December 7, 2007

Chalk it up to global warming, skillful vineyard management or a combination of the two ... whatever the reason, winemakers couldn’t be happier with Michigan’s 2007 vintage.

“I thought 2005 was as good as it gets,” said Doug Welsch of Fenn Valley Vineyards near Saugatuck, “but 2007 is at least as good.” Lee Lutes from Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay echoed the sentiment. “Some of the wines are even better than 2005,” he said.

Red wines fared particularly well with rich and flavorful Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Merlot leading the way. White wines will also be similar to 2005, with higher alcohol and less acidity than typical Michigan whites. Chardonnay, in particular, will benefit from the long, warm growing season.

The spring got off to an early start, which created problems for many Eastern U.S. fruit growers. Vineyards from Missouri through to the Carolinas received a late freeze that damaged wine grape buds newly emerged from winter dormancy. Michigan’s “lake effect” saved growers by keeping most varieties in a dormant state until the danger of spring frost had passed.

Plenty of sun and temperatures 10 to 20 percent higher in the main grape-growing regions allowed red wine grapes to fully ripen by harvest time. Southwest vineyards had average to above-average yields; while vineyards in the Northwest saw a slightly below-average yield.

At least three new wineries are scheduled to open in spring 2008, pushing the total wineries using predominantly Michigan-grown fruit to well over 50. With Michigan wine sales increasing by double digits each year, nearly all wineries struggle with supply of some varieties. Smaller wineries often run out before the next vintage is released. Wine grapes now occupy about 1,800 acres. The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council has set a goal of increasing that to 10,000 acres by 2024.

For more information on Michigan wines and vintages, visit www.michiganwines.com, or contact David Creighton, with the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, at (734) 483-0748 or creightond@michigan.gov.

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.