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

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.

Lorri Hathaway and Sharon Kegerreis are authors of the award-winning From the Vine: Exploring Michigan Wineries (2007). The native Michiganders share a passion for living and playing along the Great Lakes and exploring wine and food destinations. Researching Michigan's earliest wine pioneers ignited a passion for Michigan's rich agricultural history and has turned the authors into avid historians. They continue to be most intrigued with today's hardworking winemakers and other agriculturalists who inspire them to share their stories. Learn more about the authors and stay tuned for upcoming books at www.michiganvine.com