6 Facts About Michigan Wines You Need to Know
Michigan Wines | By Tyler Pack | Traveling Michigan
According
to winemag.com, Michigan is steering toward internationally-renowned wine
production. In fact, next to California, the Wolverine State is the second-most
agriculturally diverse state, from apples to grapes.
With
over 150 tasting rooms and 100 wineries to visit, you can taste many different
wines in Michigan. And as you relish the picturesque view of the state’s
vineyard and sip wines, you will gain a brand-new appreciation for the local
wines in Michigan.
In case
you’re new to Michigan wines, we’re here to help you out. Below are six
interesting facts about Michigan Wine you didn’t know about. So, take a read!
With over 150 tasting rooms and 100 wineries to visit, Michigan is steering toward internationally-renowned wine production
May is Michigan Wine Month!! So grab some friends or your favorite person and plan a day of tasting!
Have You Tasted Ice Wine?
Do you
have any idea how an ice wine tastes? Have
you had the chance to taste it before? If your answer to both questions is yes,
then you know what pleasure and extravagance it is.
However, did you know that
ice wine is only made in a few places in the world, and Michigan is one of
them?
In
order to craft pure, authentic ice wine, grapes should be handpicked at
precisely the correct temperature, wherein the water is solid in the vines, yet
the sugar isn’t, typically between 17 to 19° F. Generally, it means that grapes
are picked with minimal advanced notice in the middle of the night.
The
process is what you call actual labor of love because it’s a very
time-consuming and bitterly cold process. The end product is honey-like nectar
that prompts a person to savor and thoroughly enjoy each sip.
Why Location Makes a Big Difference
There
are five unique AVA or American Viticultural Areas in the state; each of them
has its own distinct grape-growing terrior. In the southwestern part of
Michigan, you can find the Lake Michigan Shore AVA, which enjoys the perks of a
long growing season.
With
about four more weeks for maturing, Lake Michigan Shore AVA excels at yielding
jammy, big red varietals like bottles for Caymus wine, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
On the
other hand, in the northwest part of Michigan, you can find the Leelanau
Peninsula. This part of the state produces well-balanced acidity wine
varieties, like Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Blanc. And farther inland,
world-renowned hybrid grapes, like Vidal Blanc, Frontenac, and Marquette, can
be found.
The Great Lakes Influence
These
vast bodies of water make a huge difference to the climate in Michigan. The
great lakes, as well as the pitch of the glacial soil in a lot of things to
agricultural production. Also, most of the wine grapes in the state grow about
twenty-five miles of Lake Michigan.
Moreover,
the freshwater lake improves the air alongside shoreline regions, securing and
safeguarding fall crops against harsh early frosts.
Plus, it prevents spring crops
from ripening too early. What’s more, lake effect snow is essential as well. It
keeps vines from extreme cold temperatures.
Photo by Alasdair Elmes on UnsplashA Grape Growing State
There
are about 13,000 acres of vineyards in the state. However, most of these
vineyards grow juice-making grapes, like Concord and Niagara. As a matter of
fact, the state grows more Niagara compared to other countries.
At
least 3,050 acres are allocated to about thirty wine grape varieties, both
hybrid, and vinifera. Nevertheless, both varieties make excellent wines.
The 45th Parallel
There’s
literally something about visiting the 45th parallel in Michigan that makes you
want to come to a stop and pose for a picture. It undoubtedly gives a new
perspective when you know that you’re halfway between the North Pole and
Equator.
However,
did you know that this place or spot plays a crucial role in making Michigan wines? Take
note that wine grapes grow or yield between 30 to 50° latitude. With that in
mind, any farther north and it’s very cold, any farther south and it’s very
warm.
The
state is significantly situated there, with points of Michigan varying from
41st to 47th parallels. The 45th parallel and the state’s wineries share the
honor with many remarkable winemaking regions, including Willamette Valley in
Oregon, Piedmont in Italy, and Bordeaux and Burgundy in France.
Wine Trails
The
state is home to five wine trails, namely, Lake Michigan Shore, Bay View,
Leelanau Peninsula, Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula, and Southeast Michigan
Pioneer.
If you want to visit these trails, you can easily use the tour planner
found on the website of Michigan Wines. All you need to do is to choose a
region and then enter the name of the city. After that, a list of wineries will
be displayed.
Leelanau and Old Mission Wine Trail Maps
Mari Vineyards, Traverse City, MI. By Travel-Mi.comHere is a Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail Map and the Old Mission Wine Trail Map
Michigan Wines Takeaway
With
fruit, sparkling, sweet, dry, white, and red vines to select from, you are sure
to discover a brand-new favorite. Undoubtedly, the wine scene in Michigan is in
full swing. Thus, you may want to take advantage of its full potential now.
But
as you make your way around the state, know these facts about the wine industry
and blooming grape in Michigan.
About the Author
Tyler Pack is a
social media enthusiast, professional blogger, and freelance writer. The topics
he writes about include business and finance, real estate, wine industry, and
more. When not working, Tyler spends his time cleaning the house and taking the
dogs to the park.
Did you know Michigan wines are winning serious awards? Discover your favorite new favorite Michigan Wine within the three Double Gold Winners and the Best of Class for Michigan Wines for 2019.
Plus, see who won the Best Riesling in the World award!!
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