From the Vine: Beyond the trails

As part of our celebration of Michigan Wine Month, we’ll be featuring excerpts on each of Michigan’s five wine trails (and one taking you beyond the trails) from the Michigan Notable Book award-winning From the Vine: Exploring Michigan Wineries.

Beyond the trails

Like all endeavors of the heart, starting a winery outside well established viticulture regions requires an initial romantic spark, followed up with truck loads of grapes and boat loads of vigor.

These small wineries, although off the beaten trail, offer something unique to wine enthusiasts. Without the confines of a single vineyard, these wineries benefit by their ability to purchase grapes from many different regions of the state, including citrusy Chardonnays, and garnet red Cabernets from the southwest region, with flinty Rieslings and fruity Gewürztraminers from the northwest region and fruity Hybrids from both regions.

Each one of these winemakers produces distinctly different blends of wines, each with their own methods and practices, and each with their own style – contributing to their ability to produce some very unique and exquisite wines. Regardless of style, you should expect to find a Michigan wine when in Michigan. Like Germany, Michigan’s climate produces cooler-climate wines. When our climate is matched with the proper variety of grapes, we can produce some of the world’s finest wines.

–Ralph Stabile, Winemaker, Mackinaw Trail Winery

Get information about the Mackinaw Trail Winery including their upcoming 3rd Annual Red Wine and Blue Grass Jam (June 30).

From the Vine: Exploring Michigan Wineries is a must-have for wine enthusiasts, first-time tasters and travel buffs alike. Authors Sharon Kegerreis and Lorri Hathaway capture the personalities of the hardworking families behind the wines and the exceptional experiences awaiting you at 51 Michigan wineries.

The 192-page hardcover book, honored as a 2008 Michigan Notable Book, begins with an insightful foreword by Governor Jennifer Granholm and wraps up with a handy wine glossary. The book is organized by four designated wine trails and “beyond the trails,” providing a sneak peek at Michigan’s wine trail destinations. Interesting tidbits on wine topics including Pinot Grigio vs. Pinot Gris, Syrah vs. Shiraz, Sparkling Wine: Why Can’t We Call It Champagne? and Ice Wine provide basic answers to lingering questions; and delicious side stories on local chocolate and cheese artisans tempt your taste buds.

Grab a glass of your favorite Michigan wine and let the beautiful photographs and intriguing stories take you on a journey through Michigan wine country. Order autographed copies of From the Vine at www.michiganvine.com during the month of April and get a $5 discount and free wine journal.