The Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC) is excited to announce our continued partnership with the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) for the official fourth annual Taste Michigan Governor’s Cup Competition. This event represents Michigan’s only statewide, industry–driven wine competition and is an opportunity for the Michigan wine industry to unite, engage, compete, and celebrate the premium wines representative of our state.
Following some discussions with participants from past competitions MWC leadership will work with BevTest to improve upon the expectations and deliverables of this competition and offer an enhanced experience for wineries entering wines including more intentional and constructive technical feedback, expanded award offerings—most notably and Winemaker of the Year—continued transparency on the professionals tasting the wines and rating them, and new opportunities to increase funding for Michigan Wine Collaborative marketing and promotional projects.
BevTest will once again conduct a series of professional blind tastings to evaluate Michiganproduced wines, meads, and ciders at the BevTest Chicago testing lab completed by a selection of wine professionals active in the Chicago market. The final tasting results with scores, medal ranks, constructive criticism, Best of Category, Governor’s Case Winners, and Governor’s Cup winners will be distributed by June 1st.
The Competition will have the following award categories and corresponding ‘Best of’ awards:
Vinifera Red
Vinifera White
Hybrid Red
Hybrid White
Fortified (Port)
Sparkling
Rosé
Fruit
Sweet/Dessert (R.S. ≥5%)
Specialty Wine
Best of Show Awards: Best of Category, Governor’s Case Winners (highest ranking overall top 5 white wines, top 5 red wines, top rosé, and top sparkling wine), Governor’s Cup goes to the wine with the highest overall score.
New Awards: Michigan Wine Collaborative and BevTest will launch two new awards for the competition which include Winery of the Year and Winemaker of the Year. The Winery of Year award would be based on the highest average score from a winery across their submissions and a requirement that to be considered for the award, a winery must submit a minimum of 5 wines for the competition. The Winemaker of the Year will be chosen by BevTest based on quality and distinctiveness seen in the submissions from the candidates.
Following the results of the wine evaluation the Taste Michigan brand and MWC will be coordinating events and promotional opportunities for the winning wines of the competition. MWC is excited and honored to be able to market Michigan wine and this event through retail and restaurant marketing projects, Taste Michigan campaigns, media opportunities, and more!
Entries can be submitted HERE!
Wineries must have entry samples submitted no later than March 6, 2026.
MWC member wineries enjoy exclusive discounts on entries and other competition benefits. The official promo code will be emailed to current MWC members this week.
JOIN TODAY to take advantage of that discount and others!
The full details of timeline, entry requirements, competition and review package options and competition updates will be offered on the BevTest Michigan Governor’s Cup landing page as well as the MWC and Taste Michigan websites and also promoted via informational email blasts, social media, and reinforced by BevTest communication channels.
MWC is honored to have the opportunity to promote the worldclass wines made in the state of Michigan through this ever evolving and increasingly recognized event as we showcase the Taste Michigan brand.
We would like to formally thank our membership, sponsors, and supporters for making this competition and other events and projects a reality. We invite the whole of Michigan wine producers and grape growers to consider joining our organization as well as suppliers and vendors to the industry, educators, members of the trade, and all other industry affiliates and supporters. We have many opportunities available for membership and sponsorship of our organization with each allowing us to continue producing projects to increase and reinforce the Michigan grape and wine industries.
Join or Sponsor the Michigan Wine Collaborative Here!
The Michigan Wine Collaborative is the voice of the Michigan wine industry. Our mission is to enhance the sustainability and profitability of the Michigan wine industry by supporting wineries, growers and other businesses and individuals connected to the industry – today and for future generations.
For more information, contact us by reaching out to info@michiganwinecollaborative.com or send us a message on social media.
Media Contact:
Emily Dockery
Executive Director
Michigan Wine Collaborative
Email: info@michiganwinecollaborative.com
Phone: (269) 615-8739
Join or Sponsor the Michigan Wine Collaborative Here!
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