If Vines Could Talk

In this episode, I sit down with Sean O'Keefe, former winemaker at Mari Vineyards, to explore his approach to winemaking and the stories behind the blends. Learn about the legacy of Teresa Mari, the vision of owners Marty and Olivia Lagina, and the mystery of Row 7. Since recording, Sean has moved on to new ventures, but his voice remains rooted in Michigan soil. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

In this episode, we reconnect with Paula Camp, first featured in episode 56, as she prepares for the sold-out Jacques Pépin Foundation Benefit Dinner on October 19 at Houndstooth in Benton Harbor. This special event honors Jacques Pépin’s 90th birthday and his enduring legacy in culinary education. Paula’s collaboration with Chefs Cheyenne Galbraith and Jean Joho includes a stellar cast of Michigan wineries: Stranger Wine Co, Domaine Berrien, Lake Michigan Vintners, Modales, and Veritas Estate. They come together to set the table for an unforgettable evening. We also highlight Debutant, a cider created in Jacques’ honor and discuss the growing identity of Southwest Michigan as a destination for wine, food, and regenerative agriculture. For more information, visit carriagehouse.love or call 312-961-0363.© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Taylor Simpson shares a major update. She and her brother Sam are now partners with others in Michigan by the Bottle, expanding her leadership across Good Harbor, Aurora Cellars, Harbor Hill services, and MBTB tasting rooms in Auburn Hills, Royal Oak, and Shelby Township. This episode explores her vision for stewardship and the evolving landscape of Michigan wine. michiganbythebottle.com or taylor@michiganbythebottle.com © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Bryan Ulbrich, owner and winemaker at Left Foot Charley, joins us to share his journey from history and law to pioneering Northern Michigan’s first urban winery. In this episode, Bryan discusses his grower-first philosophy, innovative vineyard management, and commitment to mentoring future winemakers. Recorded in the barn, complete with ambient sounds of birds and farm equipment. Visit leftfootcharley.com to learn more. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

In this premier episode featuring home winemakers and grape growers, we meet Mike and Craig, two friends who are making remarkable wines off the radar. With grapes grown in clay, gravel, and rock, and varietals ranging from Tannat to Riesling, they’re building something special. We tasted their Super Tuscan 2022, Meritage 2017, and Tannat 2020 while exploring their process and philosophy. These wines aren’t available commercially. You have to know them to taste them. If you have questions, contact your host at steve.salisbury@mail.com. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

In Episode 110, we take you through a decanting journey using a Hickory Creek 2021 Merlot Carmenere tasted at zero, 30, 75, 120, and 180 minutes. The evolution was striking. Each stage revealed distinct textures, aromas, and clarity. We share practical tips to help you decant with confidence and reflect on how slowing down can deepen your connection to the wine. Whether you’re pouring for friends or sipping solo, this episode offers a fresh appreciation for the ritual.Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/

Mike Laing didn’t set out to lead one of Michigan’s most iconic sparkling wine houses, but the vineyard his parents planted in Lake Leelanau in 2002 quietly set the stage. After leaving teaching in Chicago, he joined MAWBY in 2007, just as the winery was doubling down on its sparkling focus. Today, Mike and his brother Peter carry forward MAWBY’s 50-year legacy while pushing boundaries with nonalcoholic bubbly, irreverent branding, and a second label rooted in memory: bigLITTLE. From the philosophy of MAWBYness to the story behind Safe Sex, Mike shares how personal history, customer feedback, and a refusal to be stuffy shape everything they do. Sparkling wine, he insists, should be fun, and Michigan’s wine story is just getting started. Learn more at mawby.wine and biglittlewines.com Contact: info@mawby.wineMichigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/

Episode 108 features an in-depth conversation with the new owners of Free Run Cellars, Tricia Slevin and Prashanth Pais. Drawing inspiration from the Sanskrit phrase “Atithidevo Bhav,” meaning "a guest is akin to God," they’ve crafted Free Run into a place of intentional hospitality and emotional sanctuary. Tune in for a deep dive into the philosophy, design, and quiet excellence that shape this unique Southwest Michigan destination. Learn more at freeruncellars.com or connect directly via contact@frcwine.com and 269-815-6885. Resources referenced in the episode:https://www.berkshirepublishing.com/title/tggp-2023/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/most-consumers-will-spend-more-at-businesses-with-clean-restrooms-300815601.htmlMichigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here:https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/

Joe Herman, longtime steward of Karma Vista Vineyards, is back on the show. Since selling the property, Joe has embraced a more relaxed pace while diving into regenerative agriculture and the future of sustainable viticulture. Tune in to hear his insights, reflections, and a dose of Michigan vineyard wisdom. Contact Joe at joeherman@mac.com.Books and other resources:The Devil's Element by Dan Egan www.amazon.com/Devils-Element-Phosphorus-World-Balance/dp/1324002666 Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown www.chelseagreen.com/product/dirt-to-soil Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake www.merlinsheldrake.com/entangled-life Growing a Revolution by David R. Montgomery www.amazon.com/Growing-Revolution-Bringing-Soil-Back/dp/0393608328 The Art of Balancing Soil Nutrients by William McKibben bookstore.acresusa.com/products/the-art-of-balancing-soil-nutrients Hands-On Agronomy by Neal Kinsey & Charles Walters bookstore.acresusa.com/products/hands-on-agronomy Common Ground (Prime Video) www.amazon.com/Common-Ground-Joshua-Tickell/dp/B0DSQ7LC5W Kiss the Ground (Prime Video) www.amazon.com/Kiss-Ground-Woody-Harrelson/dp/B08KZCL4X2 Elaine Ingham (YouTube) www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdh7A7CwJ_djfIG1ecN8mCeOG4MsqcY4e Regenerative Agriculture Podcast by John Kempf open.spotify.com/show/14s0owdUUxjTYUeNXpWnv8 Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/

Dan Nitz joins the podcast for a timely episode as harvest approaches. As a fifth-generation grower and one of the largest producers of vinifera grapes east of the Rockies, Dan brings unmatched experience and insight into Michigan’s wine industry. From the foundational values behind Nitz Wines to the custom crush operations at Arrowhead Vineyards, this episode highlights the energy, preparation, and historical depth that fuel the countdown to crush. Learn more at nitzwines.com and arrowheadvyds.com. Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/

New winery alert! Learn about the man behind Poetson. Alex McNeely has built a career in East Coast beverage programs and now brings that expertise to Michigan wine. This episode explores his professional pivot, his interest in the region’s potential, and how experienced talent can shape Southwest Michigan’s wine community. Learn more at poetsonwine.com or contact Alex directly at alex@poetsonwine.com.

In this episode, I sit down with Neal Hulkower, an applied mathematician and longtime wine writer based in Oregon. Neal’s deep dive into comparative tastings spans decades, and his recent blind tasting of Oregon and Michigan Pinot Noirs offers a fresh perspective on how our state’s wines stack up. We discuss his methodology, including the Borda count and stars and bars analysis, and reflect on the results. Featured Michigan wines include Bel Lago, Chateau Fontaine, and Black Star Farms.For questions, Neal can be reached at nhulkower@yahoo.comCheck out his book, "Grape Explications":https://www.oregonwinepress.com/article?articleTitle=grape-explications%21--1751386610--3868--newsCheck out his related articles: “Smitten with the Mitten”: https://www.oregonwinepress.com/article?articleTitle=smitten-with-the-mitten--1741054267--3834 “Borda is Better”: https://www.oregonwinepress.com/article?articleTitle=borda-is-better--1317231621--959--Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/

