If you want proof that we live in one of the most remarkable wine grape growing regions in the entire nation, simply head out into the vineyards this week, roll your windows down and breathe in the amazing aromas that will float into your car along the way. Harvest season is underway in the smells alone can be intoxicating.
If you want still further proof, make plans to attend an evening of wine education hosted by Lake Michigan Vintners and led by Lake Michigan College Wine & Viticulture Technology Program Director, Michael Moyer. The event is this Thursday evening beginning at 5:30pm in the Lake Michigan Vintners Tasting Room in downtown Baroda.
Moyer will be leading a fun and educational class, as he teaches attendees the basics of winemaking and the variations of style and flavor. Guests will be guided through an informative tasting of Lake Michigan Vintners wines, which are produced by the students enrolled in Lake Michigan College’s Wine & Viticulture Technology program.
Moyer was recruited by Lake Michigan College from the state of Washington to run the program in 2014. Since earning his Master’s Degree in Enology from University of California-Davis, Moyer worked for some of the nation’s most esteemed wineries. Now, Moyer has become an evangelist for Michigan wine.
Earlier this summer, Lake Michigan Vintners opened their tasting room in downtown Baroda, located across from Baroda Founders Winery & Tasting Room. The tasting room is staffed by LMC wine program students, and Brand Manager, Laura Morris. The tasting room allows students to experience direct to consumer sales first-hand. The tasting room is also a hub to promote Michigan wines, and most specifically the wines of southwest Michigan.
At the tasting room, Lake Michigan Vintners offers nine small batch, limited production varietals and blends made from locally sourced fruit. LM Vintners also offers a small bite pairing menu, as well as artisan cheeses and meats.
Wine 101 is the perfect way for guests to learn more about Michigan Wines and what makes southwest Michigan’s wines so unique.
Light snacks will also be provided to accompany the tasting. This event is limited to 20 guests.
The teaching winery is the first of its kind in the Midwest.
Lake Michigan College launched the Wine & Viticulture Technology program with the support of leading wineries spanning along the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail up to Old Mission Peninsula.
Their aim is to foster the next generation of expert winemakers, and to advance the state in its burgeoning status as a recognized, world class wine region.
Students of the program experience every aspect of the wine industry, including vineyard management, winemaking and lab analysis. LMC collaborates with Lake Michigan Vintners, the first and only commercial teaching winery in the Midwest to offer hands-on training in all aspects of business and tasting room operations.
Moyer says, “Southwest Michigan has a longer growing season than Burgundy, France, but we’re still one of the best kept secrets in the wine world. It’s exciting to partner with our area wineries who have been laying the groundwork and see our potential unfolding.”
To learn more about the Lake Michigan College Wine and Viticulture Technology program, visit www.lakemichigancollege.edu/wine.
Lake Michigan Vintners Tasting Room is located in downtown Baroda at 8972 First Street in downtown Baroda.
The tasting room is open Thursday from noon – 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon – 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon – 5 p.m. They are closed Monday-Wednesday. For more information visit www.lakemichiganvintners.com.
