Northern Michigan has become a key player in the state’s vibrant wine industry, which has seen remarkable growth over the past few decades. As of 2020, Michigan boasted 3,375 acres of wine-grape cultivation and over 200 commercial wineries, collectively producing 3 million US gallons of wine annually. The wine industry, particularly in Northern Michigan, is not just about production; it’s also about enotourism, which significantly contributes to the region’s economy. In 2017, the combined economic impact of wine and enotourism in Michigan was estimated at a staggering $5.4 billion, a dramatic increase from $300 million just a decade earlier.
Historical Roots and Evolution
The history of wine in Michigan dates back to the 1780s when the French settlers in Monroe began making wine along the River Raisin. By the mid-1800s, Monroe County had established itself as Michigan’s first wine region. Although sweet wines from native North American grape varieties like Catawba, Concord, and Niagara dominated the early industry, a shift began in the latter half of the 20th century. In 1974, Chateau Grand Traverse, located in the Traverse Bay area of Northern Michigan, became one of the pioneers of vinifera wine production in the state. The success of this venture spurred the development of more wineries in the region, focusing on European grape varieties, leading to the flourishing wine industry we see today.
The Key Regions and Their Unique Characteristics
Northern Michigan is home to two of the state’s five American Viticultural Areas (AVAs): the Leelanau Peninsula AVA and the Old Mission Peninsula AVA. These areas, known for their sandy soils and lake-dominated climate, offer an ideal environment for vinifera grape cultivation. The proximity to Lake Michigan creates a unique microclimate, extending the growing season and contributing to the distinctive qualities of the region’s wines. The Greater Traverse City area, encompassing both peninsulas, produces over half of Michigan’s wine grapes, including many of the state’s renowned vinifera varieties like Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
Specialty Wines and Ongoing Challenges
Northern Michigan’s climate is particularly suited to the production of specialty wines like ice wine, which requires an early hard freeze to harvest grapes while they are still on the vine. While the production of ice wine is a challenging and unpredictable endeavor, it has become a prized product of the region, with local wineries adhering to traditional German methods of production.
In addition to vinifera wines, Northern Michigan is also a leader in fruit wines, particularly cherry wine, owing to the region’s status as the leading producer of tart cherries in the United States. The local wineries craft a diverse array of fruit wines and fortified fruit wines, adding to the region’s unique wine offerings.
Future Prospects and State Support
The future of Northern Michigan’s wine industry looks promising, with a warming climate potentially boosting vinifera grape production. However, challenges remain, such as vulnerability to late frosts and the need for a consistently warm growing season. The state has been supportive of the industry, with Michigan State University’s agricultural research and the Michigan Craft Beverage Council playing pivotal roles in its growth.
As Northern Michigan continues to develop its wine industry, the region is poised to increase its profile both nationally and internationally, with ambitious goals set for the coming years.
Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.