In this episode, we reconnect with Paula Camp, first featured in episode 56, as she prepares for the sold-out Jacques Pépin Foundation Benefit Dinner on October 19 at Houndstooth in Benton Harbor. This special event honors Jacques Pépin’s 90th birthday and his enduring legacy in culinary education. Paula’s collaboration with Chefs Cheyenne Galbraith and Jean Joho includes a stellar cast of Michigan wineries: Stranger Wine Co, Domaine Berrien, Lake Michigan Vintners, Modales, and Veritas Estate. They come together to set the table for an unforgettable evening. We also highlight Debutant, a cider created in Jacques’ honor and discuss the growing identity of Southwest Michigan as a destination for wine, food, and regenerative agriculture. For more information, visit carriagehouse.love or call 312-961-0363.

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

Taylor Simpson shares a major update. She and her brother Sam are now partners with others in Michigan by the Bottle, expanding her leadership across Good Harbor, Aurora Cellars, Harbor Hill services, and MBTB tasting rooms in Auburn Hills, Royal Oak, and Shelby Township. This episode explores her vision for stewardship and the evolving landscape of Michigan wine.

michiganbythebottle.com or taylor@michiganbythebottle.com

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

Bryan Ulbrich, owner and winemaker at Left Foot Charley, joins us to share his journey from history and law to pioneering Northern Michigan’s first urban winery. In this episode, Bryan discusses his grower-first philosophy, innovative vineyard management, and commitment to mentoring future winemakers. Recorded in the barn, complete with ambient sounds of birds and farm equipment. Visit leftfootcharley.com to learn more.

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

In this premier episode featuring home winemakers and grape growers, we meet Mike and Craig, two friends who are making remarkable wines off the radar. With grapes grown in clay, gravel, and rock, and varietals ranging from Tannat to Riesling, they’re building something special. We tasted their Super Tuscan 2022, Meritage 2017, and Tannat 2020 while exploring their process and philosophy. These wines aren’t available commercially. You have to know them to taste them. If you have questions, contact your host at steve.salisbury@mail.com. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

In Episode 110, we take you through a decanting journey using a Hickory Creek 2021 Merlot Carmenere tasted at zero, 30, 75, 120, and 180 minutes. The evolution was striking. Each stage revealed distinct textures, aromas, and clarity. We share practical tips to help you decant with confidence and reflect on how slowing down can deepen your connection to the wine. Whether you’re pouring for friends or sipping solo, this episode offers a fresh appreciation for the ritual.

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

Mike Laing didn’t set out to lead one of Michigan’s most iconic sparkling wine houses, but the vineyard his parents planted in Lake Leelanau in 2002 quietly set the stage. After leaving teaching in Chicago, he joined MAWBY in 2007, just as the winery was doubling down on its sparkling focus. Today, Mike and his brother Peter carry forward MAWBY’s 50-year legacy while pushing boundaries with nonalcoholic bubbly, irreverent branding, and a second label rooted in memory: bigLITTLE. From the philosophy of MAWBYness to the story behind Safe Sex, Mike shares how personal history, customer feedback, and a refusal to be stuffy shape everything they do. Sparkling wine, he insists, should be fun, and Michigan’s wine story is just getting started. Learn more at mawby.wine and biglittlewines.com Contact: info@mawby.wine

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

Episode 108 features an in-depth conversation with the new owners of Free Run Cellars, Tricia Slevin and Prashanth Pais. Drawing inspiration from the Sanskrit phrase “Atithidevo Bhav,” meaning "a guest is akin to God," they’ve crafted Free Run into a place of intentional hospitality and emotional sanctuary. Tune in for a deep dive into the philosophy, design, and quiet excellence that shape this unique Southwest Michigan destination. Learn more at freeruncellars.com or connect directly via contact@frcwine.com and 269-815-6885. Resources referenced in the episode:

https://www.berkshirepublishing.com/title/tggp-2023/

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/most-consumers-will-spend-more-at-businesses-with-clean-restrooms-300815601.html

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

Joe Herman, longtime steward of Karma Vista Vineyards, is back on the show. Since selling the property, Joe has embraced a more relaxed pace while diving into regenerative agriculture and the future of sustainable viticulture. Tune in to hear his insights, reflections, and a dose of Michigan vineyard wisdom. Contact Joe at joeherman@mac.com.

Books and other resources:

The Devil's Element by Dan Egan

www.amazon.com/Devils-Element-Phosphorus-World-Balance/dp/1324002666

Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown

www.chelseagreen.com/product/dirt-to-soil

Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake

www.merlinsheldrake.com/entangled-life

Growing a Revolution by David R. Montgomery

www.amazon.com/Growing-Revolution-Bringing-Soil-Back/dp/0393608328

The Art of Balancing Soil Nutrients by William McKibben

bookstore.acresusa.com/products/the-art-of-balancing-soil-nutrients

Hands-On Agronomy by Neal Kinsey & Charles Walters

bookstore.acresusa.com/products/hands-on-agronomy

Common Ground (Prime Video)

www.amazon.com/Common-Ground-Joshua-Tickell/dp/B0DSQ7LC5W

Kiss the Ground (Prime Video)

www.amazon.com/Kiss-Ground-Woody-Harrelson/dp/B08KZCL4X2

Elaine Ingham (YouTube)

www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdh7A7CwJ_djfIG1ecN8mCeOG4MsqcY4e

Regenerative Agriculture Podcast by John Kempf

open.spotify.com/show/14s0owdUUxjTYUeNXpWnv8

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