine pairings. This unique event is exclusively for those who are 21 years old and above, and it offers a chance to indulge in the finest locally grown and produced wines from Lenawee County. As participants traverse the self-guided trail, through beautiful vineyards and charming wineries, they will have the opportunity to sample award-winning wines and discover the perfect pairings with food items carefully selected to complement each sip.

The River Raisin Wine Trail comprises four Lenawee County wineries: Cherry Creek Cellars in Brooklyn, MI, Chateau Aeronatique Winery in Onsted, MI, Flying Otter Winery in Adrian, MI, and Pentamere Winery in Tecumseh, MI. Tickets for adults are priced at $30 and include a wine sample and food pairing at all four locations. For those who would like to participate as a designated driver and enjoy only food at each location, tickets are priced at $12. Tickets are available for purchase at www.visitlenawee.com. A limited number of tickets are available until September 18, 2023. For groups of five or more, Visit Lenawee can assist with arranging an all-inclusive tasting tour that includes transportation. To book, please call 517-263-7747.

Buy Tickets Here!

Michigan Craft Beverage Council Marketplace

The Craft Beverage Crop Directory has nearly 50 Michigan farms ready to supply specialty crops to winemakers, including apples, stone fruits, botanicals, berries, and more.

Check out the directory and please take a minute to fill out this 4 question survey about accessing Michigan-grown crops for your production.

Visit the Marketplace Here!

Michigan Wineries Excel in USA Today Polls in 2023

Shout out to Dablon Vineyards, Chateau Chantal, and Black Star Farms!! MWC is honored to call some of the best showing Michigan wineries in the most recent USA Today polls members. Check out the impressive accolades from the publication recognizing a few of the state’s most beautiful vineyards and wineries.

Dablon Vineyards: Dablon Vineyards was named #8 Tasting Room by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Tasting Room and it is an honor to be selected. “We created our Tasting Room to provide customers with an environment and experience that matches the quality of our world-class wine made from world-class grapes we grow here. Along with the other fine wineries in our State we want to help Michigan earn its place on the national wine stage,” commented Dablon owner William Schopf.

Black Star Farms: Black Star Farms ranked 4th in the nation in the USA Today 10Best Wine Country Hotels! “The Inn at Black Star Farms puts guests in the heart of the Traverse Wine Coast, with easy access to wineries and tasting rooms on the Old Mission and Leelanau wine trails. Each stay includes a daily breakfast, nightly hospitality hour with wine and small bites, a bottle of house wine and an exclusive barrel room tasting.” -USA Today

Chateau Chantal: Chateau Chantal also showed out for the USA Today 10Best Wine Country Hotel poll in 2023. They ranked #2 in the nation. “Chateau Chantal, located just north of Traverse City, Michigan, combines a vineyard and winery with luxurious B&B lodging. All suites and rooms have exceptional views of vineyards or Grand Traverse Bay, many with private patios or balconies, and several that offer wet bars and whirlpool tubs. The inn’s amenities include fireplaces and sitting areas, plus an exceptional breakfast.” -USA Today

LMC Announces New Winemaking Course Available Fall 2023

Exciting news from Lake Michigan College! This fall they are adding in a course to their already impressive curriculum, Winemaking and Fermentation.

This course is now fully on-line, allowing working professionals and other interested parties the opportunity to improve their knowledge base without traveling to campus. This comprehensive course covers a wide range of topics essential to building the skills and tools for winemakers to succeed in the industry.

Explore the critical factors that shape harvest decisions
The nuances of grape processing techniques
Embrace the complexities of red, white, rosé, amber and sparkling winemaking

From harvest decision making, through fermentation management, to fining, filtration, and bottling, our course will equip you with invaluable knowledge and techniques for your career in wine.

Winemaking and Fermentation is designed to fit into your schedule, offering a flexibly structured learning experience that allows you to progress at your own pace.
For more information please visit www.lakemichigancollege.edu/wine

August’s Wine Law with Mark Vanneste

MWC is excited to invite you to indulge in the August Wine Law feature, with Mark Vanneste of Howard & Howard. The full Wine Law articles are currently available on our website. Tune in monthly as Mark covers a new topic relevant to the Michigan grape and wine industries. So without further ado here’s a word from Mark on The Complexities of Wine Maker and Small Wine Maker licensing…

“In the last few editions of the monthly Wine Law article, I described the various licenses available for both manufacturers and retailers. This month, the article will briefly cover the process of obtaining one of those licenses. The complexities of Wine Maker and Small Wine Maker licensing can seem daunting….”

Click Here to Read the August 2023 Edition of Wine Law!

