michigan wine

Michigan Wine Competition Results Announced

  Overall Quality of the Wines is Noteworthy

  (Drinks Media Wire). East Lansing was awash in Michigan wine this week, as 24 wine experts from around the country and across the state gathered for the 31st annual Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition. Judges included two Master Sommeliers, internationally known wine writers, winemakers, and knowledgeable retailers and restaurateurs.

  Some judges were new to the Michigan competition and were pleasantly surprised by the wines they tasted. Ian Barry, winemaker for Swedish Hill Winery in Romulus, N.Y., noted, "The overall excellent quality of Michigan wines has been a revelation."

  Master Sommelier Madeline Triffon and wine writer Ron Sober also praised the overall quality of the wines. "The wines are very good, from an international standard, not just compared to other similar regions," said Sober. Triffon added that "Michigan has come a long way. Each flight had notable wines; the tasting experience was a pleasure."

  Thirty-four of the state's 56 wineries entered 346 wines for this year's competition, which is open only to wines produced from Michigan grapes and other fruit. Gold medals were awarded to a wide variety of wines—from bone-dry reds to deliciously sweet ice wines—from all of Michigan's major grape-growing areas. At the end of the day, judges awarded the top "Best of Class" awards to five wines from a group of 39 gold medal and eight double gold medal winners.