All About Wine

Cork or screw cap? The way a wine bottle is sealed affects taste, aging, and freshness. Discover the pros and cons of each. 🍷

Pop, Twist, or Pour? The Many Ways to Seal a Wine Bottle

When you grab a bottle of wine, do you prefer the satisfying pop of a cork, the easy twist of…

Red wine offers more than flavor—it may boost heart, brain, and bone health when enjoyed in moderation. Discover the benefits of your favorite pour.

The Surprising Health Benefits of Red Wine

There’s something special about unwinding with a glass of red wine after a long day—especially when that glass might be…

Chaptalization helps winemakers in cool climates, like Northern Michigan, balance acidity by adding sugar before fermentation. Learn how it works!

Chaptalization: Sweetening the Science of Winemaking

Winemaking is as much an art as it is a science, and sometimes Mother Nature needs a little help. Enter…

Understanding Terroir

The Heart of Wine’s Unique Flavor Have you ever heard the term “terroir” when discussing wine and wondered what it…

Storing Wine Like a Pro

Storing wine might seem as simple as sticking bottles on a shelf, but if you want to preserve its flavor…

Old World vs. New World

What’s the Difference? Ever hear the terms “Old World” and “New World” wines and wonder what they mean? It’s all…

The Art and Science of Aging Wine in Northern Michigan

Wine Gets Better with Age—But Does It Always? Aging wine is an essential part of the winemaking process, shaping its…

Your Guide to Northern Michigan’s Wine Regions

Savor the Flavors Northern Michigan’s wine scene is more than just a local treasure—it’s a testament to decades of passion,…

The Magic of Oak: How Barrels Shape Northern Michigan Wines

The Secret Ingredient in Winemaking? Oak Barrels! When we think of wine, our minds go straight to the grapes—but there’s…

What Are Fortified Wines?

Fortified Wines: A Look at Port, Sherry, and More Fortified wines are a unique category of wine that packs a…

Sweet Wines and the Magic of Noble Rot

Sweet wines, also known as dessert wines, are famous for their rich, sugary flavors. But have you ever wondered how…

How to Quickly Chill Wine

Simple Tips for Fast Results Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a glass of your favorite Northern…

Did You Know? White Wine Can Be Made from Dark Grapes!

When you think of white wine, you probably picture green or yellow grapes, right? Surprisingly, white wine can actually be…

Beyond Red, White, and Rosé

Exploring the World of Unique Wines Most of us are familiar with the three classic types of wine—red, white, and…

What Are Tannins?

How Do They Affect Wine? Tannins are one of those wine terms that come up often, but what do they…

Is Wine a Guilt-Free Drink?

The Surprising Truth About Wine and Fat Good news for wine lovers—your favorite drink contains zero fat! That’s right, not…

The Perfect Wine Glass

How Shape, Rim, and Holding Techniques Enhance Your Experience When it comes to enjoying a great glass of wine, the…

What is Oenophobia?

Understanding the Fear or Dislike of Wine While many people enjoy sipping a glass of wine, there are some who…

What is Oenology?

The Science Behind Winemaking Have you ever heard of the term “oenology” (or enology)? This word refers to the science…

Tips for Swirling, Smelling, and Sipping Wine

Mastering the Art of Wine Tasting When you visit a Northern Michigan winery, it’s not just about sipping wine –…

What is an Oenophile?

Discover the Origins of this Wine Lover’s Term If you’ve ever heard the term “oenophile” and wondered what it means,…

Why Most Wines Aren’t Vegan

What That Means for You When you think of wine, you probably imagine crushed grapes, right? After all, it’s just…

Decanting vs. Aerating Wine

What’s the Best Way to Let Your Wine Shine? Wine lovers often wonder if they should decant or aerate their…

The Judgment of Paris

How a 1976 Wine Tasting Shocked the World On May 24, 1976, a blind tasting event in Paris shook the…

Syrah Grapes in Northern Michigan

A Hidden Gem Among Red Wines When you think of Syrah grapes, your mind may immediately wander to the sun-drenched…

Michigan’s Unique Terroir

The Secret Behind Its Wine Success When people think of Michigan, they often associate it with the automotive industry, particularly…

How Many Glasses of Wine Are in a Bottle?

If you’ve ever wondered how many glasses of wine you’ll get from a bottle, you’re not alone! Whether you’re planning…

Michigan vs. California Wines

A Unique Showdown Michigan’s emerging wine industry offers a surprising contrast to the well-established California vineyards. Although California dominates the…

What is an AVA?

An American Viticultural Area (AVA) is essentially the birthplace of a wine. It is a geographically designated wine grape-growing region…

The Perfect Pour: Serving Wine at the Right Temperature

Serving wine at the right temperature can enhance its flavors, aromas, and overall experience. Ever poured a glass of wine…

Top Wine Country Stays in the U.S.

