Michigan Wine Month – April 2010

I was very excited to see that Michigan Wine Month is only a few days away.  Living in Chicago, I found myself only a short drive away from some of the great wineries in SW Michigan.  A couple of my personal favorites are Round Barn Winery in Baroda, and Karma Vista Winery in Coloma.  Both of these wineries offer a mixture of great wines and fun atmosphere.

Cheers!

- Brandon

Governor Granholm Declares April “Michigan Wine Month”

Seven new wineries open for 2010, highlighting growth in Ag sector

Mar 24, 2010

Contact: Karel Bush
Phone: 517-241-4468
Email: bushk9@michigan.gov

LANSING — Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today declared April as “Michigan Wine Month” to honor Michigan’s wide selection of quality wines and the wine industry’s significant contribution to the economy. Michigan’s wine and grape industries contribute nearly $800 million to the state’s economy each year.

Sales of Michigan wines in the state rose 10 percent in 2009, while total wine sales increased 6 percent. Michigan wine sales have outpaced total wine sales for the past 10 years, doubling the Michigan wineries’ market share to 6 percent.

“Michigan’s grape and wine industry continues to grow with seven new wineries slated to open this year,” Granholm said. “Not only is our wine industry a vital component of the state’s agricultural sector, it’s also an important part of our tourism industry as hundreds of thousands of people visit Michigan’s Wine Country each year.”

“Michigan’s grape and wine industry demonstrates our food and Ag sectors continue to be ripe for growth and offer opportunities both for seasoned business leaders or budding entrepreneurs,” said Don Koivisto, Michigan Department of Agriculture director. “April is a great time to kick off winery touring. Tasting rooms are less busy in the spring, and tasting room staff are delighted to have time to provide extra attention. Many of Michigan’s 71 wineries will begin to release new wines from the 2009 vintage this spring; additional red wines from the 2008 vintage will also be available.”

Several events are planned this spring and early summer that will provide opportunities to meet winemakers and sample a variety of Michigan wines, including:

 
• Michigan International Wine Expo: April 9 &10 – Rock Financial Showplace in Novi (www.michiganwineexpo.com)
• Michigan Wine Celebration: April 17 & 18 – Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail (www.pioneerwinetrail.com)
• Spring Sip & Savor: May 1 & 2 – Leelanau Peninsula Vintners (www.lpwines.com)
• Blossom Days: May 15-16 – Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (www.wineriesofoldmission.com)
• Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival: June 19 – Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail (www.miwinetrail.com)

For a complete list of events celebrating Michigan Wine Month, visit www.michiganwines.com.

April will also see the release of the 2010 Michigan Wine Country magazine, an indispensable guide to the wines and wineries of Michigan. The magazine contains maps and touring information, as well as a popular section on “what’s new at the wineries.” To request a free copy of Michigan Wine Country, visit www.michiganwines.com or contact the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council at 517-241-1207. The magazine is also available at all Michigan wineries and Travel Michigan Welcome Centers.

About Corx Wine Bags

Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine.  With one them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag.  After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born.  A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery.   For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com