If Vines Could Talk

In this final episode of our four-part series on vineyard care through the seasons, I sit down once again with Mike de Schaaf, Farm Manager at MSU Extension in Benton Harbor. Mike brings a steady, thoughtful approach to vineyard work, and today we explore the fall season and everything leading up to and including harvest. Learn more about MSU’s work at https://www.canr.msu.edu/swmrec/ and explore...

Episode 139 features Mike de Schaaf, Farm Manager at MSU Extension in Benton Harbor. This is the third of four conversations covering vineyard care through the seasons. Today we focus on summer and explore thinning, irrigation and disease control. Learn more at https://www.canr.msu.edu/swmrec/ and lakemichigancollege.edu/wine. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Episode 138 features Mike de Schaaf, Farm Manager at MSU Extension in Benton Harbor. This is the second of a four-part series focused on vineyard care for each season. Today we explore spring and discuss frost protection, bud break, fertilizer and disease. Mike also shares insight into his role at Lake Michigan College. Learn more about his work at https://www.canr.msu.edu/swmrec/ and lakemichigan...

Episode 137 features Mike de Schaaf, Farm Manager at MSU Extension in Benton Harbor, joining me for the first installment of a four part series on vineyard care through the seasons. Today we explore winter, the critical pruning season that sets the tone for the entire year. We also highlight Mike’s work at Lake Michigan College and point listeners to Episode 64 for his background and story. Learn...

This episode features a summer conversation with Ben Guerrin, recorded during his time as Vineyard Manager at Modales. We explore organic certification, the responsibilities of a vineyard manager, the challenges that define each season, and the collaborative relationship between vineyard and winery. Ben now serves as Agronomy Sales, Account Relationship Manager for Keystone Co-op, supporting grape...

Many listeners have asked me to share my story, and this episode brings it forward. I also explain what is ahead while my wife and I travel abroad. I have prepared a full arc of episodes that will continue each week. We begin with my own story, then move into the vineyard with its pulse and the seasons. From there we explore the varieties that define Michigan wine, including red grapes, Cabernet F...

In this episode, I sit down once again with Tim Godfrey, now serving as Program Director for Agriculture, Culinary Management, and Wine and Viticulture at Lake Michigan College. Tim brings insight, humor, and honesty as we explore the challenges of winemaking. We also discuss the winemaking program at Lake Michigan College, why it is worth exploring, and take a detailed look at sulfites. Learn mor...

Join me for Episode 133 as I visit with Folklor, a remarkable farm and winery in Charlevoix owned by Izabela Babinska and Derrick Vogel. I walked the farm with Iza in October, tasted several of their excellent wines with Derrick a few days later, and then sat down with both of them for a fun interview in late November. They are a delightful couple whose work reflects deep care for the land and a c...

In this episode, Tony Jacobson walks through his journey from Sleepy Creek in Illinois, to ten years in Traverse City, to his work with Mawby, and finally to launching Loose Cannon. Tony also leads the P.45 Wines and Vines group, a collaborative space for growers and winemakers. Learn more at loosecannon.wine or reach Tony at tony@loosecannon.wine. Follow on Instagram at loosecannon.wine or tonyma...

Episode 131 features Chalet Sturgeon in Pouring Premium. We explore the February event with Domaine Berrien and Watermark Brewing, and highlight the Local Pour experience with conversations across Michigan wineries. For inquiries, contact Chalet@localpourmi.com or call 269-405-1262. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Episode 130 features Kristy McClellan, a true Michigan Wine Advocate. From her early start at Brittany's Oyster Bar in Charlevoix to her years at Argonne Supper Club and Tapa Wingo, Kristy built her foundation in hospitality before studying at Michigan State University. Her career took her to J. Alexander, where she became Wine Buyer in Denver, and then to 12 years at Bower’s Harbor. Today she...

This episode takes you inside Up North, a wine tasting room in Geneva, Illinois, dedicated to showcasing northern Michigan wines. We feature 14 remarkable producers: Big Little Wines, Black Star Farms, Bonobo, Blustone, Left Foot Charley, Bel Lago Vineyard, French Valley Vineyard, Mawby, Shady Lane Cellars, Verterra, Brys Estate, BOS Wines, and Mari Vineyards. Discover more at upnorthwinegeneva.co...

