In this episode, Steve talks with John Braganini about PA 232, the Michigan Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act that now serves as the framework for a proposed Michigan Wine Grape Grower program. At least 25 percent of Michigan wine grape growers petitioned to begin the process, and MDARD appointed a temporary committee to draft a program that growers will eventually vote on. John shares insight into what this means for growers, and how assessments may support marketing, research, and education. He also discusses the realities of operating Michigan’s largest winery, with St. Julian tasting rooms in Union Pier, Paw Paw, Rockford, Frankenmuth, Troy, Dundee, and soon Gaylord. Learn more about The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development: michigan.gov/mdard

Learn more about St. Julian: stjulian.com

Contact John at johnb@stjulian.com or 269-330-4205

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

In this episode, I sit down with Christine McAfee, owner of Oceana Winery and Vineyard. Christine brings twenty years of experience from the Finger Lakes region, covering the full range of cool climate wine roles. She and her husband Cameron spent two years working toward the purchase of Oceana, drawn first by the house and then by the opportunity to continue the legacy Greg started. Christine walks through their phased journey: vineyard work, tasting room renovation and expansion, equipment improvements, and the lineup of proprietary blends they now steward. Learn more at oceanawinery.com. Contact Christine at oceanawinery@gmail.com.

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

In this episode, I sit down with Sue Chilton of Shiny Quarter Vineyard. We recorded in early June, and Sue walks through her approach to biodynamic light, Chinese medicine, and the living mycelial network that shapes her vineyard practices. Learn more at shinyquarter.com. Contact Sue directly at 708-699-4243.

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