By: Don Koivisto, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture

It’s an exciting time for Michigan’s wine and grape industries, which contribute nearly $790 million to the state’s economy annually. Governor Jennifer M. Granholm declared April as “Michigan Wine Month” to honor the state’s wide selection of award winning wines and the industry’s significant economic contributions.

If you haven’t visited one of Michigan’s 60 wineries and tasting rooms, spring is the perfect time of year to witness the transformation occurring in this growing industry. Tasting rooms are less busy and staff are delighted to have the opportunity to provide extra attention to visitors.

For example, in 2007, Michigan’s wineries won 800 medals in both national and international wine competitions. Additionally, it’s estimated that nearly 1 million tourists will visit Michigan wineries this year, generating an estimated $8.6 million in wine-related tourism expenditures. It’s this combination of excellence and economics that make Michigan’s grape and wine industry a standout.

Rising demand has meant that many wineries have already run out of wines from the 2006 vintage. In fact, 2007 marked the fifth year in a row of double digit increases in sales for Michigan wines. Sales in 2007 increased 14.1 percent over 2006, while wine sales from all global points of origin grew by just 3.4 percent in 2007. This further demonstrates Michigan wines are rapidly growing in the global marketplace.

Additionally, wine grape acreage increased 12 percent from 2003 to 2006 with new plantings throughout the state, as documented by the USDA Rotational Fruit Survey.

The 2008 edition of Michigan Wine Country magazine - an indispensable guide to Michigan wines and wineries - will be released in April. The 48-page magazine contains maps and touring information, a section on ‘what’s new at the wineries,’ and notes from winemakers on their favorite wines.

As Chair of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, a 10-member panel supporting the growth of the grape and wine industry in Michigan, it is my pleasure to work with the dedicated members representing stakeholders from across the industry who advise the Department on initiatives to best serve the wine industry’s needs.

The Council’s initiatives can be grouped into three areas of focus: research and grower education; promotion and education; and professional development. The Council is currently organizing the 31st Annual Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition, which will be held in August at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing with more than 400 entries anticipated.

A trophy presentation and the gold medal reception - tasty hors d’oeuvres paired with the top award-winning wines - will be held on August 7, 2008. Tickets are available from the Kellogg Hotel in July.

Recently, the Grape and Wine Council redesigned its Web site-www.michiganwines.com - offering wine enthusiasts a user-friendly site featuring winery information, events, stories, photos, as well as serves as a guide for members in their winery and vineyard business planning.

To request a complimentary Michigan Wine Country magazine, visit www.michiganwines.com or contact the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council at 517- 241-1207. The magazine is also available at all Michigan wineries and Travel Michigan Welcome Centers.

Enjoy Michigan Wines!