In this episode, we begin with Brad Deacon, who explains PA232 and the role of the Michigan Craft Beverage Council. He shares how producers can explore grant opportunities and connect with director Jenelle Jagmin at jagminj@michigan.gov. Then we sit down with Lori Herron of Social Vines. Lori and her husband purchased their seventy acre property in 2015 and transformed a historic red barn into the heart of their boutique vineyard and winery. After seven years of township challenges, Lori continues to build a woman owned business that brings new energy and commerce into the area. She farms cold hardy hybrids, sources Riesling from Joe Herman, partners with Modales for custom crush, and focuses on creating a welcoming space for dogs, children, and anyone who wants to enjoy Michigan wine. Visit socialvines.com and follow Social Vines on Instagram at @socialvinesdexter, Facebook at Social Vines, and TikTok at Social Vines Vineyard & Winery.

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

Chef Jean Joho joins me for a conversation that spans his early life in Alsace, his classical training, his rise in Chicago, and his long relationship with wine. We talk about Everest, the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, his connection to Michigan wine, and the progress he has seen in our region.

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

Steve first shares a short collage of voices from a successful Michigan wine dinner at Wildfire in Chicago. Then in this episode, Steve talks with Sam Smiertka of Blue Dot Farm and Vineyard in Charlevoix. Sam studied graphic design and history at James Madison University, worked in a corporate role in Atlanta, and discovered a strong interest in wine after trying a bottle from Georgia. She returned to Maryland, spent four years at Crow Vineyard and Winery, and completed WSET level 3. An internship at Alexana Estate in Oregon shaped her next chapter. She later joined Blue Dot, owned by Paul and Jenny, where she works with established vineyards, new plantings, and fruit trees for cider. The site near Lake Charlevoix supports a wide range of varieties and faces challenges from wildlife and frost. Sam brings steady focus to the work and continues to shape Blue Dot’s future.

bludotwine.com

Facebook: Blu Dot Farm and Vineyard

Instagram: #bludotfarmandvineyard

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