Michigan Winery Tour Makes Great Destination Vacation
TRAVERSE CITY (WWJ) - Wine grapes have been growing in Michigan since the first European settlers came ashore here 300 years ago. In the last two dozen years, the industry has grown by leaps and bounds producing nearly $790 million dollars of the total economy for the state.
Five thousand people are employed by the industry.
At the picturesque Black Star Winery at Suttons Bay Founder Donald Coe says the industry in the Traverse City area has grown from 5 wineries to 26 in just a few years.
As for the quality of the wine, Marie Chantal Delese of Chateu Chantal on Old Mission Penninsula says the wine has garnered international attention. "The vines are older and producing a better grape," Delese said.
One big improvement in the states' wine production came when more wineries began producing wines which grow the best grapes in cooler climates. Among them, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Cabernet Franc.
Among the dozens of state wineries, a different business model exists at the Deanglis Cantina di Vino in Ann Arbor. Owner Rob and wife Stacy Deangelis say it's key to get people to taste their wine. "If they taste it, they like it," said Stacy.
The wine industry has found part of its success in the fact it's partnered with the tourism industry making wineries a vacation destination.
Check out some of the vacation destinations below:
