September 21, 2007

LANSING - Michigan’s wine grape acreage grew 12 percent from 2003 to 2006, according to a report recently released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service. Wine grape acreage has increased 60 percent over the last
10 years.

“This updated data confirms the steady growth of the wine industry in the last decade,” said Michigan Department of Agriculture Director of Agriculture Don Koivisto, who also chairs the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council. “Michigan’s wineries are committed to
the concept of regional identity by utilizing a high percentage of Michigan-grown fruit in their wines.”

By far the largest recent vineyard plantings have been riesling; but pinot grigio, pinot noir, cabernet franc and vidal have also shown substantial increases. Traditional European varieties now account for two-thirds of Michigan’s wine grape acreage. The balance is mainly comprised of hybrid varieties (crosses between European and native North American varieties).

The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council set a target for industry growth at 10,000 acres by 2024. Current wine grape acreage is estimated at 1,800 acres.

The USDA report is based on the 2006 Rotational Fruit Survey, which collected data from grape growers in Michigan. The survey is conducted by USDA every three years; the 2006 survey was sponsored by the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, and National Grape Cooperative Inc., whose members grow grapes for products sold under the Welch’s label. The complete results from the survey are available online and can be accessed from www.michiganwines.com under “Fast Facts.”

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.