Episode 139 features Mike de Schaaf, Farm Manager at MSU Extension in Benton Harbor. This is the third of four conversations covering vineyard care through the seasons. Today we focus on summer and explore thinning, irrigation and disease control. Learn more at https://www.canr.msu.edu/swmrec/ and lakemichigancollege.edu/wine. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Episode 138 features Mike de Schaaf, Farm Manager at MSU Extension in Benton Harbor. This is the second of a four-part series focused on vineyard care for each season. Today we explore spring and discuss frost protection, bud break, fertilizer and disease. Mike also shares insight into his role at Lake Michigan College. Learn more about his work at https://www.canr.msu.edu/swmrec/ and lakemichigancollege.edu/wine. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Episode 137 features Mike de Schaaf, Farm Manager at MSU Extension in Benton Harbor, joining me for the first installment of a four part series on vineyard care through the seasons. Today we explore winter, the critical pruning season that sets the tone for the entire year. We also highlight Mike’s work at Lake Michigan College and point listeners to Episode 64 for his background and story. Learn more about MSU’s work at https://www.canr.msu.edu/swmrec/ and explore the wine program at lakemichigancollege.edu/wine.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

This episode features a summer conversation with Ben Guerrin, recorded during his time as Vineyard Manager at Modales. We explore organic certification, the responsibilities of a vineyard manager, the challenges that define each season, and the collaborative relationship between vineyard and winery. Ben now serves as Agronomy Sales, Account Relationship Manager for Keystone Co-op, supporting grape growers across Michigan with crop protection, fertility solutions, disease control, and nutrition. Contact Ben at benjamin.guerrin@keystonecoop.com or 616-239-5607. Learn more about Modales at modaleswines.com.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Many listeners have asked me to share my story, and this episode brings it forward. I also explain what is ahead while my wife and I travel abroad. I have prepared a full arc of episodes that will continue each week. We begin with my own story, then move into the vineyard with its pulse and the seasons. From there we explore the varieties that define Michigan wine, including red grapes, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Ice Wines and other cool climate strengths. We also hear from voices who carry forward soil, soul and regional heritage, and close with a look at marketing and industry. These episodes are designed to keep the conversation moving and to offer a deeper look at Michigan wine. Visit ifvinescouldtalk.com or contact me at steve.salisbury@mail.com. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

In this episode, I sit down once again with Tim Godfrey, now serving as Program Director for Agriculture, Culinary Management, and Wine and Viticulture at Lake Michigan College. Tim brings insight, humor, and honesty as we explore the challenges of winemaking. We also discuss the winemaking program at Lake Michigan College, why it is worth exploring, and take a detailed look at sulfites. Learn more at lakemichiganvintners.com and lakemichigancollege.edu/wine or contact Tim at tgodfrey@lakemichigancollege.edu.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Join me for Episode 133 as I visit with Folklor, a remarkable farm and winery in Charlevoix owned by Izabela Babinska and Derrick Vogel. I walked the farm with Iza in October, tasted several of their excellent wines with Derrick a few days later, and then sat down with both of them for a fun interview in late November. They are a delightful couple whose work reflects deep care for the land and a commitment to sustainable agriculture. During my visit, they were in the middle of their organic certification process, which they have now completed. Learn more at folklorwinecider.com

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

In this episode, Tony Jacobson walks through his journey from Sleepy Creek in Illinois, to ten years in Traverse City, to his work with Mawby, and finally to launching Loose Cannon. Tony also leads the P.45 Wines and Vines group, a collaborative space for growers and winemakers. Learn more at loosecannon.wine or reach Tony at tony@loosecannon.wine. Follow on Instagram at loosecannon.wine or tonymakeswine. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.