At a recent meeting of the Temporary Committee, some members indicated that communications to develop a proposed PA 232 program for wine grape growers has not been widely received.  This email and the linked information are not meant to solicit support, but to increase awareness of the proposed program and to inform you of the progress to date.

This program will only apply to grapes used for producing wine and does not include grapes grown for juice.

The Temporary Committee and MDARD is interested in reaching all independent wine grape growers and wineries growing wine grapes. Please consider passing this information on to your membership.

In addition, it is a challenge to identify all independent wine grape growers.  We are requesting Michigan wine grape growers who may have not yet already, to send their contact information including name, address and email address to the Temporary Committee chairperson, Robert Schutzki at schutzki@msu.edu.

Your information will only be used for program information, announcements of public hearings and referendum ballots.

The Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC) exists to strengthen, support, and connect our state’s wine industry—and one of the most tangible ways we do that is by delivering exclusive savings, exposure, and strategic partnerships to our members.

We appreciate our membership and the support and dedication they contribute to the Michigan wine industry and our organization and are always working on ways to deliver more value and show our thanks. As a way of doing that, we have arranged a gathering of exclusive discounts and offerings from fellow MWC members.

Above are a selection of the newest discounts and offers exclusive to MWC members. Promo codes and instructions to take advantage of these offers have gone out to current members via Wild Apricot. If you have not received this document please REACH OUT TO US!

Not a member yet? NOW is the time to join in order to get the absolute most out of your MWC membership. JOIN HERE!

Features will take place weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, rotating between venues and villages: Tuesdays at Left Foot Charley, Wednesdays at Trattoria Stella, Saturdays at Bos Wine and Sundays at Ethanology (excluding the final Sunday of each month). Examples of the series include, “Uneducated and Unsophisticated Wine and Spirits Tastings,” hosted interchangeably by Nicholas Lefebre (Founder and CEO, Ethanology) and Dave Bos (Owner and Winemaker, Bos Wine) and designed as a “neophyte’s introduction to wine and spirits—with a dose of humility”, and a January “Warba Wine Cocktail” feature at Left Foot Charley, showcasing recipes from Stella’s Deputy Beverage Director, Kristen Warba, and donating $1 per pour towards Interlochen Public Radio.”

Each year, we reach out to all U.S. wineries, asking you to share your thoughts, practices, and sales performance. With this information, we compile a complete report to provide insights into Tasting Room performance and trends for the year.

Participants will receive a detailed report of the results, including regional segmentation and trends over time.

Please provide your best estimate to answer questions regarding sales and skip questions that don’t pertain to your business.

We estimate the survey will take 5-10 minutes to complete. Please respond at your earliest opportunity.

All individual responses will remain anonymous. Click here to access the survey.

Thank you in advance for your time and participation!

The WBM Team

1. Farm vs Business Exposure
Farm Exposure
 Are my grapevines, trellises, irrigation systems, and frost protection equipment properly insured?
 Are my tractors, sprayers, UTVs, and other farm machinery listed and valued correctly?
Business Exposure
 Do I have coverage for tasting rooms, retail spaces, tours, or events?
 Is liquor liability included if I serve or sell alcohol?
 Are my production buildings and equipment covered under the correct policy type (farm vs. business)?

2. Essential Coverages for the Farming Operation
 Do I have adequate limits for farm structures, pole barns, and storage buildings?
 Is my machinery covered for theft, collision, and overturn?
 Are harvested crops, juice, or fruit in storage covered at appropriate values?
 Do I have any exposure for hired labor or seasonal workers?

3. Essential Coverages for the Business Operation
 Is my wine/cider inventory insured at market value or selling price rather than cost?
 Do I have Business Income & Extra Expense coverage?
 Is spoilage from temperature change or contamination covered?
 Am I protected for product liability related to wine, juice, or packaged goods?
 Do I have coverage for POS systems, online sales, or cyber risks?

4. Unique Risks in Wine Production
 Do I have Equipment Breakdown protection for refrigeration, pumps, compressors, and bottling lines?
 Does my policy cover code upgrades (Ordinance or Law) if a building must be rebuilt to current code?
 Am I covered for seasonal production swings or extended recovery periods after a loss?
 Are my barrels, tanks, and specialized equipment properly listed?

5. Additional Coverage Considerations
 Inland Marine: Are mobile items and goods in transit protected?
 Utility Services: Am I covered for losses from off‑premises power or water failures?
 Employment Practices Liability: Am I protected if an employee files a claim for hiring, firing, or discrimination?
 Hired & Non‑Owned Auto: Am I covered if employees use personal vehicles for deliveries or errands?
 Off‑Site Inventory: Is product stored at a warehouse, bonded facility, or third‑party location insured?

6. Operational & Off‑Site Risks
 Do I send grapes, juice, or wine to outside processors—and is that exposure covered?
 Do I process or store product for other growers?
 Do I host tours, tastings, events, weddings, or agritourism activities?
 Are my certificates of insurance updated with landlords, event venues, or distributors?

Final Step
 Have I reviewed my policy with an agent knowledgeable in orchard, vineyard, and craft beverage coverage?
 Do my limits reflect current pricing, inventory levels, equipment values, and business operations?

Need more assistance? Reach out to Farm Bureau agents, Jeremy Crum and Scott Carter and Prime Vintage agent, Fabian Burstyn.

Our organization is once again a Supporting Sponsor of EWE and as one of our member benefits, you receive a registration discount of 10%. Simply the use code sent out via Wild Apricot. CONTACT US if you need a replacement code.

Now in its 14th year, EWE moves to Richmond as the largest winery and vineyard trade show held east of the Pacific states. You’ll have the opportunity to meet with more than 200 exhibiting companies; attend workshop ad conference sessions covering all aspects of the winery and vineyard business; network with 1,000+ other industry professionals; and attend the numerous social and networking events.

New in 2026: the Virginia Wineries Association Annual Conference is partnering with EWE and will be presented in a session room within the EWE Conference. That means all conference attendees can attend these sessions without needing to register for a separate pass. Additionally, the 2026 Governor’s Cup Case will be revealed and tasted for the very first time.

Visit EasternWineryExposition.com for the details.