Anna Rafalski of Granor Farm joins us to talk about Granor Farm, a bold new venture in Michigan’s beverage scene. As General Manager and Beverage Director, Anna curates a wine list featuring Stranger, Mawby, and bigLITTLE, alongside their own spirits: gin, vermouth, rye, and bourbon. We discuss the vision of owners Rob Buono and Liz Cichelli, and how Granor is redefining agritourism through hospitality and craft. For event inquiries, visit granorfarm.com or email events@granorfarm.com. Questions for Anna? anna@granorfarm.com.
© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved. Photo of Anna Rafalski credited to EE Berger, decolorized by Steve Salisbury.
In Episode 119, Lauren Kniebes joins to explore three standout Pinot Noirs from Dreihart, Poetson and Stranger Wine Co. The conversation highlights Old Shore Vineyard’s southeast and southwest-facing slopes, which contribute to optimal ripening and freshness. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.
Drew Perry of Simpson Family Estates shares his disciplined approach to vinifera-only winemaking across Aurora Cellars and Good Harbor Vineyards. We discuss production strategy, varietal integrity, and the legacy of Michigan wine. simpsonfamilyestates.com auroracellars.com goodharbor.com drew@simpsonfamilyestates.com © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.
Today we talk with Matt Killman of Walloon Lake Winery. Known for his deep understanding of hybrid grapes and terroir, Matt shares insights into his winemaking philosophy and the unique character of Walloon Lake. This episode offers a thoughtful look at the artistry behind Michigan wine and the subtle power of place. Learn more at walloonlakewinery.com or contact Matt directly at killmanmatt@gmail.com. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.
Gottfried Hart of Dreihart Winery is a winemaker whose legacy spans Michigan and Germany. From his family’s vineyards in Eibelstadt to his new tasting room in Three Oaks, Gottfried shares his journey, his winemaking philosophy, and his commitment to dry, complex wines rooted in European tradition. Visit dreihart.6linden.com or contact dreihartwinery@gmail.com for more.
© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.
In this episode, I sit down with Sean O'Keefe, former winemaker at Mari Vineyards, to explore his approach to winemaking and the stories behind the blends. Learn about the legacy of Teresa Mari, the vision of owners Marty and Olivia Lagina, and the mystery of Row 7. Since recording, Sean has moved on to new ventures, but his voice remains rooted in Michigan soil. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.
In this episode, we reconnect with Paula Camp, first featured in episode 56, as she prepares for the sold-out Jacques Pépin Foundation Benefit Dinner on October 19 at Houndstooth in Benton Harbor. This special event honors Jacques Pépin’s 90th birthday and his enduring legacy in culinary education. Paula’s collaboration with Chefs Cheyenne Galbraith and Jean Joho includes a stellar cast of Michigan wineries: Stranger Wine Co, Domaine Berrien, Lake Michigan Vintners, Modales, and Veritas Estate. They come together to set the table for an unforgettable evening. We also highlight Debutant, a cider created in Jacques’ honor and discuss the growing identity of Southwest Michigan as a destination for wine, food, and regenerative agriculture. For more information, visit carriagehouse.love or call 312-961-0363.
© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.
Taylor Simpson shares a major update. She and her brother Sam are now partners with others in Michigan by the Bottle, expanding her leadership across Good Harbor, Aurora Cellars, Harbor Hill services, and MBTB tasting rooms in Auburn Hills, Royal Oak, and Shelby Township. This episode explores her vision for stewardship and the evolving landscape of Michigan wine.
michiganbythebottle.com or taylor@michiganbythebottle.com
© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.
Bryan Ulbrich, owner and winemaker at Left Foot Charley, joins us to share his journey from history and law to pioneering Northern Michigan’s first urban winery. In this episode, Bryan discusses his grower-first philosophy, innovative vineyard management, and commitment to mentoring future winemakers. Recorded in the barn, complete with ambient sounds of birds and farm equipment. Visit leftfootcharley.com to learn more.
© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.
In this premier episode featuring home winemakers and grape growers, we meet Mike and Craig, two friends who are making remarkable wines off the radar. With grapes grown in clay, gravel, and rock, and varietals ranging from Tannat to Riesling, they’re building something special. We tasted their Super Tuscan 2022, Meritage 2017, and Tannat 2020 while exploring their process and philosophy. These wines aren’t available commercially. You have to know them to taste them. If you have questions, contact your host at steve.salisbury@mail.com. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.
In Episode 110, we take you through a decanting journey using a Hickory Creek 2021 Merlot Carmenere tasted at zero, 30, 75, 120, and 180 minutes. The evolution was striking. Each stage revealed distinct textures, aromas, and clarity. We share practical tips to help you decant with confidence and reflect on how slowing down can deepen your connection to the wine. Whether you’re pouring for friends or sipping solo, this episode offers a fresh appreciation for the ritual.
Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/
Mike Laing didn’t set out to lead one of Michigan’s most iconic sparkling wine houses, but the vineyard his parents planted in Lake Leelanau in 2002 quietly set the stage. After leaving teaching in Chicago, he joined MAWBY in 2007, just as the winery was doubling down on its sparkling focus. Today, Mike and his brother Peter carry forward MAWBY’s 50-year legacy while pushing boundaries with nonalcoholic bubbly, irreverent branding, and a second label rooted in memory: bigLITTLE. From the philosophy of MAWBYness to the story behind Safe Sex, Mike shares how personal history, customer feedback, and a refusal to be stuffy shape everything they do. Sparkling wine, he insists, should be fun, and Michigan’s wine story is just getting started. Learn more at mawby.wine and biglittlewines.com Contact: info@mawby.wine
Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/
Episode 108 features an in-depth conversation with the new owners of Free Run Cellars, Tricia Slevin and Prashanth Pais. Drawing inspiration from the Sanskrit phrase “Atithidevo Bhav,” meaning "a guest is akin to God," they’ve crafted Free Run into a place of intentional hospitality and emotional sanctuary. Tune in for a deep dive into the philosophy, design, and quiet excellence that shape this unique Southwest Michigan destination. Learn more at freeruncellars.com or connect directly via contact@frcwine.com and 269-815-6885. Resources referenced in the episode:
https://www.berkshirepublishing.com/title/tggp-2023/
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/most-consumers-will-spend-more-at-businesses-with-clean-restrooms-300815601.html
Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here:https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/
Joe Herman, longtime steward of Karma Vista Vineyards, is back on the show. Since selling the property, Joe has embraced a more relaxed pace while diving into regenerative agriculture and the future of sustainable viticulture. Tune in to hear his insights, reflections, and a dose of Michigan vineyard wisdom. Contact Joe at joeherman@mac.com.
Books and other resources:
The Devil's Element by Dan Egan
www.amazon.com/Devils-Element-Phosphorus-World-Balance/dp/1324002666
Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown
www.chelseagreen.com/product/dirt-to-soil
Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake
www.merlinsheldrake.com/entangled-life
Growing a Revolution by David R. Montgomery
www.amazon.com/Growing-Revolution-Bringing-Soil-Back/dp/0393608328
The Art of Balancing Soil Nutrients by William McKibben
bookstore.acresusa.com/products/the-art-of-balancing-soil-nutrients
Hands-On Agronomy by Neal Kinsey & Charles Walters
bookstore.acresusa.com/products/hands-on-agronomy
Common Ground (Prime Video)
www.amazon.com/Common-Ground-Joshua-Tickell/dp/B0DSQ7LC5W
Kiss the Ground (Prime Video)
www.amazon.com/Kiss-Ground-Woody-Harrelson/dp/B08KZCL4X2
Elaine Ingham (YouTube)
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdh7A7CwJ_djfIG1ecN8mCeOG4MsqcY4e
Regenerative Agriculture Podcast by John Kempf
open.spotify.com/show/14s0owdUUxjTYUeNXpWnv8
Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/
Dan Nitz joins the podcast for a timely episode as harvest approaches. As a fifth-generation grower and one of the largest producers of vinifera grapes east of the Rockies, Dan brings unmatched experience and insight into Michigan’s wine industry. From the foundational values behind Nitz Wines to the custom crush operations at Arrowhead Vineyards, this episode highlights the energy, preparation, and historical depth that fuel the countdown to crush. Learn more at nitzwines.com and arrowheadvyds.com.
Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/
New winery alert! Learn about the man behind Poetson. Alex McNeely has built a career in East Coast beverage programs and now brings that expertise to Michigan wine. This episode explores his professional pivot, his interest in the region’s potential, and how experienced talent can shape Southwest Michigan’s wine community. Learn more at poetsonwine.com or contact Alex directly at alex@poetsonwine.com.
In this episode, I sit down with Neal Hulkower, an applied mathematician and longtime wine writer based in Oregon. Neal’s deep dive into comparative tastings spans decades, and his recent blind tasting of Oregon and Michigan Pinot Noirs offers a fresh perspective on how our state’s wines stack up. We discuss his methodology, including the Borda count and stars and bars analysis, and reflect on the results. Featured Michigan wines include Bel Lago, Chateau Fontaine, and Black Star Farms.
For questions, Neal can be reached at nhulkower@yahoo.com
Check out his book, "Grape Explications":
https://www.oregonwinepress.com/article?articleTitle=grape-explications%21--1751386610--3868--news
Check out his related articles:
“Smitten with the Mitten”: https://www.oregonwinepress.com/article?articleTitle=smitten-with-the-mitten--1741054267--3834
“Borda is Better”: https://www.oregonwinepress.com/article?articleTitle=borda-is-better--1317231621--959--
Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/
In this episode of If Vines Could Talk, we step into the cellar with Stranger Wine Co. to explore their bold winemaking approach. We taste through an exceptional lineup, including:
- 2023 Grüner – Outcross Vineyard, LMS
- 2024 Kerner – Lyons Estate, OMP
- 2024 Cabernet Franc Blanc Pet Nat (Yeastie Boys) – Fernweh Vineyards, OMP
- 2024 Carbonic Pinot Noir – Shady Lane Estate, LP
- 2023 Pinot Noir – Old Shore, LMS
- 2023 Cabernet Franc – Domaine Berrien, LMS
Find out more at www.strangerwineco.com or email them at hellostranger@strangerwineco.com.
Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/
Travel and wine go hand in hand, and today’s guest knows exactly how to blend the two. Laura Danforth, The Wine Travelista, shares her experiences visiting wineries in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA, offering insights on where to sip and explore. If planning a Michigan wine trip feels overwhelming, she’s got you covered. Check out her guide at winetravelista.thrivecart.com/new-buffalo-wine-country-itinerary and get ready to explore Michigan’s wine country in style. Find more of her work at winetravelista.com, or reach out at laura@winetravelista.com.
In this episode, Steve and Jayme blind taste three Sauvignon Blancs from different regions—Marlborough, Loire Valley, and Michigan’s own Lake Michigan Shore. They explore aromatics, balance, and the unique winemaking styles behind each. To wrap it up, Modales Head Winemaker Andrew Backlin shares insight into his upcoming 2024 Sauvignon Blanc release.
