Riesling is now the state’s most widely planted wine grape..
Most of the wineries sit along the west coast of Michigan’s mitten-shaped lower peninsula, especially in southwest and northwest lower Michigan.. What differentiates Michigan wine?.Cool-climate latitude.
Michigan’s southern wine regions sit around the 42nd parallel, similar to that of Rome and other parts of Italy.The northern areas sit at the 45th parallel, like., the northern Rhône,.
Both are prime latitudes for grape growing.. Lake effect.Most of the state’s vineyards are planted within 25 miles of Lake Michigan, the world’s fifth-largest lake.
It moderates the climate with steady breezes that extend the growing season.
The cool lake offers a significant day-night temperature shift, as evenings provide grapes relief after hot summer days, similar to the Pacific Ocean’s effect on California’s coastal wines..It sits within the northwestern portion of the larger Lake Michigan Shore AVA, between South Haven and Saugatuck.
Fennville has a climate similar to Lake Michigan Shore but with more prevalent sandy soils.Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Riesling thrive here.. Leelanau Peninsula.
The vineyards on Michigan’s resplendent pinky finger sit on a peninsula between Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay.Founded in 1982 by owner Bernie Rink, of Boskydel Vineyard, and Larry Mawby, of L. Mawby, this hilly region boasts various soil types, but tends to consist of well-drained sandy loam.
(Editor: Beginner Canopies)