Michigan Grapes & Wines

[GerardVineyard]

According to an study by MSU, Michigan is the fourth largest grape producer in the nation. A quote from MyNorth.com, "Michigan has seen wine grape growth increase by 500 percent since 1973, and the state's wine industry has grown from fewer than 10 to 86 wineries, producing more than 1 million gallons of wine each year, according to the site.
More than 800,000 visitors make the trek to Michigan vineyards each year. In West Michigan, these include wineries that dot the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas near Traverse City, and Fennville to the south.
And all those bottles add up. Michigan's wine industry contributes $300 million annually to Michigan’s economy.
Lately, there's even been a push by some wine lovers to seek out wines crafted with only Michigan-grown grapes.
Michigan wine grapes include riesling, pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot blanc, cabernet franc, merlot, and chardonel."

 

[chris889671]

Go Michigan wines.

 

[chris889671]

Thats awsome info. Ferment it and They will come.

 

[Runningwolf]

According to an study by MSU, Michigan is the fourth largest grape producer in the nation.

Does it say who the first three are and say the top 10? I think the hobby/profession is exploding everywhere.

 

[GerardVineyard]

No mention of the top 10. I do know that another AVA area is being developed in Northern MI by the group SAGGA, Straits Area Grape Growers Association.

 

[grapeman]

The top 10 is really not set in stone, especially the top 5. It depends on what is used to calculate the list. California and Washington are undisputed, but then the next few are really a tossup depending on what grapes are included in the list and what state is doing the study. Oregon, NewYork and Pennsylvania are the commonly accepted number 3 and 4 and 5. In a lot of studies Micigan ranks down around 6 or 7. I have even seen some states below number 10 claim to be in the top 5. It really doesn't matter, since grapes and wine are generally increasing and as long as consumption keeps up, we will be fine. If not, then prices will suffer and some of those new producers will fail.

Go Grapes!