Two Northern Michigan wineries have made their mark in the 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice list for Best Wine…

Chardonnay: The Versatile Staple of Northern Michigan Wineries

When it comes to wine, Chardonnay is the grape that seems to be everywhere—and for good reason! This adaptable and…

Northern Michigan Wine: A Flourishing Industry

Northern Michigan has become a key player in the state’s vibrant wine industry, which has seen remarkable growth over the…

10 Fascinating Facts About Ice Wine: The Sweet Science of a Winter Delicacy

1. Ice Wine’s Irresistible Sweetness Ice wine is a dessert wine known for its intense sweetness, achieved by using grapes…

The Most Common Wine Grapes Grown in Northern Michigan

If you’ve ever sipped a glass of Michigan wine and wondered what goes into that delicious pour, you’re in for…

Mastering the Art of Wine Tasting: A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide

Embark on an artful journey into the world of wine tasting, where each sip engages your senses and transports you…

Why Magnum Wine Bottles Are the Ultimate Choice for Wine Lovers

Bigger, Better, and Built to Age When it comes to wine, size really does matter—at least when you’re talking about…

Discover the Best Time to Visit Northern Michigan’s Wine Country

Northern Michigan is famed for its sugar sand beaches, scenic trails, breathtaking views, and, of course, the Great Lakes. But…

Wineries of the Leelanau Peninsula

The Leelanau Peninsula, situated west of Traverse City, stretches 30 miles north into Lake Michigan, offering a picturesque landscape that…

Why Wineries Graft their Grapevines

How They Do It Grafting grapevines may not be the most romantic part of winemaking, but it’s one of the…

Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula

The Old Mission Peninsula, nestled in the northwestern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, is a destination renowned for its scenic…

How to Identify Estate Bottled Wines

Decoding Wine Labels When browsing wine labels, you’ve probably come across the phrase Estate Bottled on American wine bottles. But…

Wineries of the Petoskey Wine Region

Explore the Petoskey Wine Region, formerly known as the Bay View Wine Trail, now boasting 14 family-owned wineries. This region…

Wineries of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and pristine landscapes. The Upper Peninsula has traditionally not…

The Science Behind Champagne Bubbles

Tiny Miracles in Every Glass Champagne is synonymous with celebration, but have you ever wondered what makes those tiny bubbles…

Wineries and Cideries of Alpena

Despite its modest population of just over 10,000 residents, the City of Alpena stands as the third largest city in…

Grand Traverse: Premier Wine Destination

Nestled along the sparkling shores of Lake Michigan, Traverse City is a gem of Northern Michigan. The area is known…

10 Surprising Facts About Mead: The Ancient Beverage Making a Comeback

Ever wondered what drink fortified the Vikings on their ocean voyages or what Aristotle sipped from his goblet? The answer…

The Art and Challenge of Crafting Ice Wine: A Delicate Dance with Nature

Ice wine is a unique and intensely flavorful dessert wine made from grapes that freeze on the vine. This natural…

A Guide to Wine Bottle Sizes

What’s in a Bottle? From the petite Split to the colossal Melchizedek, wine bottles come in a dizzying array…

History of Wine

Wine, with its rich history spanning back thousands of years, weaves a tale as complex and varied as the flavors…

Exploring the World of Vintage Wines

Vintage wines are more than just a label with a year—they’re a snapshot of history, a story of the land,…

National Mulled Wine Day

National Mulled Wine Day on March 3rd celebrates the cherished tradition of Mulled Wine, offering a cozy way to unwind…

Winemaking in Northern Michigan

In the heart of Northern Michigan, amidst its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, lies a burgeoning wine industry with a…

What is the Difference Between Vintage and Non-Vintage Wines?

When you’re shopping for wine, you’ve probably seen terms like “vintage” or “non-vintage” on the label. But what do these…

National Drink Wine Day

Join the celebration as we raise our glasses to National Drink Wine Day! This beloved occasion invites wine enthusiasts worldwide…

Biodynamic Winemakers

Harvesting with the Cosmos Imagine planning your harvest by the phases of the moon or burying cow horns filled with…

What is Biodynamic Wine?

Biodynamic wine has been creating a buzz in the wine world, but what exactly does it mean? If you’ve ever…

Why Wines from Warmer Climates Tend to Be Sweeter and Stronger

Ever notice that wines from warmer climates tend to be a bit sweeter and stronger? It all comes down to…

The Role of Yeast in Wine Production

Meet Saccharomyces cerevisiae When it comes to wine production, one tiny organism plays a massive role—yeast! Specifically, the star of…

Welcome to the wonderful world of Northern Michigan wineries!