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Michigan Wine Month Moved to May

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Even as many among us are in search of the perfect bottle of wine for the Christmas table or a great bubbly for New Year’s Eve, the men and women responsible for the manufacture of many of those great wines here in Michigan are already looking ahead to next year, making their own plans for Michigan Wine Month. For the first time since its inception, that celebration of all things “grape,” will take place in May.

The Michigan Grape & Wine Industry Council voted this month at their regular meeting to change the celebration of Michigan Wine Month to May instead of April, beginning with the spring of 2017.

The industry’s leaders say that since May kicks off a season of travel in Michigan, and the majority of wineries expand their hours to accommodate increased tourism, it makes good sense to move the recognition month. Warmer weather in May also makes it more desirable for travelers starting to plan their summertime wine touring.

Taylor Simpson of Good Harbor Wines of Leland is Chair of the Council’s Promotion Committee and says, “The change to May makes sense for wineries, retailers and the tourism industry.” She adds,“Not to mention wineries are busy bottling the latest vintages – so there is a buzz of excitement in the air.”

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Michigan’s thriving wine industry has 125 wineries and five major wine touring regions. Wineries welcome over 2 million visitors to their tasting rooms each year. The 2016 growing season produced a very large, high-quality wine grape yield, so there is a high expectation for the wines that will be released  next year — whites in the spring and red wines following later in the year.

Karel Bush is Executive Director for the Michigan Grape & Wine Industry Council. She says, “Michigan Wine Month gives us a platform to remind consumers that Michigan is producing high-quality wines.” She adds, “May is a great month to get out and explore what our wineries are so proud to share.”

Promotional efforts of Michigan Wine Month will be expressed through social media and radio campaigns, along with wine tasting events and retailer promotions. The celebratory month will also follow on the coattails of the release of the 2017 Michigan Wine Country magazine, a trusted touring guide that can be picked up free of charge throughout Michigan and into surrounding states.

Founded in 1985, The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council is housed within the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development to provide for research, education and the promotion of the Michigan wine grape and wine industry, to stimulate economic development through value-added, sustainable agriculture. More information can be found at www.michiganwines.com.

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