Michigan Wine / Michigan Wineries / Michigan Wine Country
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Michigan Wine at a Glance
* The most widely planted red |
According to the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, Michigan ranked eighth in the United States for wine grape production. Most of that production, and most of Michigan's wineries are within 25 miles of Lake Michigan, where the "lake effect" helps to protect the grapes in the winter and spring from harmful cold and frost, while extending the growing season in the summer.
Michigan has 4 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) approved by the U.S. Government. Two of these are in the Northwest near Traverse City:
- Leelanau Peninsula
- Old Mission Peninsula
The other two are located in the Southwest:
- Fennville
- Lake Michigan Shore
Almost two thirds of Michigan's wine comes from Vinifera grape varieties with Riesling being the most popularly planted white wine grape and Pinot Noir the most popular red wine grape. Approximately one third of Michigan wine comes from hybrid varieties, with a small amount coming from native North American varieties.
Michigan wineries make many different types of wine that span the spectrum from dry to sweet including:
- Eau-De-Vie (fruit brandy)
- Fortified Wine
- Fruit Wine
- Ice Wine
- Sparkling Wine
- Still Wine
Michigan Wine Resources
- Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail - Publication of the wineries of the Lake Michigan Shore American Viticultural Area (AVA).
- Leelanau Peninsula Vintners - Publication of the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association.
- Michigan Wines - Website published by the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council.
- Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail - Website promoting the wineries of Southeast Michigan.
- Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula
Michigan Wine Events
| Fri - Nov 21 -- Sun - Nov 23 |
Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival - Grand Rapids, MI 1st Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival in DeVois Place. For more information see the Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival website. |
