Michigan

Michigan is one of the top ten wine-producing states in the United States. Its Rieslings are becoming recognized and respected in national and international wine circles, winning awards on the world stage.

Riesling was first officially planted in 1969 at Tabor Hill Winery in the town of Buchanon, located in the state’s southwest corner.

In the mid-1970s, Ed O’Keefe, founder of Chateau Grand Traverse winery, planted Riesling and today the estate grows 100 percent vinifera grapes. At the time it was a daring venture as most industry experts felt that Michigan’s climate was too cold to commercially grow grapes.

Working under the guidance of Dr. Helmut Becker from the Geisenheim Oenological and Viticultural School in what was then West Germany, O’Keefe determined that the Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City could potentially afford the right conditions for growing European grape varieties. Within a few years Chateau Grand Traverse wines were winning awards and gaining notice among wine critics.

Today, many Michigan vineyards grow Riesling. The cool climate Riesling grape is at home in Michigan’s New World environs. And the world is discovering that Michigan offers yet another respected expression of the noble grape.