| Welcome to the fifth edition of the If Vines Could Talk newsletter. Michigan’s wine story keeps moving, and this edition reflects that. I’m writing from China, where I’ll be until mid‑May, and the distance has given me a different view of the work happening back home. Even from across the world, the people, places, and ideas shaping Michigan wine continue to stand out. This newsletter brings together updates, regional notes, podcast news, and a look at what’s ahead for spring and summer once I return. The plan is still to be published quarterly, with room to adjust as needed. Thanks for reading and for being part of this work. |
| From the Editor |
| The year is already taking shape, and there is momentum building around several new ideas. Coming in April, watch for new options for Michigan wine education and for supporting the people who make this industry what it is. More details will come in the next edition, but the direction is clear: more learning options and more opportunities to strengthen the Michigan wine industry. A quick shoutout to the Michigan Wine Collaborative and a warm welcome to the new president, Andrew Backlin. Andrew has been a great friend to the podcast, appearing in several episodes and connecting me with guests and ideas that have shaped recent conversations. His commitment to Michigan wine is clear, and I’m confident he’ll serve the Collaborative well. I arrived in China a month ago and will be here until mid-May. Being this far from Michigan wine country changes the way I see the work. Distance sharpens my perspective and helps me see what deserves more attention. Even from the other side of the world, the mission remains the same: advocate for Michigan wine, honor the people behind it, and keep telling the story. |
| Regenerative Agriculture |
| Advocacy continues, even from abroad. On January 29, the podcast featured Folklor, a producer whose approach to farming, winemaking, and stewardship deserves attention. Their work reflects many of the principles I’ve been learning and reinforcing over the past year. This episode is a strong anchor for the first quarter and sets the stage for the conversations ahead. Maxx Eichberg and Sidney Finan (Stranger Wine Co.) have had influence on my work this past year. They’ve helped shape how I think about regenerative farming and what it looks like in practice, and they’ve introduced me to several new people who have been on the podcast. Shout out to Maxx and Sidney and their new tasting room in downtown Buchanan. |
| Podcast Highlights |
| The next quarter of episodes is already recorded, and every one of them is built around topics that stay relevant no matter the season. A big shoutout to Amy Birk from Domaine Berrien Cellars for helping me identify topics, and for participating in a few episodes. Because I’m in China until mid-May, I prepared everything in advance. That meant choosing conversations that didn’t depend on timing or current events, but instead on the deeper parts of Michigan wine: how we farm, how we make decisions, how we understand our seasons, and how we talk about the grapes that define Michigan. Sixty years in Baroda. This year marks sixty years since my family first took a chance on a piece of land in Baroda when I was ten. Those early years shaped us. We learned how to grow grapes, make wine, and care for fifteen acres planted to more than one hundred varieties. Two years into that work, Len Olson and Carl Banholzer started Tabor Hill next door, starting a significant transformative period in our industry. I’m sharing more of those early memories in a February podcast episode and what we collectively set in motion. Here’s the full schedule for the next quarter. February 5, 2026 Episode 134: Tim Godfrey – The Bad and the Ugly February 12, 2026 Episode 135: Steve Salisbury – Legacy February 19, 2026 Episode 136: Ben Guerrin – Vineyard Pulse February 26, 2026 Episode 137: Winter with Mike – Rest and Readiness March 5, 2026 Episode 138: Spring with Mike – Buds and Beginnings March 12, 2026 Episode 139: Summer with Mike – Vines in Motion March 19, 2026 Episode 140: Fall with Mike – Ripen and Reap March 26, 2026 Episode 141: Amy Birk – Michigan’s Red Wine Story April 2, 2026 Episode 142: Andrew Backlin – Michigan’s Red Wine Story April 9, 2026 Episode 143: Tom Knighton – Michigan’s Red Wine Story April 16, 2026 Episode 144: Amy Birk – Cabernet Franc Focus April 23, 2026 Episode 145: Andrew Backlin – Sauvignon Blanc Focus April 30, 2026 Episode 146: Maxx Eichberg – Pinot Noir Pure Michigan Publishing here looks different. The hours are odd, the setup is simple, and the process is slower. But the heart of it hasn’t changed. These episodes still center on the people who make Michigan wine what it is, and the ideas that keep advancing the craft in our great state. They’re thoughtful conversations meant to give listeners something they can return to long after they air. Have an idea for an episode? Message me! |
| Regional Highlights |
