Episode 130 features Kristy McClellan, a true Michigan Wine Advocate. From her early start at Brittany's Oyster Bar in Charlevoix to her years at Argonne Supper Club and Tapa Wingo, Kristy built her foundation in hospitality before studying at Michigan State University. Her career took her to J. Alexander, where she became Wine Buyer in Denver, and then to 12 years at Bower’s Harbor. Today she owns Lake District Wine in Traverse City, a shop dedicated to small producers, and serves as Director of Sales at Left Foot Charley since 2020. Learn more at lakedistrictwine.com or reach Kristy at Kristy@leftfootcharley.com, Kristy@lakedistrictwine.com, or 231-620-1170.

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

This episode takes you inside Up North, a wine tasting room in Geneva, Illinois, dedicated to showcasing northern Michigan wines. We feature 14 remarkable producers: Big Little Wines, Black Star Farms, Bonobo, Blustone, Left Foot Charley, Bel Lago Vineyard, French Valley Vineyard, Mawby, Shady Lane Cellars, Verterra, Brys Estate, BOS Wines, and Mari Vineyards. Discover more at upnorthwinegeneva.com, reach out at info@upnorthwinegeneva.com, and follow Instagram @upnorthwinetasting.

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

From Missouri roots to Michigan vineyards, Chaz Judy brings a unique perspective shaped by culinary school, a strong sense of smell, and years of experience at Pyrtle Winery. At Petoskey Farms, he helps run the winery more like a restaurant, blending hospitality with winemaking. We talk about his journey, his collaborations with Andy, Tracie, and Derrick Vogel, and his 2024 Blaufrankish. Learn more at petoskeyfarms.com and the region at petoskey.wine. Follow Chaz on Instagram @winemaker_chaz.

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

Episode 127 features Ellie Mullins from P&E Bottle Shop. We explore the story behind the shop, the arrival of Peony Pinot Noir, and how Michigan wine continues to thrive in local retail spaces. Learn more at pebottleshop.com or reach out at info@pebottleshop.com.

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

Lyn M. (L.M.) Archer shares her discoveries in Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula, her Substack dedicated to bubbles, and her focus on sustainability and traditional method sparkling wine. With a Champagne designation and thoughtful insights, she discusses the challenges and allure of the wine business. Hear her recommendations for bubbles from Black Star Farms, Mawby, Mari, and Left Foot Charley. Learn more at lmarcher.com, https://redt.substack.com/, and Instagram @lmarcherml. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

In this episode, I sit down with Olivia Anguilm and Nick Allen of WaterFire, longtime friends who found themselves running a winery almost by surprise. Nick’s agricultural roots and Olivia’s business and hospitality skills are guiding their vision for a sustainable, cozy vineyard experience. We talk about their plans for Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Blaufränkisch, and more, as well as their hopes for micro weddings, rentals among the vines, and keeping the quaint aesthetic alive. Learn more about WaterFire at waterfirewine.com or reach them at info@waterfirewine.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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

In Episode 124 of If Vines Could Talk, we sit down with sustainability consultant Winnie Guerra to explore the roots and realities of organic winegrowing. From regenerative practices to the business case for sustainability, Winnie shares insights that matter for growers, winemakers, and wine lovers alike. Follow her on Instagram @winnie.g or reach her at winnieguerra18@gmail.com.

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

Bob Utter of Flying Otter Vineyard joins us to talk about growing grapes in Southeast Michigan. With an engineering background and a deep dive into viticulture, Bob shares how cold-hardy varieties like Marquette, Petite Pearl, and Frontenac Blanc thrive in Michigan’s climate. He explains why Blaufränkisch didn’t work, how Geneva Double Curtain and single highwire lateral cordon training support growth, and why he prefers the term “cold-hardy” over “hybrid.” Whether you’re a grower, winemaker, or enthusiast, this episode offers practical insight into crafting wine from the ground up. Learn more at flyingotter.com or reach out at info@flyingotter.com.

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