September means fall is here and our favorite time of year – harvest – is upon us. We can hardly wait to see what the 2021 vintage has in store!
Summer was crazy busy across the state with folks getting out and back to more or less normal. Tasting rooms have been busy and the rise of Social Districts has ignited wine sales by the glass in those areas where it applies.  The concerns by some municipalities that wine to go meant there would be excess drinking leading to problems were overblown. It seems that most if not all of the people visiting wine country are enjoying wine in moderation. We applaud them!
While COVID is still disrupting life in parts of the US and some groups, business is getting back to usual in restaurants, bars and wine tasting rooms.  We still urge caution in indoor settings with large groups of people to slow the spread of new COVID variants.  We hope that by this time next year the pandemic will no longer be headline news,
Feedback for the Judgement of Michigan has been very positive. We look forward to learning from this year’s experiences to continually improve the event for the promotion of Michigan wines and wineries.  The new JOM committee will form soon and is looking for motivated individuals who would like to be part of next year’s event.
2022 will be here before we know it along with the MWC annual meeting in January. There are several board positions available. There will also be a change in the Executive Committee: my term as President will end and Vice President Gina Shay will begin her role as President. That will leave a vacancy in the Vice Presidency that we need to fill! The VP will act in that role for two years before becoming President. If you are interested in being in a leadership position with the MWC please consider running for the VP spot. Contact any of the Executive Committee members if would like to discuss or add your name to the ballot.
The vineyards look great! Hot weather in August has moved fruit maturity ahead and cooler weather in the forecast is just what is needed to create a vintage for the ages. Best wishes for a successful harvest!
Happy Harvest!