Why Michigan Wine Is Gaining Momentum w/ Stranger Wine Co (Part 1)

Ep 158

Michigan wine has been underestimated for years, but that’s starting to change.

For a long time, Michigan wine has been known for sweeter styles and honestly, a lot of people wrote it off because of that. But what’s happening now is very different. There’s a new wave of winemakers coming in with experience from other regions, and they’re approaching things with a completely different level of intention and focus on quality.

In this episode, Maxx and Sidney from Stranger Wine Co. get into what it actually takes to grow and make wine in Michigan. They talk through the realities of working in a cold climate, from snow and freezing temperatures to the risk that comes with every growing season and how they adapt to it. They also break down how those conditions influence what they plant, why grapes like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Grüner Veltliner, and Kerner are working there, and how those choices are starting to shape a different direction for Michigan wine.

Curious to learn more about Michigan wine? This is a good place to start.

Connect with Maxx and Sidney from Stranger Wine Co.

Website: https://www.strangerwineco.com/

Resources: 

Why Blind Tasting Really Matters w/ Marie Cheslik (part 1) - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-134

The Simple framework for understanding any wine label w/ Marie Cheslik (part 2) - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-135

Episode Highlights:

• Why Michigan wine has been underestimated for so long
• What it actually takes to grow grapes in a cold climate
• How snow and freezing temperatures impact the vines
• The risk winemakers face each growing season
• Why grapes like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc are working in Michigan
• Lesser-known varieties like Grüner Veltliner and Kerner
• How winemakers decide what to plant in this region
• What’s changing in Michigan wine right now
• How a new wave of winemakers is approaching quality differently
• Why more people are starting to pay attention to Michigan wine

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