Michigan Department of Agriculture Announces Summer Wine Festivals, Events

(LANSING) -- Summer is an excellent time for a visit to some of Michigan's wineries or tasting rooms to learn more about the state's expanding wine making and grape growing industry, according to Dan Wyant, Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

"Wineries are an important part of agricultural tourism in Michigan, which is uniquely suited by climate and geography to produce a wide variety of high-quality wine grapes," Wyant said. "Two new wineries have opened in Michigan since last year, bringing our total to 25 wine making facilities and hundreds of acres of scenic vineyards. In addition, wineries are in the planning stages on Leelanau Peninsula, Beaver Island, in Pentwater and Grass Lake."

Sales of Michigan wines have increased 27 percent since 1995, a reflection of the state's enhanced reputation for winemaking, good economic times and increased tourism at wineries and tasting rooms, Wyant added. Wineries' strong support of key local summer festivals also provides good opportunities for people to learn more about Michigan wines.

Most festivals offer fine regional cuisine, an opportunity to taste wines, and to speak with winery representatives about the art of wine making. The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, which represents the state's 25 commercial wineries and many vineyards, suggests the following slate of special food- and wine-related events as excellent weekend trips.w

"Fine wines are best when enjoyed with complementary foods, and the appropriate pairing of food and wine is emphasized at the summer festivals," said Linda Jones, Program Manager of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council.

The Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival is the state's largest, with annual attendance of over 30,000 people who enjoy an arts and crafts fair, midway of carnival rides, farm and vineyard tours, grape stomping and wine tasting.

Several Michigan wineries hold special educational events throughout the year, from wine dinners to vineyard picnics. A list of confirmed events is included in the just-released 2000 edition of Michigan Wine Country, a publication of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council. Profiles of the wineries, maps and wine-related articles are also featured in the 24-page magazine. To receive a complimentary copy, contact the Council at (517) 373-1104 or visit the Council's Web site at http://www.michiganwines.com.

The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council is a 10-member panel that supports the growth of the grape and wine industry in Michigan. The Council is housed in the Michigan Department of Agriculture, which is the official state agency charged with serving, promoting and protecting the food, agriculture and agricultural economic interests of the people of the State of Michigan. MDA programs serve all sectors of agriculture, which is Michigan's second-largest industry.

The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, as well as most of the commercially-licensed wineries in the state, are proud members of the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA). For regional travel information, contact WMTA at 800-442-2084 or online at http://www.wmta.org.