Connect with the Michigan Beverage Collective

Recruit and retain exceptional talent and grow your organization with the Michigan Beverage Collective. We offer an array of cost-effective employee benefit programs designed for Michigan’s beverage business owners, including BCBS/BCN medical, VSP vision, and BCBS dental plans; prescription drug plans (for select health insurance plans); and short-term disability insurance. Save more time and money with MBWWA Services, Inc. programs, including 401(k); life insurance; long-term disability; Allstate; and more.

Contact Brandi Tribell at [email protected] or (517) 482-5555 ext. 212 to learn more about how we can help you attract and retain employees. We know your time is valuable. Let our knowledgeable team help you navigate your benefits experience with confidence and ease!

Visit Michigan Beverage Collective Online!

MWC Committee Updates

Marketing & Communications Committee:
Marketing & Communications Committee is currently working on closing out the 2021 Specialty Crop Block Grant to create a statewide Michigan wine brand. The committee successfully collaborated with Factory Detroit to create the Taste Michigan brand. As we move closer to finalizing this grant project we are looking towards the future and focusing on efforts to maintain the momentum of Taste Michigan. The committee will also be working with the 2024 Governor’s Cup Committee to create a strategy for a successful 2024 event. Please reach out to Emily to get involved with either or both committees.

Governor’s Cup Committee:
We are currently seeking a committee chair and committee members for this committee. We are ready to begin planning for the 2024 events. Please reach out to Emily to get involved.

Membership Committee:
The MWC Membership Committee is working to schedule regular meetings once again. As we enter the 2024 membership cycle period, efforts to increase memberships for both MWC and Vintage Michigan are at the forefront. We are recruiting members and ideas for this committee. Please reach out to Emily to get involved.

Calling All MI Wine Events!!

We want to help promote your vineyard and winery events!! MWC members are welcomed to submit events at any time for promotion in the Vintage Michigan Event Calendar. These events are shared with the over 4000 Vintage Michigan members. Please submit via the form below or contact Emily with event information, links, graphics, and invitations.

Share Your Events for the Vintage Michigan Calendar Here!

Check Out the Current Calendar Here!

August MI Wine Classifieds

Seeking Experienced Winemaker

Are you a passionate winemaker with a penchant for crafting exceptional wines? Do you dream of creating distinctive, high-quality vintages that leave a lasting impression? Look no further – an exciting opportunity awaits you at our boutique vineyard in the heart of scenic south-east Michigan!

Position: Skilled Winemaker
Experience: 5+ years preferred; experience-appropriate candidates welcomed
Type: Part-time/contractual (with potential for expansion)
The Vineyard: Nestled in a prime location between the vibrant college town of Ann Arbor and the charming city of Dexter, our boutique vineyard promises a unique and invigorating experience.
What Sets Us Apart: As pioneers in our township, we are poised to establish the very first tasting room, bringing a touch of sophistication and relaxation to our community. With licensing and permits well underway, we are on the brink of a new era in local winemaking. This is your chance to be a part of history, to lay the foundation for a legacy that will resonate for generations.

Your Role and Impact: As our winemaker, you will be the heart and soul of our winemaking process. From grape to glass, you will have a pivotal role in shaping our wines. Your expertise will guide decisions on equipment, techniques, and wine styles, ensuring each bottle bears the mark of your creativity and skill. We value your insights and believe in a collaborative approach, fostering a sustainable environment where innovation flourishes.
Cold Climate Grape Knowledge: Familiarity with or experience working with cold climate grapes is a strong advantage. Our unique location presents an exciting challenge – one that you will relish, as you harness your expertise to create wines that capture the essence of the region.

Why Join Us:

Be at the forefront of a groundbreaking venture, setting the tone for winemaking excellence in the township.
Work in an idyllic setting surrounded by nature’s beauty, fostering creativity and inspiration.
Influence and shape the direction of our vineyard, from grape selection to winemaking techniques.
Collaborate with a dynamic and passionate team that shares your dedication to exceptional wines.

Location: Conveniently located 30 miles from both Detroit and Windsor, near a top 10 college town, and thriving local communities surrounding us, you’ll have access to a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and opportunities.
If you’re ready to embark on a journey of innovation, craftsmanship, and community building, we invite you to apply. Show us your passion, knowledge, and creativity as we join together to bring the art of winemaking to life in this vibrant bustling corner of Michigan.

Contact Lori at [email protected]

Seeking Equipment

Modales Wines is seeking a diaphragm air pump and a must auger and would prefer to purchase from someone in Michigan. Contact Andrew Backlin for more information.