If Vines Could Talk

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...

In this episode, I sit down with Sean O'Keefe, former winemaker at Mari Vineyards, to explore his approach to winemaking and the stories behind the blends. Learn about the legacy of Teresa Mari, the vision of owners Marty and Olivia Lagina, and the mystery of Row 7. Since recording, Sean has moved on to new ventures, but his voice remains rooted in Michigan soil. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by...

In this episode, we reconnect with Paula Camp, first featured in episode 56, as she prepares for the sold-out Jacques Pépin Foundation Benefit Dinner on October 19 at Houndstooth in Benton Harbor. This special event honors Jacques Pépin’s 90th birthday and his enduring legacy in culinary education. Paula’s collaboration with Chefs Cheyenne Galbraith and Jean Joho includes a stellar cast of Michiga...

Taylor Simpson shares a major update. She and her brother Sam are now partners with others in Michigan by the Bottle, expanding her leadership across Good Harbor, Aurora Cellars, Harbor Hill services, and MBTB tasting rooms in Auburn Hills, Royal Oak, and Shelby Township. This episode explores her vision for stewardship and the evolving landscape of Michigan wine. michiganbythebottle.com or taylor...

Bryan Ulbrich, owner and winemaker at Left Foot Charley, joins us to share his journey from history and law to pioneering Northern Michigan’s first urban winery. In this episode, Bryan discusses his grower-first philosophy, innovative vineyard management, and commitment to mentoring future winemakers. Recorded in the barn, complete with ambient sounds of birds and farm equipment. Visit leftfootcha...

In this premier episode featuring home winemakers and grape growers, we meet Mike and Craig, two friends who are making remarkable wines off the radar. With grapes grown in clay, gravel, and rock, and varietals ranging from Tannat to Riesling, they’re building something special. We tasted their Super Tuscan 2022, Meritage 2017, and Tannat 2020 while exploring their process and philosophy. These wi...

In Episode 110, we take you through a decanting journey using a Hickory Creek 2021 Merlot Carmenere tasted at zero, 30, 75, 120, and 180 minutes. The evolution was striking. Each stage revealed distinct textures, aromas, and clarity. We share practical tips to help you decant with confidence and reflect on how slowing down can deepen your connection to the wine. Whether you’re pouring for friends...

Mike Laing didn’t set out to lead one of Michigan’s most iconic sparkling wine houses, but the vineyard his parents planted in Lake Leelanau in 2002 quietly set the stage. After leaving teaching in Chicago, he joined MAWBY in 2007, just as the winery was doubling down on its sparkling focus. Today, Mike and his brother Peter carry forward MAWBY’s 50-year legacy while pushing boundaries with nonalc...

Episode 108 features an in-depth conversation with the new owners of Free Run Cellars, Tricia Slevin and Prashanth Pais. Drawing inspiration from the Sanskrit phrase “Atithidevo Bhav,” meaning "a guest is akin to God," they’ve crafted Free Run into a place of intentional hospitality and emotional sanctuary. Tune in for a deep dive into the philosophy, design, and quiet excellence that sh...

Joe Herman, longtime steward of Karma Vista Vineyards, is back on the show. Since selling the property, Joe has embraced a more relaxed pace while diving into regenerative agriculture and the future of sustainable viticulture. Tune in to hear his insights, reflections, and a dose of Michigan vineyard wisdom. Contact Joe at joeherman@mac.com. Books and other resources: The Devil's Element by Da...