If Vines Could Talk

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....

Sherry Seston is back with us today for another winery immersion. Joining Jayme and me, Sherry will guide us through a tasting of four exquisite wines from her Veritas Estate winery in South Haven, Michigan. The four wines are, Wren White Blend 2023, Chardonnay 2023, Beach Day Rose’ 2023, Blaufränkisch 2023. Go back to episode 61 to hear Sherry’s Chardonnay featured in a blind tasting we performed...

Mike De Schaaf is my guest today. Mike is not only a seasoned vineyard consultant but also the farm manager at the MSU Extension Center in Benton Harbor. We dive into his journey in the Lake Michigan Shore wine industry and explore the vinifera varieties that thrive in this region. Plus, Mike has a story about my mom that you won’t want to miss.

Jayme and I discuss the USA AVA system, particularly focused on the Midwest states. There’s a lot of information here, and a few things that we’d really appreciate feedback about. If you have information that can help us, please let me know. Note that this is part 1. Be sure to tune into part 2 in a few weeks.

Claire Kliss wears two big hats. She’s the general manager at Contessa Wine Cellars in Coloma, Michigan, and she is the President of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, a group of about 15 wineries focused on promoting the wines of our AVA. email: contessa@cs.com websites: contessawinecellars.com & lakemichiganshorewinetrail.com

Jayme and I are blind tasting three Chardonnays from around the world. The three wines we tasted (not in order, otherwise I’d give away the surprise) were Alpasión Grand Chardonnay 2021 from the Uco Valley in Argentina, Simonnet-Febvre Chablis 2021 from France, and Chardonnay 2023 from Veritas Estate in the Lake Michigan Shore.

Jake Nivison is my guest today. Jake is the vigneron at Domaine Berrien Cellars here near Baroda, Michigan. Join us as we talk in their new barrel room about Jake’s interesting history, and his commitment to education. The website is domaineberrien.com and you can contact Jake at winery@domaineberrien.com .

Jayme and I delve into the exquisite wine regions of France, including Alsace, the Loire Valley, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. We can't help but draw parallels to our beloved Michigan wine regions. Let's uncork some knowledge and sip on some comparisons!

Geoff Hamelin and his father, Paul, are the proud owners and operators of Verterra Winery located in the picturesque Leelanau Peninsula. Verterra Winery is renowned for consistently crafting top-notch, award-winning wines. Just recently, their Merlot Rose' took home the prestigious top prize in the Michigan Governor’s Cup competition. Cheers to Verterra Winery for their well-deserved win! vert...

Today, we are thrilled to unveil our latest offering: Winery Immersion. Join Jayme and me as we chat with Jason Forbes, the Wine Club Manager at Dablon Vineyards and Winery in Baroda, Michigan. Jason has graciously invited us to sample five of Dablon's exquisite wines. Tune in as we sip, savor, and share our thoughts on these delightful libations. Cheers to a great experience! www.dablon.com C...