From Missouri roots to Michigan vineyards, Chaz Judy brings a unique perspective shaped by culinary school, a strong sense of smell, and years of experience at Pyrtle Winery. At Petoskey Farms, he helps run the winery more like a restaurant, blending hospitality with winemaking. We talk about his journey, his collaborations with Andy, Tracie, and Derrick Vogel, and his 2024 Blaufrankish. Learn mor...

Episode 127 features Ellie Mullins from P&E Bottle Shop. We explore the story behind the shop, the arrival of Peony Pinot Noir, and how Michigan wine continues to thrive in local retail spaces. Learn more at pebottleshop.com or reach out at info@pebottleshop.com. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Lyn M. (L.M.) Archer shares her discoveries in Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula, her Substack dedicated to bubbles, and her focus on sustainability and traditional method sparkling wine. With a Champagne designation and thoughtful insights, she discusses the challenges and allure of the wine business. Hear her recommendations for bubbles from Black Star Farms, Mawby, Mari, and Left Foo...

In this episode, I sit down with Olivia Anguilm and Nick Allen of WaterFire, longtime friends who found themselves running a winery almost by surprise. Nick’s agricultural roots and Olivia’s business and hospitality skills are guiding their vision for a sustainable, cozy vineyard experience. We talk about their plans for Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Blaufränkisch, and more, as well as their hopes f...

In Episode 124 of If Vines Could Talk, we sit down with sustainability consultant Winnie Guerra to explore the roots and realities of organic winegrowing. From regenerative practices to the business case for sustainability, Winnie shares insights that matter for growers, winemakers, and wine lovers alike. Follow her on Instagram @winnie.g or reach her at winnieguerra18@gmail.com. © Steve Salisbury...

Bob Utter of Flying Otter Vineyard joins us to talk about growing grapes in Southeast Michigan. With an engineering background and a deep dive into viticulture, Bob shares how cold-hardy varieties like Marquette, Petite Pearl, and Frontenac Blanc thrive in Michigan’s climate. He explains why Blaufränkisch didn’t work, how Geneva Double Curtain and single highwire lateral cordon training support gr...

In Episode 122, we sit down with Michael Wells of Black Fire Winery, located near Tecumseh in Southeast Michigan. Michael is Michigan’s first Black winemaker and brewer, and his journey is as bold as the wines he crafts. We talk about his inspiration, his process, and what it means to break new ground in Michigan’s wine scene. Visit blackfirewinery.com or call the tasting room at 517-424-9232 to l...

In Episode 121, we meet Lauren Burns of Tending Tilth, a contract grazier restoring prairie and grasslands across Southwest Michigan. Lauren shares her experience working with the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, grazing at Stranger’s Vineyard, and launching her new business focused on meat and hides. Learn how she met Maxx and Sidney through a shepherd in Buchanan, and how her work blends eco...

Anna Rafalski of Granor Farm joins us to talk about Granor Farm, a bold new venture in Michigan’s beverage scene. As General Manager and Beverage Director, Anna curates a wine list featuring Stranger, Mawby, and bigLITTLE, alongside their own spirits: gin, vermouth, rye, and bourbon. We discuss the vision of owners Rob Buono and Liz Cichelli, and how Granor is redefining agritourism through hospit...

In Episode 119, Lauren Kniebes joins to explore three standout Pinot Noirs from Dreihart, Poetson and Stranger Wine Co. The conversation highlights Old Shore Vineyard’s southeast and southwest-facing slopes, which contribute to optimal ripening and freshness. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Drew Perry of Simpson Family Estates shares his disciplined approach to vinifera-only winemaking across Aurora Cellars and Good Harbor Vineyards. We discuss production strategy, varietal integrity, and the legacy of Michigan wine. simpsonfamilyestates.com auroracellars.com goodharbor.com drew@simpsonfamilyestates.com © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Today we talk with Matt Killman of Walloon Lake Winery. Known for his deep understanding of hybrid grapes and terroir, Matt shares insights into his winemaking philosophy and the unique character of Walloon Lake. This episode offers a thoughtful look at the artistry behind Michigan wine and the subtle power of place. Learn more at walloonlakewinery.com or contact Matt directly at killmanmatt@gmail...

Gottfried Hart of Dreihart Winery is a winemaker whose legacy spans Michigan and Germany. From his family’s vineyards in Eibelstadt to his new tasting room in Three Oaks, Gottfried shares his journey, his winemaking philosophy, and his commitment to dry, complex wines rooted in European tradition. Visit dreihart.6linden.com or contact dreihartwinery@gmail.com for more. © Steve Salisbury. Produced...