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Please forward this e-newsletter to other members of your organization who might have interest in the articles. It's easy to subscribe -- follow the link at the bottom of any page at www.michiganwines.com to be sure you don’t miss an issue. Back issues are posted on the website under Industry/Council Business/E-Newsletters. Feedback and suggested content is always welcome. Contact Karel Bush at 517-284-5742 or bushk9@michigan.gov.
 Deadline for entries: June 22
Judging: July 18
Gold Medal Reception: July 27
The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council invites wineries to submit eligible entries to the 2017 Michigan Wine Competition. Entry materials will be mailed next week to all Michigan wineries and will be posted on the Council's website www.michiganwines.com/competition by June 2.
The deadline for entry forms is June 22. Late entries will not be accepted. Wine deliveries must arrive by June 30.
Invitations for winery representatives to attend the Gold Medal Reception (complimentary tickets available to those who enter wines) will be mailed in early July.
Lodging rooms at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center sell out weeks in advance for the night of the Reception, so please reserve early to avoid disappointment. Reservations may be made online (click on "check here for special rates" and enter Group Code 1707GOLDRO) or by phone at 800-875-5090 (reference Gold Medal Reception). Discounted room rates starting at $113 are guaranteed until June 27 or until rooms are sold out.
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 June 2, 3-5 p.m.
N.W. Michigan Horticultural Research Center
6686 S. Center Highway Traverse City, MI 49684
"Dealing with Sour Rot in Grapes"
Presentation via ZOOM by Wendy McFadden-Smith, PhD.
Wendy is the Tender Fruit and Grape Integrated Pest Management Extension Specialist with Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs in Vineland, Ontario. She has a PhD in plant pathology from U of Saskatchewan and MSc and BSc (Agr) from U of Guelph, and has been involved in pest management in tree fruit, grapes and small fruit for the past 27 years. As an adjunct professor, she lectures in the Department of Biological Sciences and a professional affiliate of the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute at Brock University. Her research projects deal with sour rot and its vectors, grapevine viruses and their vectors, grape berry moth, black knot in plums, fire blight in pome fruit, bacterial spot in nectarines & anything else that wreaks havoc and destruction on tree fruit or grapes.
Next meetings are July 7 at 10 Hands Vineyard, and August 4 - Location TBD
For more information, visit www.p45michigan.com.
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 Thanks to Fenn Valley Vineyards for hosting the kickoff to this new monthly series on May 23. Todd Robbins, vineyard manager, provided a first-rate overview of some of the operations, including a demo of some custom-made equipment. And owner Doug Welsch provided data that explained optimum brix, acid and pH levels as they relate to ripeness.
Next meeting is June 21 at Karma Vista Vineyards in Coloma. Mark your calendar and celebrate the Summer Solstice with fellow wine grape growers and other industry members. These meetings are organized by Michigan Grape Society and MSU Extension and are open to all growers, winemakers, industry and academic partners around the state. Contact Berrien County Extension for more information: 269-927-5674 x4011.
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 Michigan State University Extension announced Thomas Todaro recently accepted an Extension educator position to serve the wine and grape industry in northwest Michigan. Todaro is eager to start his new role in August, saying, "I am grateful for this opportunity to identify the priorities and address the needs of Michigan's wine grape industry through research and extension." He will be based out of the Leelanau Government Center in Leelanau County.
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 Housing Needed for New Viticulture Educator
Thomas Todaro is in need of housing. Finding a place to live in the Traverse City/Leelanau area has been difficult. He is looking for a 1-2 bedroom that allows dogs. He has two furry friends (<50 lb), an English bulldog and a Shitzu. He is hoping for a move-in date during mid-July (July 15-25), but those dates are flexible. Please let Thomas (Todaro.15@buckeyemail.osu.edu) or Emily Pochubay (pochubay@anr.msu.edu) know if you have any leads on a possible rental in the area.
The Michigan Grape & Wine Industry Council is investing in a comprehensive Economic Impact Study to be conducted summer 2017. The information gathered from this study is invaluable to the industry and can be used by wineries and wine trails for marketing, grant writing, media, legislative, and regional policy initiatives. It has been 12 years since our last study, and the industry has changed considerably since then.
For the study to be of value, YOUR PARTICIPATION IS VITAL. We know that you receive a lot of surveys and it can be overwhelming, but we ask that you please make extra effort to take part in this one. Guerrilla Economics is leading this study, and Karel and Jenelle will work closely with them to encourage winery participation.
