This episode continues our five-part series on pioneers and trailblazers in Michigan wine. Tony Peterson of Contessa Winecellars shares the story behind his ten-acre vineyard, his focus on Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Moscato, and the possible addition of Cabernet Franc, and his long standing role in shaping the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. We also talk about the early days of the Michigan Grape and Wine Council, now known as the Michigan Craft Beverage Council, and Tony’s commitment to building a strong, supportive network across the industry. Learn more at contessawinecellars.com and michigan.gov/mdard/about/boards/craftbeverage.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Episode 149 features Doug Welch, owner and cofounder of Fenn Valley Vineyards and a pioneer of the Lake Michigan Shore. Doug shares the story of building Fenn Valley more than fifty years ago alongside his father and reflects on the early days of Michigan’s wine industry transformation. This conversation offers rare insight into patience, long term vision, and the steady commitment required to move a region forward. Learn more at fennvalley.com or reach out at dww@fennvalley.com or winery@fennvalley.com.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Episode 148 closes out our five-part miniseries on Michigan varieties with grower and winemaker Dan Nitz. Dan manages hundreds of acres of vineyards and produces some of the most respected ice wine in the region. We recorded this conversation in July 2025, and it is a clear look at the work, risk, and reward behind frozen gold. If you have ever wondered why ice wine carries the price it does, this episode lays it out. Michigan is uniquely suited to ice wine, and Dan explains the process with the honesty and depth that define his work. Visit nitzwines.com to learn more and to order this delicious ice wine.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Matt Killman returns for the fourth episode in our miniseries on Michigan varieties. We explore cool climate grapes that thrive in Michigan, especially those that perform well in the Tip of the Mitt AVA. Matt is an owner and winemaker at Walloon Lake Winery, and his work has made him a respected voice in the world of cold hardy vines. Recorded in June 2025. Learn more at walloonlakewinery.com or reach Matt at killmanmatt@gmail.com. Visit the Straits Area Grape Growing Association at straitsgrapesmi.org and explore the Petoskey Wine Region at petoskey.wine.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Maxx Eichberg returns for the third episode in our miniseries on Michigan varieties. Today we focus on Pinot Noir, recorded in July 2025, with a detailed look at why this grape thrives in Michigan. Maxx also shares his perspective on conscious consumerism and the importance of informed buying decisions. Learn more at strangerwine.com or reach him at hello@strangerwine.com.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Andrew Backlin returns for the second episode in our miniseries on Michigan varieties. Today we focus on Sauvignon Blanc, recorded in June in the old tasting room with a cricket that refused to stay quiet. Andrew’s immense breadth of knowledge continues to shape the future of Modales, where he now serves as head winemaker & proprietor. Learn more at modaleswines.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram at modaleswines.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Amy Birk returns as we launch a new five-part miniseries focused on Michigan varieties. In this episode we explore Cabernet Franc. Recorded in June 2025, this conversation also looks ahead to the 2024 vintage, which promises to be something extraordinary. Amy’s passion for her craft shines through every moment. Learn more at domaineberrien.com or reach the winery at winery@domaineberrien.com.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Episode 143 features Tom Knighton of Blustone Vineyards in the final episode of our three part series on Michigan Red Wine. We recorded this last July and dive into the evolution of red wine in Michigan, highlighting how winemakers like Tom are producing fabulous reds. Tom’s passion for quality and vision for Blustone shine through in this thoughtful conversation. Contact Tom at tom@blustonevineyards.com and explore more at blustonevineyards.com.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.