In late March, Governor Granholm called for April to be Michigan Wine Month. Wineries in Michigan are becoming increasingly known from the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas to the west section of the state where Lake Michigan influences the climate.

Currently the state has four wine trails including Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Trail, Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula Trail, Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail and Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail. Wine lovers will find a large array of wines being produced in Michigan with Michigan grown grapes.

Tourists will also discover small intimate wineries such as Contessa Wine Cellars where visitors can spend a long time enjoying wines and talking with the winemaker. Also visit Domaine Berrien, where you will discover their specialties include red vinifera estate grapes. Both of these wineries are located in the Lake Michigan Shore region. For anyone interested in lodging at a winery along with cooking classes, consider Chateau Chantal – a remarkably large winery with beautiful views. Despite its size it is also a very friendly winery to visit. Chateau Chantal is on Old Mission Peninsula.

Enjoy a trip to Michigan and visit some of the many wineries around the state. One of the Michigan wineries recently wrote and said that the wineries in Michigan are not allowed to charge a tasting fee, so when you discover a wine you enjoy be sure to consider purchasing a bottle or two.

Cheers! Kathy