The number of wineries in the state continues to grow, with 121 producers of Michigan wine currently recognized by the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, a program within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development that is charged with supporting industry growth.
Michigan wineries attract more than 2 million visitors each year, a testament to the exquisite charm of the state’s wine country and quality of wine being produced. The majority of wineries are near Michigan’s beautiful shorelines, as the Great Lakes facilitate optimum growing conditions for wine grapes.
Michiganders have long known that their wine country ranks among the best in the world, but national and international audiences are now paying attention as well. This is evidenced by more than 500 awards earned by 30 producers of Michigan wine in national competitions in 2015. In addition, Michigan ranks among global company, as one of CNN’s 10 Up-and-coming Wine Regions.
“I am proud to acknowledge the outstanding reputation that Michigan vintners are creating for the Michigan wine industry,” noted Gordon Wenk, chief deputy director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and chair of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council. “The industry is a shining example of value-added agriculture, contributing to the agricultural and tourism economies of our beautiful state. The quality of our wines, unique local foods and the scenic beauty of ‘Pure Michigan’ make Michigan an unparalleled winery touring region in the U.S.”
During Michigan Wine Month, travelers are encouraged to venture out and sample wines in one of Michigan’s many beautiful tasting rooms, and participate in one of the many wine events taking place around the state.
Here is a sampling of some of the events taking place to kick off the touring season:
- Art Along the Trail: April 9-10 - Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail (pioneerwinetrail.com)
- Spring Sip & Savor: April 30-May1 – Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail (lpwines.com)
- Blossom Day: May 14 – Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (wineriesofoldmission.com)
- Michigan Wine Showcase: May 23 – The Rattlesnake Club, Detroit (michiganwines.com/showcase)
- Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival: June 18 – Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail (miwinetrail.com)
April also marks the release of 2016 Michigan Wine Country magazine, an indispensable guide to the wines and wineries of Michigan, featuring maps and touring information. Pick up a free copy at any Michigan winery or Travel Michigan Welcome Center. To request a copy, visit www.michiganwines.com or contact the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council at 517-284-5736.
Plan your winery tour and learn more about Michigan’s grape and wine industry at www.michiganwines.com.
View the proclamation signed by Governor Snyder.
No comments:
Post a Comment