Please note: This study is different from the NASS Grape Acreage Survey that was recently conducted by USDA. The NASS study is also very important and will help feed the report on our overall Economic Impact Study. If you haven't responded to that survey yet, please do so by June 15 to ensure your acreage is counted.
Contact Jenelle at 517-284-5790, jagminj@michigan.gov with any questions regarding the study. Thank you in advance for your participation.
 A new partnership with the DNR was unveiled this month. Look for social media promotion of our new Wine, Camp & Trail Adventure campaign, featuring a map on DNR's website that includes Michigan wineries. The goal is to encourage tourists and nature enthusiasts to build winery visits into their adventure touring.
See the webpage and new map here: http://www.michiganwines.com/wine-adventure.
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We recently partnered with MEDC to produce a video to promote tourism and help educate consumers on what makes Michigan wines "Pure Michigan." The video was filmed at Cogdal Vineyards and South Haven Beach.
You tube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmNA3BLWgH4&feature=youtu.be
Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/puremichigan/videos/10156241715618289/
 Pat Moody, Moody on the Market: May 23, 2017
The amazing journey for the Moersch family has taken a unique new route ... one that could lead them to become the largest winery business in the entire state of Michigan. Chris and Matthew Moersch of Round Barn Winery fame have carefully pieced together a deal that has been nearly two years in the making to acquire the winery where their own father began his career decades ago — Tabor Hill Winery. It’s a deal that literally takes them back to their birthplace…and expands their holdings to land that is already contiguous to their own highly successful winery.
With the largest Michigan winery purchase in the state’s history, the Moersch family continues to push the boundaries in the Michigan craft beverage industry. Having started his winemaking career at Tabor Hill 38 years ago patriarch Rick Moersch and family have truly come full circle with the acquisition of Tabor Hill Winery.
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Festival season is heating up! If you're planning an event that requires a Special License from
the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, be sure to plan ahead and submit your
license application at
least 10 business days, and preferably 30 days prior to the event.
Detailed information about applying for Special Licenses,
including application, instructions and checklist
Gov. Rick Snyder recently announced the appointments of Deborah Burgdorf of Haslett, Richard Lopus of Detroit, and Dustin Stabile of Boyne Falls as well as the reappointment of Richard Rinvelt of Wixom to the Grape and Wine Industry Council.
The 12-member council is housed in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The council provides research on grapes and wine and offers marketing programs for Michigan's wine industry.
Appointments:
Burgdorf is the owner and head wine maker for Burgdorf’s Winery. She is a member of the Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail. Burgdorf holds a bachelor’s degree in botany, a teaching certification in biology, and a master’s degree in biology with an emphasis on Microbial Fermentation from Western Illinois University. She will represent wine makers and replaces Jeffrey Lemon.
Lopus is the vice president of sales development for Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, and has more than 35 years of experience in the wine industry. He studied business at Central Michigan University and hotel and restaurant management at Michigan State University. He will represent beer and wine wholesalers and replaces William Fox.
Stabile is the vice president and head wine maker for Mackinaw Trail Winery & Vineyard, and represents the winery in the Straits Area Grape Growers Association. Stabile attended Michigan State University. He will represent wine makers and replaces Martin Lagina.
Reappointment:
Rinvelt retired from his position with Anheuser Busch Inc. in 2004, having spent his entire career in the food distribution industry. He currently manages family investments and has a small oil and gas business. Rinvelt is a United States Army Veteran and holds a bachelor’s degree in food distribution from Western Michigan University. He will represent the general public.
Members will serve three-year terms expiring Feb. 1, 2020.
The Council has partnered with Michigan State University Extension to produce videos, in a webinar format, that will help growers implement research projects funded by the Council. Videos are currently available for projects funded in 2015.
The videos and PDFs of the final reports can be accessed at michiganwines.com. Topics include: IPM; own-rooted Vinifera vines; invasive insect pests; modernization of Enviroweather stations; leaf removal; and Grapevine Leaf Roll Virus.
With the season starting up, many wineries are hiring tasting room staff. We have several positions listed on our website at www.michiganwines.com/jobs. If you have employment opportunities at your winery, contact Sherri Goodreau, goodreaus@michigan.gov, with information about the positions, to have them listed on the Council website.
Looking for a job in the Michigan wine industry? Check out www.michiganwines.com/jobs.
 Do you want to expand your market reach internationally? Are you interested in assistance with food or agricultural exports? There are many food and agriculture export marketing programs and services that the International Marketing Program offers in conjunction with various partners and service providers. For an overview of a few of the programs and services that are offered, please see this "Working Together to Reach the World" export brochure.
