Wine pioneer David Upton dies

The Michigan wine industry lost a true giant and pioneer with the passing of David Frederick Upton of Tabor Hill Winery in Buchanan, Mich.

Upton, 87, died of congestive heart failure on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.

He leaves behind a legacy of philanthropy, commitment to the University of Michigan and a genuine love for the wine business.

Taking possession of Tabor Hill in 1978, along with all its debts, he retooled the bankrupt winery and turned it into a model for the rest of the industry. He also used his influence to give the wineries a voice in Lansing by pushing for the establishment of the Michigan Grape & Wine Industry Council in 1985.

"Dave Upton was a visionary in seeing the potential for the Michigan wine industry and showed great commitment to its development," said Linda Jones, director of the council. "He led Tabor Hill to be a leading recognized brand in the Midwest."

As a veteran of World War II, engineer, purchasing director, businessman and state lawmaker, Upton had plenty of experience to tap to succeed in the wine industry. And as the oldest of four children of Frederick S. Upton, co-founder of Whirlpool Corp. in Benton Harbor, he had the drive and entrepreneurial spirit in his genes.

Though Upton and his siblings hurt for nothing, his father expected him to make his own way. And saving a little winery that seemed to be going nowhere was not something that interested the Whirlpool founders. So Upton used bank loans and income from his abstract and title business to keep the winery afloat until it finally turned a profit.

In the years since 2000, Upton doubled the size of the estate vineyards and oversaw a $3 million renovation project.

Upton, who saw the potential for winery tourism, was a founding member of the Southwest Michigan Tourist Council.

Upton is preceded in death by his first wife, Harriet, in 1985. He is survived by wife Linda and two sons, Ben Upton, David Upton; and two daughters, Betsy Stover and Margy Trumbull, and 13 grandchildren.

The funeral will be private, but friends will be welcomed to join the family at a memorial service in the vineyard in May.