As the Michigan Wine Trail continues to grow with new destinations added along the way every year, a key group of industry authorities is working to assure that the interests of their industry are supported "from vineyard to bottle and onto the consumers' table." Thanks to their hard work three of the top officers of the newly created Michigan Wine Collaborative are from the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail right here in Michigan's Great Southwest.
Dr. David Miller of White Pine Winery is President of the new Michigan Wine Collaborative, Matthew Moersch of Round Barn Winery is Vice President and Fenn Valley Vineyards' Brian Lesperance is the Secretary. Rounding out the executive leadership is Lee Lutes of Blackstar Farms in the role of Treasurer.
The Michigan Wine Collaborative is a newly created not-for-profit organization with the mission "To enhance the sustainability and profitability of the Michigan wine industry by supporting wineries, growers and other businesses and individuals connected to the industry — today and for future generations."
The official formation follows substantial work and input from the wine and wine grape industry, after which an Advisory Board with representation from around the state was formed to guide the organization's development. Based on feedback from various meetings, the new Michigan Wine Collaborative proceeded to build an active board of directors, with elections held to name the new leadership. Other new board members include:
- Robert Brengman — Brengman Brothers
- Tom Petzold — Bowers Harbor Vineyards
- Liz Berger — Chateau Chantal
- Jon Treloar — J. Trees Cellars
- Dave Anthony — Northern Sun Winery
- Shannon Casey — Michigan By The Bottle
- (there are five remaining open board positions)
Dr. Dave Miller, President of the new organization says, "We created a geographically and functionally diverse board and open membership structure to represent Michigan's wine industry today and in the future." He adds, "Our goal is to support the interests of our industry from vineyard to bottle and onto the consumers' table." Miller says the Michigan wine industry is growing rapidly and is "at a point where an organization of industry representatives is required to guide and support research, education, marketing and legislative action."
Miller says that industry peers in other states with large wine industries have taken these steps with tremendous positive impacts. He tells us, "The next phase of growth for our industry will require both private and public funds and the efforts of many to set the stage for what is to come."
The new collaborative will focus on several initiatives, including research, marketing and sustainability. They have already been working in partnership with established organizations such as the statewide Grape & Wine Industry Council and the more regional Parallel 45 Vines & Wines. Vice President Matt Moersch says, "We are going to direct efforts toward research and marketing specifically needed by membership. As a privately funded organization we will have the autonomy to support projects with direct impact on Michigan growers and wine producers."
The Michigan Wine Collaborative's new website will also serve as a central source of information for relevant viticulture and enology information. As Brian Lesperance points out, "There is so much information out there; half the challenge is figuring out what is current, accurate and relevant. We will provide a central repository of high quality resources for members to save them time and money as they embark on new projects."
Treasurer Lutes says, "At this stage of the game, we really want to broaden our membership and get our committees staffed. There is so much talent in our industry if we can get more growers and wineries actively involved there is every reason to believe we can aid in the continual development of a profitable and sustainable industry for the long haul."
As Dr. Dave concludes, "This is a very exciting time for the Michigan wine industry!"
Organizations interested in membership can learn more and join by clicking the link below. Membership dues range based on organization size and role. Here's the link:
