The History of Michigan Wines: 150 Years of Winemaking along the Great Lakes

by Sharon Kegerreis, Lorri Hathaway, David Braganini (Foreword)

Savor the taste of wines inspired by the Great Lakes as enthusiasts Lorri Hathaway and Sharon Kegerreis introduce passionate winemakers like Joseph Sterling, who ignited Michigan's first viable wine region in the 1800s along Lake Erie. Discover how the Detroit River was used for bootlegging during Prohibition, how the raid on red wine in the Upper Peninsula generated national headlines and how Michigan became the first to repeal. Learn about the wineries that boosted production to make Michigan a leading wine producer through the 1960s, when the changing marketplace caused a slump in production and sales.Since then, new grape varietals have spurred resurgence in the industry, garnering Michigan worldwide attention for its locally influenced wines. Discover Michigan's vibrant wine history, which is vital to the second most agriculturally diverse state and top tourism region becoming a premier agritourism destination.

Genres: Nonfiction, Food

176 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2010

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent overview of the history of Michigan wines and the industry. It's probably much more interesting to a wine lover who lives in or is traveling to Michigan but can also be appreciated by someone who just loves wine history. The information contained in this book is particularly fascinating if you've visited Michigan wineries. Since this book was written in 2010, some of the wineries talked about have changed hands or closed. It never changing industry that is to be expected. This book contains some wonderful historical photos along with fascinating information, cheers to The History of Michigan Wines!

[Mariah Oleszkowicz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great history of the Great Lakes region wine history. I learned a lot and learned what laws changed in order to facilitate the production of hard spirits - which has changed the landscape of Michigan brewing in the last decade.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

So clearly, this book is more interesting to someone from Michigan than other areas.

It was a quick read in that you could really skim for the interesting stuff - like some of the Prohibition tidbits and the relationship with Canada/Windsor. I would have liked to see some of the terminology defined - I vaguely remembered what "fortified" means in terms of wine but had to look it up to be sure where it seemed a simple thing to include a definition as part of the narrative.

Also, "grape rot" - the author's briefly mention how "grape rot" wiped out a large portion of southeastern Michigan's grapes but that just begs the question - what exactly IS grape rot? How long does it affect the soil? Does it spread and how - it was, to me, a big gap in the narrative.

It was definitely written as an overview and with very little depth - in fact, there looked like there might be several items in there that Erik Larson (Devil In the White City and other) could plumb for some great stories. In case he is reading this (HA!)

Nonetheless, I did learn enough to make it worth the read.

[Jacquie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of the history of the wine industry in Michigan. I was surprised by many things, like how long there has been an industry in Michigan, and how popular the wines are - good for MI! I already have some favorite Michigan wines, but am looking forward to trying more in the near future.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice overview of the Michigan wine industry. Wine lovers will learn a thing or two to impress their friends.