For the latest on Michigan’s Wine Industry including complete Winery Listings visit the Michigan Grape & Wine Industry Council at michiganwines.com!
“(People) wrongly assume that our wines are inferior to those of California or Europe. They are charmed when they find the wine is clean, honest and delicious.”
~Master Sommelier Madeline Triffon
Welcome to Absolute Michigan’s Michigan Wine Page where we have complied a list of highlights of Michigan’s dynamic and growing wine industry.
The state of Michigan now has over 100 wineries from the southern state line all the way up into the UP. Our state is now the 4th largest grape producer and getting tons of awards and press as an up-and-coming wine producer.
Each year, Michigan’s wine, grapes and grape juice products and related industries produce nearly $790 million of total economic value to the State of Michigan and pay more than $80 million in state, local and federal taxes. The industry also contributes more than 5,000 jobs across the state, for a payroll of more than $190 million. On top of that is the hundreds of millions in additional impact through driving wine & culinary tourism. Click for detailed economic impact numbers.
Chateau Chantal Winery by Pamela Bevelhymer
Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state in the US, and that diversity extends to our grape varieties. Our vineyards grow classic European varietiels like Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc and also French/American Hybrids including Vignoles, Chambourcin, Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Chancellor, Marechal Foch, Chardonel and Traminette.
Michigan Wine Trails
- Lake Michigan Shore Wine Country
- Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
- Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail
- Sunrise Side Wine and Hops Trail
- West Michigan Wine and Beer Trail
- Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula
If you can’t make it out to the tasting rooms please take time to explore Michigan wine through the Michigan Wine & Grape Industry Council web site to learn about the excellent offerings that are produced right here in the Mitten!
Wine Publications
Our friends Shannon and Cortney Casey at Michigan By the Bottle are a great resource for all kinds of Michigan wine info and they also do regular giveaways of all kinds of prizes & tickets from Michigan wineries and wine trails. You will probably also enjoy Michigan Wine Industry coverage from Mark Ganchiff at Midwest Wine Press and a brand-new magazine, Explore the Pour.
Michigan Wine Country Magazine is the premier publication for Michigan wines and the 2013 edition of is now available. It’s an an indispensable guide to the wines and wineries of Michigan, packed full of maps and touring information. While there we encourage you to join the Vintage Michigan Club and take advantage of discounts at participating wineries, wine retailers, and restaurants across the state.
Annual Michigan Wine Events
If you haven’t done so, you owe it to yourself to get out and explore Michigan’s various wine regions. Here is a sampling of annual events designed for both seasoned tasters and those wanting to learn more and experience first hand the excellent wines that our wineries are producing. Know of one that’s not here? Post it in the comments!
- Winter Warm Up: January – Old Mission Wine Trail
- Taste the Passion: February – Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
- Romancing the Riesling: February – Old Mission Wine Trail
- Michigan Wine Celebration: April – Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail
- Michigan Wine Showcase: April – Detroit
- Spring Sip & Savor: Weekend before Mothers Day – Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
- Blossom Days: May – Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail
- Great Lakes Wine Fest: May – MIS Speedway, Jackson
- Leland Wine & Food Festival: June – Leland
- Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival: June – Lake Michigan Shore Wine Country
- Waterfront Wine Festival: June – Harbor Springs
- Traverse City Wine & Art Festival: June – Traverse City
- Sunrise Side Wine & Food Festival: July – Harrison
- Leelanau Food & Wine Festival: July – Suttons Bay
- Michigan Wine Industry Gold Medal Reception: early August – Lansing
- Wine and Food Festival at Meadow Brook: August – Auburn Hills
- Harvest Stompede: Weekend after Labor Day – Leelanau Wine Trail
- Great Macaroni & Cheese Bake-Off: Saturday after Thanksgiving – Old Mission Wine Trail
- Toast the Season: First two weekends of November – Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
Here is an interview with Steve Scheffel, President of Goodrich’s East Lansing about the growth of Michigan wines. Goodrich’s is one of the leading sellers of Michigan wine. Steve says he doesn’t carry Michigan wines because he’s a nice guy (although he is) but rather because they sell – something that your business may wish to consider.
Think globally, drink locally!
View “>Michigan wine videos on YouTube.