In Episode 122, we sit down with Michael Wells of Black Fire Winery, located near Tecumseh in Southeast Michigan. Michael is Michigan’s first Black winemaker and brewer, and his journey is as bold as the wines he crafts. We talk about his inspiration, his process, and what it means to break new ground in Michigan’s wine scene. Visit blackfirewinery.com or call the tasting room at 517-424-9232 to learn more.

In Episode 121, we meet Lauren Burns of Tending Tilth, a contract grazier restoring prairie and grasslands across Southwest Michigan. Lauren shares her experience working with the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, grazing at Stranger’s Vineyard, and launching her new business focused on meat and hides. Learn how she met Maxx and Sidney through a shepherd in Buchanan, and how her work blends ecology, agriculture, and community. Visit tendingtilth.com or contact Lauren at tendingtilth@gmail.com or 269-888-3945. Follow her new venture on Instagram: @grasssaltandtallow.

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

Anna Rafalski of Granor Farm joins us to talk about Granor Farm, a bold new venture in Michigan’s beverage scene. As General Manager and Beverage Director, Anna curates a wine list featuring Stranger, Mawby, and bigLITTLE, alongside their own spirits: gin, vermouth, rye, and bourbon. We discuss the vision of owners Rob Buono and Liz Cichelli, and how Granor is redefining agritourism through hospitality and craft. For event inquiries, visit granorfarm.com or email events@granorfarm.com. Questions for Anna? anna@granorfarm.com.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved. Photo of Anna Rafalski credited to EE Berger, decolorized by Steve Salisbury.