For more information, contact Allie Fox VanDriel, International Marketing Program Coordinator, 517-284-5737 or foxa1@michigan.gov.
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At their February and May meetings, the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council recognized eight wineries as "producers of Michigan wine," bringing the total to 130 approved wineries throughout the state. These wineries are now eligible to participate in Council-sponsored promotion, including the Michigan Wine Country magazine and www.michiganwines.com:
Superior Lakes, Harrison Twp.
Love Wines, Ludington
Fieldstone Winery, Rochester
Hoffman Farms, Highland
The Winery at Young Farms, Mecosta
Lake Michigan Vintners, Benton Harbor
Great Legs Winery, Holland
Currant Mist Winery, Coleman
... Melanie Owen, co-owner of Lazy Ballerina Winery, for receiving an Alumni Achievement Award from Lake Michigan College
... St. Julian Winery for receiving a trophy for the most Gold and Double Gold medals of any winery in the 2017 Tasters Guild International Wine Competition, including Double Gold awards for: 2015 Pinot Grigio, Cock of the Walk, Solera Cream Sherry, Sweet Revenge, Sweet Nancie Sparkling Traminette, and Braganini Reserve 2016 Gruner Veltliner
... several Michigan wineries for receiving Double Gold awards at the Tasters Guild International Wine Competition: 12 Corners 2016 Aromella; Bel Lago 2016 Dry Riesling; Chateau Chantal Twilight; Chateau Fontaine 2016 Gruner Veltliner; Chateau Grand Traverse 2015 Pinot Grigio; Cherry Creek Cellars 2015 Jazz and 2015 Raspberry Beret; Rove Estate 2016 Unoaked Chardonnay; and Verterra 2016 Pinot Blanc
... 12 Corners Vineyards and Tabor Hill Winery for receiving Double Gold awards for 2016 Estate Vidal Ice Wine and NV Grand Mark, respectively, at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
... Blustone Vineyards for receiving Best of Class for 2016 Pinot Noir Rose at Pacific Rim International Wine Competition
... several wineries for receiving high awards at the International Eastern Wine Competition: Laurentide Winery - Best of Class for 2015 Sweet Riesling and 2015 Pinot Gris; Chateau Grand Traverse - Best of Class for 2014 Late Harvest Riesling; Tabor Hill Winery - Best of Class for 2014 Semi-dry Traminette and NV Classic Demi Sec; Blustone Vineyards - Double Gold for 2015 Select Harvest Riesling; Lemon Creek Winery - Double Gold for 2013 Merlot
Round Barn buys Tabor Hill Winery in Michigan (Crain's Detroit Business)
Wine-making business expanding in Southwest Michigan (WSBT)
St. Julian Winery family sets up memorial fund for suicide prevention (WWMT)
Plan the Perfect Wine Tour Within 2 Hours of Chicago (Chicago magazine)
10 Incredible Wine Destinations to Visit Across America this Summer (VinePair)
The Remote Winery in Michigan that's Picture Perfect for a Day Trip (OnlyInYourState.com)
What's Next for the Man Behind the Curtain at Tabor Hill? (Moody on the Market)
Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery offers idyllic charm (Traverse City Record-Eagle)
Easy Escapes (Chicago magazine)
Michigan wine industry hopeful for 2017 season (Brownfield Ag News)
Winemaker Sean O'Keefe (Edible Grande Traverse)
BrewVine: Hawthorne Vineyards on Old Mission Peninsula (9&10 News)
Lake Michigan Shore scores international acclaim in competition (Moody on the Market)
45 North Vineyard and Winery explains why Michigan wine works (Revue)
12 wine tastings to take Mom to on Mother's Day across the country (VinePair)
Stop and smell the Rose during Michigan Wine Month (ChevyDetroit.com)
Live from the Michigan Wine Showcase (Heard! podcast)
5 Great Wine States that aren't California (Tasting Table)
A budding wine industry ... in Michigan? (ozy.com)
Michigan seeks out-of-state recognition (Wine Business Monthly)
Mid-Michigan's newest and most unique winery is in Coleman (Midland Daily News)
Michigan's newest winemakers are following their passion and doing well (Second Wave Media)
Want the lowdown on Michigan wineries? (Lansing State Journal)
Cheers! We found a Michigan-made Sweet Vermouth! (Michigan Radio)
7 Weekend Escapes from Chicago (Conde Nast Traveler)
Emmet County vineyards keeping close eye on spring weather (9&10 News)
Destination Michigan: St. Ambrose Cellars (WCMU Public Media)
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