Taste Michigan unites the state’s wine industry

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Taste Michigan unites the state’s wine industry

The Michigan wine industry is increasing its efforts to introduce consumers to specialty cool-climate grape varieties bred specifically for the Midwest region.

Emily Dockery, executive director of the Michigan Wine Collaborative, tells Brownfield that a recent state specialty crops grant helped Try Michigan Brand.

“I believe this brand will take Michigan wine to a new level that we haven’t been able to reach before,” she says. “We’ve brought together all the tools in this brand to really create excitement and demand.”

Dockery says the nonprofit brought together wine producers from across the state for the first time for “Uncork Me Michigan” at Comerica Park and brought “Taste Michigan” to consumers, restaurants and retailers in Detroit in May.

“I think this opportunity was undoubtedly one of the best things that ever happened to Michigan wine,” she says.

She says that while there are regional wine festivals in Michigan’s wine regions, the cooperative hopes to focus on more comprehensive statewide experiences in the future.

“I like the idea of ​​bringing everyone, every region, every country, all the wineries together in one place to have the opportunity to compare terroirs and styles and the different grapes grown,” she explains.

According to Dockery, the number of wineries in the state has increased by 1,200 percent in the last 30 years, and today there are about 190 of them in operation.

Michigan is the eighth largest wine producer in the country.

AUDIO: Emily Dockery, Michigan Wine Collaborative