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.

In this episode, Steve and Jayme blind taste three Sauvignon Blancs from different regions—Marlborough, Loire Valley, and Michigan’s own Lake Michigan Shore. They explore aromatics, balance, and the unique winemaking styles behind each. To wrap it up, Modales Head Winemaker Andrew Backlin shares insight into his upcoming 2024 Sauvignon Blanc release.

Eckhard Kaesekamp is the force behind Knights Grapevine Nursery. With 38 years of experience in grapevine propagation, Eckhard shares his expertise on viticulture, the role of a nursery in shaping vineyards, and the importance of a family-owned approach to the business. Discover some the “roots” of Michigan’s wine industry and the commitment to quality that drives Knights Grapevine Nursery forward. Learn more at knightsgrapevinenursery.com.

This episode kicks off our June series featuring outside perspectives on Michigan’s wine scene and other regions. Today, we turn to Ningxia, China, an emerging wine region gaining global recognition. Our exploration includes visits to five wineries: Yuange, Yuanshi, Silver Heights, Kanaan, and Longyu. Join us as we examine Ningxia’s winemaking traditions, terroir, and a broader look at China wine culture.

In celebration of Michigan Wine Month, we take you to The Vintage Inn at Veritas Estate for an insightful and mouthwatering conversation with the unbeatable duo, chef Timothy Schultz and winemaker Dr. Sherry Seston. Together, they share expert food and wine pairing advice that makes the art of enjoying wine both accessible and fun.

For more information, visit mivintageinn.com or email stay@mivintageinn.com.

Then, a short segment with Maxx Eichberg of Stranger Wine Co. offers a glimpse into my recent trip to Ningxia, China, setting the stage for next week's deep dive into the region’s winemaking heritage and techniques.

Today, we celebrate Michigan Wine Month with an exclusive tasting at Filkins Vineyards, formerly Karma Vista. Hosts Jayme and Steve sit down with winemaker Jason Johnson and co-owner Zach Filkins to explore their journey, their wines, and the evolution of Michigan’s vibrant winemaking culture. In this episode, we highlight four standout wines from their latest release, a collection of seven that debuted just last Monday, May 19. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning to explore Michigan wine, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at a winery rich in history, innovation, and undeniable character. To close, I have a brief chat with Stranger Wine Company co-owner Maxx Eichberg, who shares insights into Buchanan’s exciting transformation. Learn more at www.filkinsvineyards.com.