Napa Valley winemaker Scott Harvey, a Riesling fan for years, judged the event and was quick to praise the unique flavors of this varietal in Michigan. “We can’t make Rieslings like this in California,” he said.

Harvey, in fact, is making arrangements to produce a Michigan Riesling at his California winery with the help of Shawn Walters, former winemaker at Leelanau Cellars and now head of winemaking at the new Forty-Five North in Leelanau County.

High praise indeed for Michigan wines!!