Future husband and wife Eric Harris and Emily Hart -- the "two Es" -- are eager to see what started as a hobby and became an addiction finally turned into a business
We've had one of the most unusual spring season's this year with snow and freezing temperatures. But how is the weather affecting wineries in our area?
The new winery, which belongs to The Wisconsin Winery Association, will have a tasting room, a grapevine room for conducting special events, a park-like setting for outdoor gatherings and an outdoor patio.
Today, Governor Rick Snyder, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), and the Grand Traverse Conservation District recognized seven wineries and four vineyards on Old Mission Peninsula for all becoming verified in the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). Through the verification process, the vineyards implemented voluntary and proactive pollution prevention practices.
Spring has been slow in coming up north, but the buds on trees and vines are starting to swell as witnessed by more than two dozen scribes who recently converged on Traverse City for the annual Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association Media Day.
Two EE's Winery, near Roanoke, has bottled its first wines and is awaiting necessary federal approvals of the winery labels. It will be able to open for business shortly after those are received, said winery manager Eric Harris.
Today, Governor Rick Snyder, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), and the Grand Traverse Conservation District recognized seven wineries and four vineyards on Old Mission Peninsula for all becoming verified in the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). Through the verification process, the vineyards implemented voluntary and proactive pollution prevention practices.
Downstate Rep. Mike Bost (R) is sponsoring a proposal that would tax Illinois wine sales two cents per gallon. If HB 3331 becomes law, the proceeds from the tax would be used to promote Illinois' wine industry.
According to Michigan Wines, the official website of the Michigan Wine Industry, sales of Michigan wine in the state rose more than 6 percent in 2012, while total wine sales increased just 1 percent.
Michigan wines are bursting with flavor after an exceptional season last year, and this year is already off to a good start. Grape farmers say it will be a great year for buying local wine.
Craft Beer production may be growing in West Michigan, but long before it became popular to brew your own beer, west Michigan was wine country, and that business is also seeing substantial growth.