| Before leaving for China, I visited several regions across the state, and a few stops continue to stand out. Southeast Michigan was one of them. The conversations there were straightforward and practical, and they showed me how much potential exists in that part of the state. Tip of the Mitt is still on my mind too. The mix of phenomenal landscapes, down-to-earth people, and the way folks are experimenting up there gives the region a kind of emerging identity. It’s still taking shape, but you can sense the intention behind it. Leelanau and Old Mission offered their own takeaways. Those visits showed what can happen when experience and long-term planning line up with consistent work in the vineyard and cellar. Walking those properties in the fall made it clear that Michigan’s future is being shaped by both established producers and smaller operations that are making steady progress. Then there’s the “Un‑AVA.” My visit to Ca’Musu was the last stop of the trip and one of the most enjoyable. Elise and Mimmo Musumeci bring a calm, thoughtful approach to their wines, and spending time with them made that clear. It was a strong finish and a reminder that some of the most interesting work in Michigan is happening outside the usual boundaries. |
| China |
| Wine consumption looks very different here than it does in the United States. In the U.S., the average is 12.1 liters per person per year. In China, it’s 0.6 liters. That gap shows up everywhere: in how wine is sold, how often people drink it, and how it fits into daily life. Being here makes the scale of the opportunity clear, but it also highlights how young the market still is compared to home. One thing I’ve noticed is that wine isn’t approached the same way here. Most people don’t drink it for flavor, place, or style; they’re drinking it because it’s part of the occasion, almost performative. French wine dominates the shelves, with a strong presence from Australia as well, but the choices don’t seem driven by curiosity or regional understanding, it seems to be driven more by perceived prestige. Red wine is the default almost everywhere, even in situations where the food would pair far better with Riesling, Gewurztraminer, or Sauvignon Blanc. Pricing reflects this too. It’s difficult to find a solid red wine under forty dollars, while back home you can do that easily for under twenty. Whites, on the other hand, are priced much closer to what you’d expect in the U.S. All of this reinforces the same point: the market is large, but the culture around wine is still developing, and the habits here don’t yet match the diversity or depth we’re used to in Michigan and across the U.S. |
| Community and Events |
| While I’m abroad, events in Michigan are paused, but planning for spring and summer is already underway. History talks, tastings, and educational sessions will resume once I return, and now is a good time to reach out if you’re considering hosting something. These events continue to be one of the most meaningful ways to connect people to Michigan wine’s history and future. Wine at the Vineyard returns on May 26, so mark your calendars. We’re also planning June 23rd and expect to have a few special guests joining us. Everyone who attends brings a bottle that matches the theme for the evening and a hors d’oeuvre to share. If you’d like more details about the full series, please contact me. Before we wrap up… I was raised to respect all people, and seventy years on this planet have only deepened that conviction. In my consulting work, I was known for treating everyone with the same dignity, no matter their role or status. Being in China for several months has given me a very different perspective on home. Seeing another country up close makes me appreciate the freedoms and the daily life we often take for granted in the United States. At a time in our country when so many voices are pulling hard in different directions, I’m choosing to stay focused on what this community is built on: outstanding wine, honest hard work, and respect for all people. Let’s raise a glass to Michigan wine! |
| Sponsors and Sponsor Request |
| We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors: Steve Salisbury Consulting, Golden Muse Winery, and Home Watch of Southwest Michigan. With decades of experience managing large-scale change for companies of all sizes, Steve has unparalleled expertise in helping leaders drive significant organizational transformations. Golden Muse Winery produces expressive, small-batch wines that reflect the character and creativity of Southwest Michigan. Home Watch of Southwest Michigan is dedicated to protecting your home while you’re away. Visit their websites for more information. www.linkedin.com/in/steve-salisbury/ http://www.goldenmusewinery.com mihomewatch.com/ |
| If Vines Could Talk is seeking sponsors to support the podcast and its mission to spotlight Michigan wines and the stories behind them. Sponsorship packages are priced at $500 to $1500 per year, offering a great opportunity to reach a dedicated community of wine enthusiasts. If you’re interested or know someone who might be, please contact me at steve.salisbury@mail.com. Your support is greatly appreciated! |
| Thanks for Reading! |
| Please pass this along to friends who might enjoy it. To join or leave the newsletter, just drop me a note at steve.salisbury@mail.com. Let’s work together to spread the word about the amazing world of Michigan wine! © 2026 Steven G. Salisbury, If Vines Could Talk |
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