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.

As Michigan Wine Month continues, we bring you some of the voices shaping Michigan wine. From skilled artisans to industry experts, this episode captures what makes it truly special, with a few stories recorded at Dreihart Winery’s soft opening, Wine Education Wednesday at Local Pour, and Wine at the Vineyard.

Welcome to Michigan Wine Month! As we celebrate the bounty and richness of Michigan’s wine heritage, there are few people better suited to lead us into this exciting month than Brian Lillie. Known for his multifaceted expertise, Brian offers top-tier wine concierge services through his company, Brian Lillie & Company. Whether you’re looking for virtual or in-person wine tasting events, assistance with wine cellar procurement and consolidation, guided wine travel, or industry training, Brian has you covered. Learn more about his offerings at brianlillieandcompany.com.

Today’s guest is Emily Dockery, Executive Director of the Michigan Wine Collaborative. Emily shares her insights into the vital work of the Collaborative, which supports Michigan’s wine industry through strategic partnerships, advocacy, and education. Learn more about the initiatives connecting wineries, growers, and wine lovers across the state, and discover how Michigan is making its mark in the world of wine. Also included in the episode is a special segment with Stranger Wine Co. co-owner Maxx Eichberg.

Discover Michigan's wine scene! Explore more at:

• michiganwinecollaborative.com

• tastemichigan.org

• michiganwinecollaborative.com/vintage-michigan

Find local wine events:

• michiganwinecollaborative.com/category/events

• vintagemichigan.wildapricot.org/events

Have questions? Contact Emily at info@michiganwinecollaborative.com

Join Steve on this episode of If Vines Could Talk as he interviews Jason Menken, owner of The Bottle Run, Southwest Michigan’s premier boutique winery tour service. Combining his marketing expertise with a passion for wine, Jason has built a business that takes wine enthusiasts on curated journeys through the region’s beautiful vineyards and wineries. Discover the artistry behind The Bottle Run and how Jason is shaping the local wine tourism experience. For more information, check out thebottlerun.com or contact Jason directly at jason@btlrun.com

Join Jayme and me as we conduct a comparative tasting of three exquisite Rosés from the Lake Michigan Shore. With Easter approaching, these wines are perfect additions to your celebration. Go back and explore the art of Rosé production in Episode #35. In this episode, we taste:

- Domaine Berrien Rosé 2022

- Lawton Ridge Rosé 2022

- Veritas Estate Beach Day Rosé 2023

For more details, visit domaineberrien.com,lawtonridgewinery.com, and mivintageinn.com.