April 1, 2007

LANSING - The latest edition of the widely popular Michigan Wine Country magazine is now available, kicking off Michigan Wine Month and marking the beginning of the 2007 winery tour season. More than 800,000 tourists visit Michigan’s 50 wineries each year, generating an estimated $8.6 million in wine-related tourism expenditures.

The 2007 Michigan Wine Country features 48 pages of the latest news and information on Michigan’s award-winning wines and wineries - with five new additions - complete with maps, activities and events. The "what’s new" section offers suggestions for wines to try when visiting the wineries, as well as information on the most recent vintage.

"This magazine provides Michigan consumers and out-of-state visitors with the tools to make the most of their winery tourism experience," said Linda Jones, editor and Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council executive director. "The 2007 edition is one of the best yet, and will afford wine enthusiasts the opportunity to learn more about all the award-winning wines available right here in Michigan.

The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council is a 10-member panel that supports the growth of the grape and wine industry in Michigan. It is housed in the Agriculture Development Division of 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.

Complimentary copies of Michigan Wine Country are available at Michigan wineries, Travel Michigan Welcome Centers, wine retail stores or by contacting the council at (517) 241-1207. The publication is also available online at www.michiganwines.com.