The owners of three southwest Michigan wineries met for dinner last week to celebrate and reflect upon the past 10 years.

In the spring of 2002, Contessa Wine Cellars, Domaine Berrien Cellars and Karma Vista Vineyards opened within months of each other. Through the process of opening and maintaining their wineries, the owners developed a long-lasting friendship with one another.

They owe a lot of their success to each other and to the southwest Michigan family of wineries that was quick to embrace them.

“A lot of people think we (wineries) compete with each other, but I wouldn’t call it that. I’d call it coop-etition,” said Wally Maurer, who owns Domaine Berrien with his wife, Katie. “We all want to see southwest Michigan grow its reputation as a destination for great wine.”

All three wineries have grown significantly over the past 10 years.

Domaine Berrien went from producing 800 cases of wine on 13 acres in its first year to now producing more than 5,000 cases on 42 acres.

Contessa Wine Cellars went from making 1,200 gallons in its first year to 6,000 now.

Karma Vista has gone from 1,000 cases to more than 3,000.

It wasn’t always easy.

“It is good to be on this end of 10 years,” said Joe Herman, who owns Karma Vista with his wife, Sue. “When you start, there is that leap of faith where you let go of one trapeze and grab onto the next one, and, in between, there is that moment of panic. You aren’t quite sure what was going to happen next.”

The owners spent a lot of time bouncing ideas off one other and helping each other through the legal aspects of opening a winery.

“We have all been involved in some way, and with starting up your own company it was really nice to have the support and people to talk with,” said Tony Peterson, who owns Contessa Wine Cellars with his wife.

Peterson said the formation of the wine trail in southwest Michigan, of which all three wineries are members, was a key to their success.

All three wineries have plans to celebrate their 10-year anniversaries.

Contessa Wine Cellars will be holding an event Saturday and Sunday, when glass specials, live music, appetizers and drawings will be offered.

Domaine Berrien will celebrate its anniversary in conjunction with Mother’s Day weekend with live music, food and free flowers for mothers.

Karma Vista plans to hold its anniversary celebration on Memorial Day weekend.

Contessa Wine Cellars

Location: 3235 Friday Rd., Coloma

Hours: Open year round. Daily, noon – 5 p.m.

Winemaker: Tony Peterson

Winemaker’s choice: Chardonnay & Merlot

Opened: Spring 2002

Anniversary celebration: Sat., May 5; Sun., May 6

Domaine Berrien Cellars

Location: 398 E. Lemon Creek Rd., Berrien Springs

Hours: Noon – 5 p.m.; April – Dec.: Open every day; Jan. – March: Fri., Sat., Sun.

Winemaker: Wally Maurer

Winemaker’s choice: Pinot Noir & Cabernet Franc

Opened: Spring 2002

Anniversary celebration: May 12-13, Mother’s Day

Karma Vista Vineyards & Winery

Location: 6991 Ryno Rd., Coloma

Hours: Mon., Wed. – Sat.: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Closed Tues.; Sun.: Noon – 5 p.m.; Call for winter hours.

Winemaker: Keith Herman

Winemaker’s choice: Sauvignon Blanc & Mojo Nouveau

Opened: Spring 2002

Anniversary celebration: Memorial Day weekend