Seven New Michigan Wineries To Open This Year

Image via Wikipedia

The Michigan wine business is booming, and there is no better time to highlight that fact than April, which is "Michigan Wine Month." Michigan's wide selection of quality wines and the wine industry's make a significant contribution to the stat economy. Michigan's wine and grape industries add nearly $800 million to the state's economy each year.

Sales of Michigan wines in the state rose 10 percent in 2009, while total wine sales increased 6 percent. Michigan wine sales have outpaced total wine sales for the past 10 years, doubling the Michigan wineries' market share to 6 percent.

"Michigan's grape and wine industry continues to grow with seven new wineries slated to open this year," Governor Jennifer Granholm said. "Not only is our wine industry a vital component of the state's agricultural sector, it's also an important part of our tourism industry as hundreds of thousands of people visit Michigan's Wine Country each year."

"Michigan's grape and wine industry demonstrates our food and Ag sectors continue to be ripe for growth and offer opportunities both for seasoned business leaders or budding entrepreneurs," said Don Koivisto, Michigan Department of Agriculture director. "April is a great time to kick off winery touring. Tasting rooms are less busy in the spring, and tasting room staff are delighted to have time to provide extra attention. Many of Michigan's 71 wineries will begin to release new wines from the 2009 vintage this spring; additional red wines from the 2008 vintage will also be available."

Several events are planned this spring and early summer that will provide opportunities to meet winemakers and sample a variety of Michigan wines, including:

Michigan International Wine Expo: April 9 & 10 - Rock Financial Showplace in Novi http://www.michiganwineexpo.com/

Michigan Wine Celebration: April 17 & 18 - Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail http://www.pioneerwinetrail.com/

Spring Sip & Savor: May 1 & 2 - Leelanau Peninsula Vintners http://www.lpwines.com/

Blossom Days: May 15-16 - Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula http://www.wineriesofoldmission.com/

Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival: June 19 - Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail http://www.miwinetrail.com/

For a complete list of events celebrating Michigan Wine Month, visit http://www.michiganwines.com/.