Overview

Michigan has 14,600 acres of vines, making it the fourth-largest grape-producing state in the nation. More than 2,000 acres are devoted to wine grapes, making Michigan the eighth state in wine grape production. Most of Michigan’s wine grapes are grown within 25 miles of Lake Michigan where the “lake effect” protects the vines with snow in winter, retards bud break in spring, helping avoid damage due to late spring frosts, and extends the growing season by up to four weeks.

Michigan is home to 73 wineries, producing more than 1 million gallons of wine annually. The majority of production is from Michigan-grown grapes. Three types of grapes are used for wine in Michigan:

• Vinifera – Classic European varieties
• Hybrid – Botanical crosses between vinifera and native varieties
• Native – True native varieties, Concord and Niagara are examples

Michigan wineries make many styles of wine, from dry to sweet including ice wine, sparkling, fortified, fruit wines and eaux de vie (fruit brandy). Michigan wines are typically cool-climate, clean, crisp, balanced wines that exhibit varietal character.

The wine industry contributes more than $300 million annually to Michigan’s economy. Wineries are popular tourist destinations, attracting more than 800,000 visitors annually.


Links

• Michigan Grape Society 
• Michigan Liquor Control Commission
• Michigan State University grape research 
• Michigan Wine Resources, Michigan Department of Agriculture.
• Michigan Wines - The official Web site of Michigan’s wine industry.
• Wine Industry Resources for MIchigan - This guide includes sections on growing wine grapes, making wine, sales and marketing, licenses and regulations and other business issues.
• Wine Michigan

Updated and links checked July 2011.