Lorri, Linda Jones, Program Manager of the Michigan Grape & Wine Industry Council, and Sharon
Michigan wine country is booming. Unlike so many other industries with decreasing production, it was reported at the annual wine industry meeting that Michigan produced more than 960,000 gallons of wine in 2008, achieving a double digit increase from the year before. Incidentally, the industry has remained in the double digits every year for the past ten years, ranking Michigan in the top ten states for both wine production and grape growing. And, it's not just the production that is increasing – nine more wineries opened in 2008 for a total of 65.
Another exciting announcement (OK, maybe more exciting for us!) is that we have been hired by the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council (a division of the Department of Agriculture) to write the history of Michigan's wine industry for the state's archives.
The overall spirit of the conference seemed to be "working together to take Michigan wines to the next level." Liz Berger of Chateau Chantal announced that the Michigan Wine Foundation was in its formation process to fulfill marketing needs of the wine industry that couldn't be met by other organizations. Ed O'Keefe III of Chateau Grand Traverse discussed the International Riesling Foundation and encouraged winemakers to get involved, as Michigan is becoming renowned for its Rieslings.
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