Taste Best of MI Wine Trade Training Pilot Program
The Taste Best of Michigan Trade Training Initiative is a new industry-driven program designed to strengthen knowledge, increase placements, and expand access to Michigan wines across wholesale, retail, restaurant, and hospitality channels.
Initiated by the Michigan Wine Collaborative, this pilot program is focused on equipping the trade with the tools, insights, and training needed to build stronger sales pathways for wines made with Michigan grown grapes. More importantly, this is about community building within the Michigan grape and wine industry. Let’s grow Michigan wine together.
What Is Taste Best of Michigan?
Taste Best of Michigan is a pilot trade engagement and education initiative created to support Michigan wine’s growth in the marketplace. The program is being developed to serve wine wholesalers, distributors, retailers, restaurants, and hospitality professionals through practical, industry-focused training.
Rather than focusing only on consumer awareness, this initiative is designed to strengthen the systems that move Michigan wine into more placements, more lists, more shelves, and more conversations. The goal is to help the trade better understand, position, and champion wines made from Michigan grown grapes…and of course, increase sales.
Why Does This Program Matter?
- Increase trade knowledge and confidence around Michigan wine
- Support stronger wholesale and retail placement opportunities
- Improve visibility and access for consumers statewide
- Create practical tools and training for decision-makers across the trade
- Build momentum for long-term growth in Michigan wine distribution
Who Should Get Involved?
Wholesalers & Distributors
Learn about the developing training program and explore ways to participate in pilot education opportunities.
Retail Buyers & Wine Shops
Stay informed about training resources, engagement opportunities, and tools designed to support Michigan wine sales.
Restaurants & Hospitality Teams
Follow the rollout of education designed to strengthen list development, staff knowledge, and guest-facing confidence.
Michigan Wineries & Growers
Track project progress, understand how the initiative supports market growth, and stay connected to opportunities for involvement.
Industry Partners & Educators
Receive updates about collaboration opportunities, training development, and statewide engagement efforts.
What to Expect
As the project develops, TasteMichigan.org will serve as the central location for updates on:
- Pilot training opportunities
- Curriculum development progress
- Industry listening and feedback opportunities
- Trade events and educational sessions
- Program announcements and rollout milestones
- Resource development for wholesale, retail, restaurant, and hospitality partners
How to Get Involved
We are actively building awareness, gathering industry input, and identifying partners interested in helping shape the future of this program.
Whether you are part of the wholesale tier, retail trade, hospitality sector, or Michigan wine industry, we invite you to stay connected.
CLICK HERE TO GET ON THE LIST!
Make Your Voice Heard!
We are currently collecting feedback and perspectives from both the Michigan wine industry, production and hospitality. We invite you to take a short survey that will assist us as we develop the framework and foundation for this program.
TAKE THE WINE PRODUCTION SURVEY
TAKE THE WINE TRADE/HOSPITALITY SURVEY
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the program live yet?
The initiative is currently in development and pilot-building mode. Stay tuned to TasteMichigan.org and Sign Up to stay updated as milestones, training opportunities, and participation details become available.
Who is this intended for?
The project is being developed for wholesalers, distributors, retailers, restaurants, hospitality professionals, and other Michigan wine industry stakeholders as well as a resource for Michigan grape growers and winemakers.
Can wineries participate?
Yes. Michigan wineries and industry partners are an important part of the broader effort and are encouraged to stay connected for updates and involvement opportunities.
Will there be events or trainings to attend?
Yes. Pilot trainings, educational sessions, and related project opportunities will be shared here as they are announced.