The Mitten State may as well be called the Grape State during the month of April. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has declared April as “Michigan Wine Month” to honor the state’s wide selection of quality wines and the wine industry’s significant contribution to the economy.
The designation is fitting, seeing as the number of wineries in the state continues to grow, with 117 wineries currently recognized by the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council. Michigan wineries earned 230 awards by 32 producers of Michigan wine in 2014 national competitions. Also, sales of the state’s wine has doubled over the past 10 years, and Michigan wineries welcome more than 2 million visitors each year.
“We appreciate the support of our loyal customers,” says Marie-Chantal Dalese, CEO of Chateau Chantal, on Old Mission Peninsula. “The industry will work through this rough patch handed to us by Mother Nature and will come out of it with new knowledge and experience regarding our vineyard practices and sites that will help us perform even better in the future. Our wines are gaining national attention for quality, and we will continue earning a solid reputation for excellence.”
“April is an ideal time to venture out and sample wines in winery tasting rooms,” echoes Gordon Wenk, deputy director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and chair of the council. “They’re not as busy as later in the season, and winery owners and staff have more time to spend with customers and help them learn about their wines in a more relaxed atmosphere.”
For more information, visit www.michiganwines.com.
