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!)