Cool is Hot Campaign

If Michigan has a specialty, it’s what’s known as “cool climate wines.” These wines (and their cousin, “cold hardy” wines) are made from grapes that thrive in our kind of geography and climate. Michigan’s number one wine grape, by acreage, is Riesling. Number two is Chardonnay. And number three is Pinot Gris. These are Michigan’s flagship white wines. And they’re all made with cool climate grapes.

And if you’re a red wine drinker? We’ve got plenty of cool climate reds to choose from, including our top three by acreage, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. If you didn’t know these world-class wine varieties are considered cool climate, don’t worry. Most people don’t. But they should. Because these are grapes that perform exceptionally well in Michigan’s unique terroir.

And what makes Michigan’s cool climate wines distinctive as wine?

Compared to a lot of wines you’ll find at your grocery store or local wine shop, our cool climate wines tend to be lower in alcohol and more reflective of what the grape is supposed to taste like. Which makes them more naturally flavorful, fresher, crisper and cleaner. In others words, more drinkable. Cool climate wines are some of the hottest wines in the world right now, but they’re also among the most approachable … ready for you to open, pour and savor.

What’s more, Michigan’s cool climate wines have a close cousin that’s also growing in importance: Cold hardy grapes. As the name implies, these hybrids are cultivated to thrive in regions where growing seasons are shorter and winters are more wintery … just like a certain state we know. Michigan’s wineries, in particular those in the heart of the lower peninsula, are doing exceptional work turning cold hardy grapes like Marquette, Frontenac and Frontenac Gris into outstanding (and prize winning) wines. Be sure to check some out … any time of year.

And don’t forget: The grapes Michigan is known for just happen to be the grapes some of the world’s favorite styles of wine come from: Rosé and sparkling wines. That’s why most wineries in Michigan make one or both of these styles: Because they’re growing the grapes that make great rosés and bubblies.

So, whatever pleases your palate, you’re sure to find exceptional Michigan wine. Whether you’re pouring it to pair with your dinner or just want something to sit and savor, our state’s wine industry has something to surprise, delight and impress you.

So the next time “wine o’clock” rolls around, make sure you open a bottle from one of 150 wineries around our state and … Taste Michigan.