April Is Michigan Wine Month
DETROIT (WWJ) - The governor has designed April as Michigan wine month, to draw attention to the 81 wineries in the state that draw 1 million visitors each year. Tyagi is hosting a Michigan wine showcase at the Radisson Bloomfield Hills, Monday, April 11th.
Our wines are comparable to France and Germany. We produce wines of classical elegance. "That's the difference between the French and us they promote and extol the virtues of their food and wine and we need to do the same," says Tyagi.
Ten new wineries opened in Michigan last year alone. Tyagi's Michigan Wine Showcase next Monday night at the Radisson Bloomfield Hills is one of many wine events planned in Michigan this month.
"Michigan's 81 wineries welcome more than 1 million visitors to their tasting rooms each year and offer a truly Pure Michigan agri- tourism experience," said Keith Creagh, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) Director. "Not only do these businesses offer a quality product and memorable experience, but our wine and grape industries also contribute nearly $800 million to the state's economy annually."
"April is a great time to kick off winery touring. Not only can travelers benefit from off-season rates and overnight packages at hotels and B&Bs near wine country, but tasting rooms are less busy in the spring, and staff are delighted to provide visitors with extra attention," said Linda Jones, MDARD's Grape & Wine Program Manager. "Many wineries anticipate some of the best wines they've produced to come from the long, warm 2010 growing season. They will begin to release new wines from the 2010 vintage this spring; additional red wines from the 2009 vintage will also be available."
Many events are planned this spring and early summer that will provide opportunities to meet winemakers and sample a variety of Michigan wines, including:
Michigan Wine Celebration: April 9-10 – Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail (http://www.pioneerwinetrail.com/)
Michigan Wine Showcase: April 11 – Radisson Bloomfield Hills, home of Northern Lakes Seafood Company (www.michiganwines.com/showcase)
Spring Sip & Savor: April 30 & May 1 – Leelanau Peninsula Vintners (http://www.lpwines.com/)
Blossom Days: May 14-15 – Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (http://www.wineriesofoldmission.com/)
Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival: June 18 – Lake Michigan Shore Wine Country (http://www.miwinetrail.com/)
April will also see the release of the 2011 Michigan Wine Country magazine, aguide to the wines and wineries of Michigan. The magazine contains maps and touring information, as well as a popular section on "what's new at the wineries." To request a free copy of Michigan Wine Country, visit http://www.michiganwines.com/.
