We’re blessed in Northwest Michigan to have a strong and growing local wine industry — a sector of our economy that perfectly brings together local agriculture and tourism.  From hillsides flush with grapevines to the many tasting rooms that dot our highways, this vibrant industry adds much to our local economy and our way of life here in Northwest Michigan. 

I’ve long been a strong supporter of our local wine industry, and as a State Representative I have worked to help continue the growth of Northwest Michigan as a premier wine region. Just yesterday, I was able to bring the chair of the House committee responsible for the budgets for both MSU Extension and the Horticultural Research Station up to Leelanau County to hear first-hand how important the research done at the Station and made available through Extension is to the growth of the industry. And last week, the State House passed a plan I sponsored to allow local wineries that are turning their world-class wines into world-class brandies to offer tastings of these spirits at all of their tasting rooms. This plan will provide much greater access to market for these small distributors, and help grow our local wine and spirits industry.

In addition, I’ve worked to make sure the concerns of our local wine industry are addressed in the debate over wine distribution (a process that is on-going), and I’m working with local and statewide wine makers to develop a long-term strategic plan to ensure the continued health and growth of Michigan wines. Finally, I have been a leader in the effort to encourage our residents to ‘Buy Michigan First,’ including launching an interactive website to help connect small businesses selling Michigan-made products with customers eager to buy them.  (Not coincidentally, one of the highlights of this website is a video with photos of local wines and local tasting rooms!)  There is nobody who is more committed to the success of our local wineries and small businesses than I am, and I will continue to be a strong advocate for their interests moving forward.

We’re fortunate in Northwest Michigan to have a great and growing local wine industry. It’s one of the things that makes this area so special. And I look forward to maintaining my push for policies that will help this home-grown industry continue to grow!