| Welcome to the sixth edition of the If Vines Could Talk newsletter. I’m writing this from China, where I’ll be for another 10 days or so, and being here has given me plenty of chances to tell Michigan wine stories. Most people in this part of China haven’t heard of Michigan, let alone Michigan wine. If they know anything about American wine, it’s California. So I end up explaining where Michigan is, why wine is made there, and what makes it worth paying attention to. It’s a good reminder of how much of this story still needs to be told. This edition shares updates, tasting notes, podcast news, and a look at what’s ahead for spring and summer once I return. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with friends and revisiting our wineries. Thanks for reading and for being part of this work. |
| MAY IS MICHIGAN WINE MONTH! |
| Michigan Wine Month happens every May and marks the start of the season across the state. It’s a month‑long spotlight on Michigan’s vineyards, wineries, growers, and winemakers, with special events and tastings that help people explore the depth and diversity of Michigan wine. Support the cause. Go to a favorite tasting room and buy a bottle, or a case. Your direct purchases make a big difference to small producers. |
| WINE AT THE VINEYARD RETURNS!! |
| We are starting the fourth year of Wine at the Vineyard, a monthly gathering that has grown steadily since it began. What started three years ago with a small group of friends has become a consistent way to spend time at the vineyard and talk about wine. If you have been thinking about joining, this is a good time to start. May is Michigan Wine Month, so the first event of the season features Michigan wine and the range of fabulous bottles made across the state. The May event is scheduled for May 26. Invitations go out about ten days before. If you would like to be on the invitation list, send me your full name and email address. |
| MAY AND JUNE ON THE PODCAST |
| Episodes in May and June complete the “evergreen” episodes recorded last year in preparation for my long stay in China. Matt Killman and Dan Nitz join to round out my series on Michigan varieties. Then we have a five-part series about Pioneers and Trailblazers focusing on both historical context and new trends. We finish June with Lauren joining to discuss industry marketing challenges and opportunities. The podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Bullhorn and IHeartRadio. Be sure to follow us on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to comment and share. Your support helps us spread the word about the incredible world of Michigan wine. May 7, 2026 Episode 147: Matt Killman – Cool Climate Excellence May 14, 2026 Episode 148: Dan Nitz – Frozen Gold Harvest May 21, 2026 Episode 149: Doug Welch – Fenn Valley Vineyards May 28, 2026 Episode 150: Tony Peterson – Contessa Winecellars June 4, 2026 Episode 151: Maxx Eichberg – Soil and Soul June 11, 2026 Episode 152: Leonard Olson – A Michigan Legacy June 18, 2026 Episode 153: Sean O’Keefe – Soil to Soul Origins June 25, 2026 Episode 154: Lauren Kniebes – Marketing with Labels |
| REFRESHING MY PUBLIC OFFERINGS |
| Over the past few months I have taken a close look at wine tastings and my history talk. The result is a focused set of Michigan wine education experiences. The Premium Michigan Wine Tasting remains the core session I have offered for years. Three new formats now join it: the Michigan Wine Deep Dive, the Sensory Training session, and the Michigan vs the World comparative tasting. Each one offers a different way to explore Michigan wine. I partner with the St. Joe Wine Shoppe to deliver these great experiences. I am also bringing back the history talk under a new title, The Real History of Michigan Wine. This is a more fitting title to the true story audiences responded to last year and gives people a better understanding of how this region became what it is today. Check out the website for more details. Ifvinescouldtalk.com |
| THE BOTTLE RUN |
| The Bottle Run offers a guided tour option where I join groups as the on‑board Michigan wine guide. I answer questions, give context on the wineries you visit, and help you understand what makes Southwest Michigan wine distinctive. It’s designed for people who prefer a deeper look at the region and its wines. Learn more at: thebottlerun.com/guided-wine-tour |
| TASTING ROOM EXCLUSIVE OFFER |
| Uncorking Michigan: The Story Behind Each Glass A guided tasting with Steve Salisbury Host of Michigan wine podcast If Vines Could Talk This new offering is designed specifically for tasting rooms that want to give guests a deeper connection to the wines they are already enjoying. Your team pours the wines, and I bring the larger Michigan story that gives each glass its meaning. Guests learn the background of the varieties, the people and personalities who shaped the region, the origins and development of Michigan wine, and the broader context that helps them understand what they are tasting. The session keeps the wine at the center. It adds depth without stepping into the winery’s lane, strengthens the connection to each bottle, and turns a standard tasting into an experience people remember. |
| TWO MICHIGAN WINES |
| When traveling to China, I can bring only a limited number of wines with me. I chose two. The first is Peony Pinot Noir, a joint project between Stranger Wine Co. and P+E Bottle Shop, and a Lake Michigan Vintners’ Cabernet Sauvignon. Peony is a Pinot Noir developed exclusively for P+E Bottle Shop in Three Oaks. It’s a small‑production Michigan wine built in the lighter, aromatic style Stranger is known for. The fruit is local, the winemaking is minimal‑intervention, and the result is a bright, perfumed Pinot Noir you can only purchase at P+E. It’s one of the clearest examples of how far Michigan’s red‑wine work has come in the last few years. Lake Michigan Vintners’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 shows clear, deep purple color with a developing nose of crushed blackberry and black raspberry. The palate is dry with medium‑plus acidity, medium tannin, and smooth texture, carrying pronounced dark fruit and a medium‑plus finish. It’s a polished, expressive Michigan Cabernet Sauvignon that drinks well now and can handle some cellaring. |
| WINE IN CHINA |
| Yes, my focus is Michigan wine, but I can’t buy Michigan wine in China, so I’ve been working with what’s available here. Finding good wine in China is still difficult. Most of what I’ve found commercially has been disappointing. Wei and I even traveled to Ningxia in November 2024 to look for the best examples we could find, but the results didn’t meet expectations. Things changed in early February when I was introduced to a distributor who specializes in Ningxia wine. Mr. Zhou has provided several strong bottles, and a few have finally stood out. After two years of trying to find reliable, well‑made wine here, this is the first time I’ve had real progress. Here are a few wines that I found pretty darn good! You can see my reviews on my social media or on Vivino. Bao’an Baoshi Zhi Zhi Yi 2020 Ren Yi Yuan Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Hua Hao Marselan 2019 Lava Chardonnay 2021 Ren Yi Yuan Chardonnay 2024 Ren Yi Yuan Cabernet Franc 2022 |
| 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 range from $500 to $1500 per year and help fund ongoing production. If you’re interested or know someone who might be, please contact me at steve.salisbury@mail.com. Your support is greatly appreciated. |
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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