If Vines Could Talk

Today, I welcome back Brian Lillie to the show. Brian wears many hats as a true advocate of Michigan wine. In this episode, we will explore his role as Vice President of Hospitality Operations and Distribution at Chateau Chantal. Recorded in October, we delve into the rich history of this renowned winery and much more. For more information, visit chateauchantal.com or contact blillie@chateauchanta...

Today’s guest is Liana Smith, a soon-to-be graduate of the master's program in Sustainable Viticulture & Enology at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy. Liana plans to return to Michigan to apply her expertise in sustainable winegrowing later this year. In this episode, we will define key terms related to sustainable winegrowing and discuss sustainable practices within the indust...

Today, I welcome Zach and Lindsay Filkins to the show. In this interview, we discuss their passion for Michigan wine, and how Zach balances his burgeoning wine career with his commitments to OneRepublic. Recorded in October, we also explore some of their recent releases. For more information, visit filkinsvineyards.com or contact info@filkinsvineyards.com.

Today kicks off an exciting new series, "Michigan Under 40," spotlighting the bright and talented young winemakers and other rising stars in Michigan's flourishing wine industry. The premier episode features Jasmine Hein, a driving force at Lake Michigan Vintners, the wine teaching college affiliated with Lake Michigan College. Though her official title is Winery Technician, Jasmine...

Today we talk with Brian Lillie, a multifaceted advocate for Michigan wine. Over the course of three episodes, we will delve into his various contributions to the industry. Today, we begin with his role as President of the Michigan Wine Collaborative. For more information, please visit michiganwinecollaborative.com or tastemichigan.org. For inquiries, contact: info@tastemichigan.org

Join Jayme and me as we embark on a blind tasting journey with three Cabernet Francs from the eastern United States. Our tasting lineup features:  - Lemon Creek Cabernet Franc 2020 from Michigan's Lake Michigan Shore - Debonné Cabernet Franc 2022 from the Grand River Valley AVA in northeastern Ohio - Heron Hill Cabernet Franc 2019 from the Finger Lakes region in central New York  Visit lemoncr...

Today, Dr. Analisa Leppanen is back. She is the owner and winemaker at Golden Muse Winery, located in downtown Baroda. This interview, recorded in August, provides an update on the latest developments at the winery. We also delve into the stories about her labels and the artists behind them. We hope this insightful conversation offers a captivating glimpse into the Golden Age of Paris. For more in...

Today, we delve into the fascinating world of East Coast American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). Our focus spans from Massachusetts to North Carolina, where we will explore each AVA's unique climate, soil composition, grape varieties, and prominent wineries. Please note, we'll be covering New York and Pennsylvania AVAs in a future discussion. Join us for an informative and engaging conversation about...

Dr. Dave Miller of White Pine Winery is back for a super educational session about viticulture and how proper work in the vineyard helps to make fantastic wines. You can learn more about Dr. Dave and his winery at www.whitepinewinery.com .

Aimee Mali owns and operates Achrimere (ACK-RIM-MERE) Wines on Old Mission Peninsula. Today Jayme and I taste four of her wines. You can reach Aimee at achrimereorders@gmail.com or through Facebook at Achrimere Wines and The Wine Associate, and on Instagram @achrimerewines and  @thewineassociate.

Aimee Mali owns and operates Achrimere (ACK-RIM-MERE) Wines on Old Mission Peninsula. Today we talk about her fascinating story, and next week Jayme and I taste four of her wines! You can reach Aimee at achrimereorders@gmail.com or through Facebook at Achrimere Wines and The Wine Associate, and on Instagram @achrimerewines and  @thewineassociate.

Jayme and I uncover the mystery of wine flaws. We shed light on oxidation, sulfur, bret, UV damage, and many other flaws that detract from your tasting experience. We also share tips on how to handle a few of them.

Andrew Schultz and his wife own and operate Texas Corners Brewing Company, and about a year ago purchased Lawton Ridge Winery on Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo. Andrew shares the history of their large family farm as well as that of the brewery and their acquisition of Lawton Ridge. lawtonridgewinery.com

Jayme and I blind taste three Lake Michigan Shore White Cabernet Francs, one each from Cody Kresta, St. Julian/Braganini, and Veritas Estate. codykrestawinery.com; stjulian.com; mivintageinn.com.

All the way from Colorado’s Grand Valley AVA, my guest today is Juliann Adams of Vines 79 Vineyard and Winery in Palisade, Colorado. Join us as we talk about Colorado’s rise in wine industry prominence and make a few comparisons to Michigan. And of course we discuss her boutique winery. The website is vines79.com; contact Juliann at vinelands79@gmail.com or 970-589-0414. USA Today’s Top 10 Wine Re...

Just in time for the holidays, today Jayme and I talk about serving wine – temperatures, glassware and storing open bottles.

Episode 74: McKenzie Gallagher is my guest today. McKenzie and her husband own and operate the Rove Winery at the Gallagher Estate just outside of Traverse City. Tune in as we talk about their fifth and sixth generation family farm, and how they’ve turned it into an award-winning vineyard and winery operation. Website: rovewinery.com; email: info@rovewinery.com

Jamele Favorite, the Marketing Director at Modales, joins us for an exclusive winery immersion episode. Jamele will also share insights about his podcast, "Music in the Bottle," a journey that ultimately led him to his role at Modales. Recorded in August, this episode features a tasting of five exceptional wines from Modales that Jamele has graciously brought along. Join us for an informative and...

James Lester, one of the most esteemed winemakers in the Lake Michigan Shore, is my guest today. Join us as we delve into his remarkable background and significant contributions as a Michigan wine pioneer. Throughout our conversation, you will also hear many familiar names of notable individuals he has collaborated with through the years. Contact Jim directly at jamesglester@gmail.com or go to his...

Just in time for the holidays! If you're searching for a unique and special gift idea or an activity to enjoy with your family, friends, or business associates, we have an exciting offer for you. Meredith George, the owner of the St. Joe Wine Shoppe, and I bring private wine tastings directly to your home, office, or any location you prefer. I focus on showcasing the finest Michigan wines, while M...

Today, my guest is Michael Reinke, the Viticulture Specialist at the Michigan State University Extension Center, located just east of Benton Harbor. Recorded in August, this episode features a discussion on Michael’s career and some of the exciting projects he’s working on at the Center. If you have any questions, you can reach Michael at 269-927-5674. You can also find the Center online at www.ca...

Jayme and I embark on a blind tasting of three exceptional dry Rieslings from around the world. Our lineup includes Domaine Berrien’s 2022 Dry Riesling from Michigan, Selbach Oster from the prestigious Mosel region, and the iconic Trimbach from Alsace. Notably, Domaine Berrien is located at approximately 42° N, the Mosel region at about 50.5° N, and Alsace around 48.5° N. Join us as we explore the...

Today's guest is Tim Godfrey, the new Director of Wine and Viticulture Technology at Lake Michigan Vintners. With big shoes to fill after Michael Moyer’s departure, Tim is here to share the latest on the Midwest’s first teaching winery. Prepare to dive into his philosophy, and his exciting vision for the future of Lake Michigan Vintners. www.lakemichiganvintners.com

Jayme and I explore corks and screw caps, and when, where and why it makes sense to use each.

Jason Johnson is brand new to the Lake Michigan Shore and comes to us from California’s Napa Valley. Last winter Zach and Lindsay Filkins purchased Karma Vista Vineyards from Joe and Sue Herman, and one of their first hires was Jason. He brings a wealth of experience and we are all excited to see what he does with the new venture. You can reach Filkins Vineyards at their website, filkinsvineyards....