As part of our celebration of Michigan Wine Month, Absolute Michigan will be featuring excerpts on each of Michigan's five wine trails (and one taking you beyond the trails) from the Michigan Notable Book award-winning From the Vine: Exploring Michigan Wineries by Sharon Kegerreis and Lorri Hathaway.
Over the years, the best vintners in the Old World discovered that the finest wines were produced from grapes grown on south-facing hillsides. These hillsides provided the best sun exposure for the entire growing season and cold air drainage for natural frost protection. They knew that grapes thrived in sandy, gravelly soil that allowed for good water drainage. Our region faces harsh winters, which means we must take extra precautions to protect our vines. When selecting vineyard land, we choose what fine winemakers have known for years –vineyard conditions with all the components needed to grow great grapes to produce world-class wines. The tops of our hills are warmer because cold air is heavier than warm air. This means that the old air drains downward, drawing warm air down over the hilltops allowing our big reds to ripen fully, producing full-bodied wines.
The winemakers of our region proudly produce fine wines and invite you to compare them to any similarly priced fine wines from around the world.
-Kip Barber, Winemaker, Lone Oak Vineyard Estate
Visit the Pioneer Wine Trail web site and check the comments for information about their Michigan Wine Celebration this weekend (Apr 19-20).
From the Vine: Exploring Michigan Wineries is a must-have for wine enthusiasts, first-time tasters and travel buffs alike. Authors Sharon Kegerreis and Lorri Hathaway capture the personalities of the hardworking families behind the wines and the exceptional experiences awaiting you at 51 Michigan wineries.
The 192-page hardcover book, honored as a 2008 Michigan Notable Book, begins with an insightful foreword by Governor Jennifer Granholm and wraps up with a handy wine glossary. The book is organized by four designated wine trails and “beyond the trails,” providing a sneak peek at Michigan’s wine trail destinations. Interesting tidbits on wine topics including Pinot Grigio vs. Pinot Gris, Syrah vs. Shiraz, Sparkling Wine: Why Can’t We Call It Champagne? and Ice Wine provide basic answers to lingering questions; and delicious side stories on local chocolate and cheese artisans tempt your taste buds.
Grab a glass of your favorite Michigan wine and let the beautiful photographs and intriguing stories take you on a journey through Michigan wine country. Order autographed copies of From the Vine at www.michiganvine.com during the month of April and get a $5 discount and free wine journal.
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Pioneer Wine Trail Announces Michigan Wine Celebration
Celebrate Michigan Wine Month at the SE Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail's "Michigan Wine Celebration" on Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20!
Tickets are $25 per person for this self-driven tour of the wineries of south-east Michigan.
Each winery along the trail will feature an appetizer or dessert prepared by a local chef and paired with their featured wine. The ticket price also includes a tasting glass, along with a recipe card with the featured recipe at each winery.
More from the Pioneer Trail web site.
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