The Cool Climate of Michigan Wineries
Michigan vineyards cover approximately 13,500 acres of land, making Michigan the fourth largest grape growing state in the country. Most of these acres are devoted to juice grapes, such as Niagara and Concord, but approximately 1,500 acres are devoted to Michigan wineries. This makes Michigan the eighth largest state in wine grape production.
The majority of the grapes are grown within 25 miles of Lake Michigan. The 'lake effect' snow in this region helps protect the vines with snow in the winter and retards bud break in the spring, which helps to avoid frost damage. As a result, the growing season is extended by up to four weeks.
Despite being the eighth largest state in wine grape production, the 43 commercial Michigan wineries currently in operation manage to put out more than 200,000 cases of wine each year and more than 600,000 people visit their wineries each year. As a result, the industry provides the state’s economy with $75 million dollars every year.
The Grapes of Michigan Wineries
Michigan wineries specialize in three types of grapes: vinifera, French/American hybrids, and native varieties. The vinefera varieties provide Michigan wineries with Pinot Noir, which is the most widely planted form of red wine variety in the state, and Riesling, which is the most widely planted white variety planted. Chardonnay is also among the vinifera varieties planted by Michigan wineries, with approximately 58% of all of Michigan’s wine grapes being vinifera.
The hybrid varieties of grapes grown by Michigan wineries are crosses between the vinefera varieties and native North American varieties. These result in Chambourcin, Vidal, Vingoles, and Marechal Foch wines. The native varieties, which account for only 3% if the grapes grown for wine, are Niagara and Concord.
AVA Michigan Wineries
There are four AVA regions in the state. The northwest portion is in the Leelanuau Peninsula and the Old Mission Peninsula. 51% of the state’s grapes are grown here, with an average of 145 growing days. 45% of the grapes are from southwest Michigan wineries located along the Lake Michigan Shore and has a growing season of approximately 160 days.
Things to Do When Visiting Michigan Wineries
The Southwest Michigan Wine Trail is a self-guided tour of the dozen Michigan wineries found in the state. Many of these wineries include tasting rooms and individual tours of their properties. In addition, the drive takes visitors past endless beaches and rolling hills. While at the beach, visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities, including water-skiing, boating, and swimming.
