Grape Things Are Happening In Michigan

Governor Rick Snyder is shaking things up in Lansing, but he’s carried over at least one tradition from the previous administration that’s earned a round of “Cheers!”

The Governor has declared April “Michigan Wine Month” in recognition of this growing industry.

Not coincidentally, the new edition of Michigan Wine Country magazine is hot off the press and free for the asking.

The 64-page publication includes info and maps to 81 wine stops—wineries, tasting rooms and vineyards—up from 71 last year. Talk about a growth industry.

The Michigan Grape & Wine Industry Council calculates the fruit of the vine is worth $800 million annually to the state, and that sales of Michigan wines are up 12 percent over a year ago.

Vineyard, Old Mission Peninsula

When the magazine was first published in 1991 there were 14 wineries in the state (vs. today’s 81) and 900 acres planted with wine grapes; today that number is 2,000 acres.

See Michigan Wine Country online or request to have a copy mailed to you.

Two tasty events coming up soon in Southeast Michigan:

April 9-10: Michigan Wine Celebration, a self-drive tour to eight wineries of the Pioneer Wine Trail; for $25 you sip and savor foods by local chefs.

April 11: Michigan Wine Showcase offers a chance to chat with winemakers and owners from some two dozen wineries while sampling their wines and enjoying appetizers.

The tastefest is from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Radisson Bloomfield Hills; tickets are $50 at the door but you can save $5 by ordering in advance at 517-241-4468 or 517-241-3415. I attended last year and it was fun!

Related Post: April is Michigan Wine Month, April 2010