In this episode of If Vines Could Talk, we step into the cellar with Stranger Wine Co. to explore their bold winemaking approach. We taste through an exceptional lineup, including: - 2023 Grüner – Outcross Vineyard, LMS - 2024 Kerner – Lyons Estate, OMP - 2024 Cabernet Franc Blanc Pet Nat (Yeastie Boys) – Fernweh Vineyards, OMP - 2024 Carbonic Pinot Noir – Shady Lane Estate, LP - 2023 Pinot Noir – Old Shore, LMS - 2023 Cabernet Franc – Domaine Berrien, LMS Find out more at www.strangerwineco.com or email them at hellostranger@strangerwineco.com. Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/

Travel and wine go hand in hand, and today’s guest knows exactly how to blend the two. Laura Danforth, The Wine Travelista, shares her experiences visiting wineries in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA, offering insights on where to sip and explore. If planning a Michigan wine trip feels overwhelming, she’s got you covered. Check out her guide at winetravelista.thrivecart.com/new-buffalo-wine-country-itinerary and get ready to explore Michigan’s wine country in style. Find more of her work at winetravelista.com, or reach out at laura@winetravelista.com.

In this episode, Steve and Jayme blind taste three Sauvignon Blancs from different regions—Marlborough, Loire Valley, and Michigan’s own Lake Michigan Shore. They explore aromatics, balance, and the unique winemaking styles behind each. To wrap it up, Modales Head Winemaker Andrew Backlin shares insight into his upcoming 2024 Sauvignon Blanc release.

Eckhard Kaesekamp is the force behind Knights Grapevine Nursery. With 38 years of experience in grapevine propagation, Eckhard shares his expertise on viticulture, the role of a nursery in shaping vineyards, and the importance of a family-owned approach to the business. Discover some the “roots” of Michigan’s wine industry and the commitment to quality that drives Knights Grapevine Nursery forward. Learn more at knightsgrapevinenursery.com.

This episode kicks off our June series featuring outside perspectives on Michigan’s wine scene and other regions. Today, we turn to Ningxia, China, an emerging wine region gaining global recognition. Our exploration includes visits to five wineries: Yuange, Yuanshi, Silver Heights, Kanaan, and Longyu. Join us as we examine Ningxia’s winemaking traditions, terroir, and a broader look at China wine culture.

In celebration of Michigan Wine Month, we take you to The Vintage Inn at Veritas Estate for an insightful and mouthwatering conversation with the unbeatable duo, chef Timothy Schultz and winemaker Dr. Sherry Seston. Together, they share expert food and wine pairing advice that makes the art of enjoying wine both accessible and fun. For more information, visit mivintageinn.com or email stay@mivintageinn.com. Then, a short segment with Maxx Eichberg of Stranger Wine Co. offers a glimpse into my recent trip to Ningxia, China, setting the stage for next week's deep dive into the region’s winemaking heritage and techniques.

Today, we celebrate Michigan Wine Month with an exclusive tasting at Filkins Vineyards, formerly Karma Vista. Hosts Jayme and Steve sit down with winemaker Jason Johnson and co-owner Zach Filkins to explore their journey, their wines, and the evolution of Michigan’s vibrant winemaking culture. In this episode, we highlight four standout wines from their latest release, a collection of seven that debuted just last Monday, May 19. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning to explore Michigan wine, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at a winery rich in history, innovation, and undeniable character. To close, I have a brief chat with Stranger Wine Company co-owner Maxx Eichberg, who shares insights into Buchanan’s exciting transformation. Learn more at www.filkinsvineyards.com.

I’m honored to welcome Sarah Spoonholtz, a key leader at the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and the familiar voice of our podcast’s introductions and closings. Sarah and I take a fresh look at Southwest Michigan’s wine industry, sharing perspectives beyond the usual narratives. As a MoodyOnTheMarket 40-Under-40 honoree, Sarah exemplifies leadership, passion, and the art of building meaningful connections. At the end of my conversation with Sarah, stay for an exclusive conversation with Maxx Eichberg, co-owner of Stranger Wine Co., as he gives us a sneak peek at his soon-to-open tasting room in downtown Buchanan, an exciting milestone for Michigan wine. For more information: smrchamber.com or contact Sarah at sspoonholtz@smrchamber.com or (269) 932-4040.