Did you say wine??

Today we are bringing back an "oldie but goodie" article from our friend Karel Bush at the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council. Don't let us fool you, we celebrate wine every month here at WMTA, however we are gearing up for one of our favorite events of the year, the Grand Rapids Wine, Beer, and Food Festival (!), so to pay homage to this awesome event featuring hundreds of wine and beer vendors from all over the world, we are going to regale you with this article from Karel about why Michigan wines are totally awesome. And, if you keep reading all the way to the end, you will even find a little treat (it is Halloween after all!)

If you love fine food and wine, your first question when planning your travel might be: What is unique about this region? When you travel through Michigan, you’ll discover the Great Lakes State offers a diverse assortment of cool-climate wines that pair beautifully with foods from their regions.

Many of Michigan’s 90-plus wineries are located in the most scenic spots in the state. Most are along the Lake Michigan shore, where vineyards take advantage of the “lake effect,” which brings insulating snow cover in the winter and warm breezes in the fall.

Because of Michigan’s diverse growing regions – vineyards are scattered from the Upper Peninsula to the southern state line – there are many varieties and styles of wine to enjoy.

Aromatic white wines like Riesling and Gewurztraminer are widely produced in Michigan. Riesling, in particular, is found from very dry to very sweet – even Ice Wine, which is a style unique to cool-climate areas. Try a sip and you will fall in love with this heavenly nectar.

Cabernet Franc ripens earlier than many other red grapes, which is an advantage in a cool climate like Michigan. This wine is produced as a varietal (labeled with the grape name), but is also blended with Merlot and other reds. Many Michigan wineries also produce delicious Pinot Noir, the most widely planted red grape.

Whether you’re looking for red or white, dry or sweet, you’ll find something to love at any of the winery tasting rooms around Michigan. To learn more about the wines and wineries of Michigan, visit www.michiganwines.com.

Now that you're all read up on Michigan wines, we want 5 of you to experience these awesome wines for yourself - at the GR Wine, Beer, and Food Festival of course! We are giving away 5 pairs of tickets away to the event happening next weekend, November 8-10 at the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids (we won't make you work as hard as you did last year to win them either.) All you have to do is tell us your favorite Michigan wine or winery and you will be entered to win! Winners will be announced next Tuesday. 

Share this with your friends for an increased chance to win! (That is assuming they will take you as their guest!) 

The Wrap Up of the Fall Color Show

October 25, 2012

Photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography in Ludington

The beautiful color show is coming to a close here in West Michigan. The northern and central parts of the region are both past peak and southern West Michigan is just about past peak as well. It was a beautiful fall for colors with the entirety of the color show lasting over a month. Make sure to check back next September for the start of the fun all again!

Fall Color Report 10.10.12

Kodachrome Dream by Todd Reed

A few areas are already past peak, but that doesn't mean there aren't still colors around West Michigan. The lower part of the region is still seeing peak or close to peak. However, freezing temperatures are starting to move in at night which is speeding up the color change process. If you are looking to come see some brilliant colors, we recommend you stay south and come soon!

North:

Report from Charlevoix: Currently in peak! Leaves are starting to fall off of trees due to a few freezing nights this week.
Report from Petoskey: The trees are just past peak and are starting to lose leaves.
Report from Traverse City: Peak has arrived! Brilliant colors are showing throughout the entire region.
Report from Cadillac: The colors are absolutely perfect! But bundle up when you go, there has been a snow sighting and freezing temperatures!
Report from Newaygo County: 70% change- peak expected later this week.
Center:

Report from Gaylord:   Just past peak and leaves are now falling off the trees.
Report from Grand Rapids: Seeing about a 70% change. Vivid reds and oranges are more visible this week, however a couple of freezing nights this past week will speed up the change. Peak is expected this weekend/early next week.
Report from Lansing: At about 60% color change right now, peak expected later next week.
South:
Report from Muskegon County: 60% change. Reds, yellows, and a bit of green still.  Peak expected in the next week.

Report from Van Buren County: 60% change. Peak color expected later next week.

Thanks to the local Area Visitors Bureaus and the Michigan Audubon Society for the color reports.

Fall Color Report 10.3.12

Thanks to Todd and Brad Reed for this beautiful fall photo!

We have had some rain here in West Michigan, mix this with cooler temperatures this weekend and you get a brilliant display of color- but hurry, because it may go fast! The color change differs depending on the weather conditions so make sure to check back every week to see what the colors are doing. There are a few cities and counties in West Michigan that are starting to see peak, so if you are an avid leaf peeper, you may want to get out there soon!

North:
Report from Charlevoix: Color is starting to explode with peak conditions expected sometime next week.

Report from Petoskey: This area is showing a montage of red, orange and yellows. Peak color expected early next week.

Report from Traverse City: Many areas showing 50 percent or more of peak fall color as of October 1. The bright red and yellow vines and shrubs are still the big standouts

Report from Cadillac: The colors are almost at peak. All colors are visible, vibrant reds, bursts of bright oranges, and radiant yellows are popping almost everywhere. Peak expected this week.

Report from Newaygo County: Colors at about 40% saturation, about 60% in the north. Peak expected later this week into early next week.

Center:

Report from Gaylord:  Beautiful reds, yellows and golds, as beech and maples trees take center stage for the area’s fall color presentation. Now, is the perfect time to catch a glimpse of fall’s brilliance as the area is currently displaying peak color.

Report from Grayling: Peak conditions are expected this coming weekend. Although the southern part of the county is somewhat behind the northern portion, color conditions are good.

Grand Rapids: Seeing about a 40% change. Still bursts of reds and yellows are popping all throughout the city and the drive south to Kalamazoo boasts bright vibrant colors that are changing rapidly.

Report from Lansing: Week or two until peak color is expected. At about 40% color change right now.

South:

Report from Muskegon County: 40% change. Reds, yellows, and a bit of green still.  Peak expected in the next week or two.


Report from Van Buren County: The last bit of color to start changing in the state, this area is starting to see a 25% color change. Peak expected in the next 2 weeks.

Thanks to the local Area Visitors Bureaus and the Michigan Audubon Society for the color reports.