Gov. Rick Snyder has declared April as “Michigan Wine Month” to honor Michigan’s wide selection of quality wines and the industry’s significant contribution to the economy.
“Michigan’s 81 wineries welcome more than 1 million visitors to their tasting rooms each year and offer a truly Pure Michigan agri-tourism experience,” said Keith Creagh, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development  director. “Not only do these businesses offer a quality product and memorable experience, but our wine and grape industries also contribute nearly $800 million to the state’s economy annually.”
Sales of Michigan wines in the state rose nearly 12 percent in 2010, while total wine sales increased just 4 percent. Michigan wine sales have outpaced total wine sales for the past 10 years, doubling the Michigan wineries’ market share to 6.5 percent. In the past year, Michigan has added 10 new wineries to its roster — up from 71 in 2010 — across the state.
Many events are planned that will provide opportunities to meet winemakers and sample a variety of Michigan wines, including:
• Michigan Wine Celebration: April 9-10 — Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail (www.pioneerwinetrail.com)
• Michigan Wine Showcase: April 11 — Radisson Bloomfield Hills, home of Northern Lakes Seafood Co. (www.michiganwines.com/showcase)
• Spring Sip and Savor: April 30 and May 1 — Leelanau Peninsula Vintners (www.lpwines.com)
• Blossom Days: May 14-15 – Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (www.wineriesofoldmission.com)
• Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival: June 18 — Lake Michigan Shore Wine Country (www.miwinetrail.com)
April will also see the release of the 2011 Michigan Wine Country magazine, a guide to the wines and wineries of Michigan. To request a free copy, visit www.michiganwines.com or call the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council at (517) 241-1207.