In this episode, I sit down with Neal Hulkower, an applied mathematician and longtime wine writer based in Oregon. Neal’s deep dive into comparative tastings spans decades, and his recent blind tasting of Oregon and Michigan Pinot Noirs offers a fresh perspective on how our state’s wines stack up. We discuss his methodology, including the Borda count and stars and bars analysis, and reflect on the results. Featured Michigan wines include Bel Lago, Chateau Fontaine, and Black Star Farms.

For questions, Neal can be reached at nhulkower@yahoo.com

Check out his book, "Grape Explications":

https://www.oregonwinepress.com/article?articleTitle=grape-explications%21--1751386610--3868--news

Check out his related articles:

“Smitten with the Mitten”: https://www.oregonwinepress.com/article?articleTitle=smitten-with-the-mitten--1741054267--3834

“Borda is Better”: https://www.oregonwinepress.com/article?articleTitle=borda-is-better--1317231621--959--

Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/

In this episode of If Vines Could Talk, we step into the cellar with Stranger Wine Co. to explore their bold winemaking approach. We taste through an exceptional lineup, including:

- 2023 Grüner – Outcross Vineyard, LMS

- 2024 Kerner – Lyons Estate, OMP

- 2024 Cabernet Franc Blanc Pet Nat (Yeastie Boys) – Fernweh Vineyards, OMP

- 2024 Carbonic Pinot Noir – Shady Lane Estate, LP

- 2023 Pinot Noir – Old Shore, LMS

- 2023 Cabernet Franc – Domaine Berrien, LMS

Find out more at www.strangerwineco.com or email them at hellostranger@strangerwineco.com.

Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/

Travel and wine go hand in hand, and today’s guest knows exactly how to blend the two. Laura Danforth, The Wine Travelista, shares her experiences visiting wineries in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA, offering insights on where to sip and explore. If planning a Michigan wine trip feels overwhelming, she’s got you covered. Check out her guide at winetravelista.thrivecart.com/new-buffalo-wine-country-itinerary and get ready to explore Michigan’s wine country in style. Find more of her work at winetravelista.com, or reach out at laura@winetravelista.com.