Governor Snyder Declares April Michigan Wine Month

Governor Rick Snyder has declared April "Michigan Wine Month" to celebrate Michigan's selection of wines and the wine industry’s economic contribution.

There are currently 117 producers of Michigan wine recognized by the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, a 12-member group established by the Michigan Legislature to promote Michigan's grape and wine industries.

The cold winters of 2014 and 2015 reduced wine grape yields and created a limited supply, but there are nearly 50 different wine grapes in Michigan and some of those grapes are cold-hardy varieties. Combine the cold-hardy varieties with supply still on hand from the high-yielding years of 2012 and 2013, and wine lovers will still find many options in Michigan.

"We appreciate the support of our loyal customers," said Marie-Chantal Dalese, CEO of Chateau Chantal, on Old Mission Peninsula. "The industry will work through this rough patch handed to us by Mother Nature and will come out of it with new knowledge and experience regarding our vineyard practices and sites that will help us perform even better in the future. Our wines are gaining national attention for quality, and we will continue earning a solid reputation for excellence."

Sales of Michigan wine has doubled over the past 10 years, outpacing the growth of all wine sales in Michigan and increasing Michigan wineries’ total market share in Michigan to 6.5 percent.