© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Stateside Podcast: Harvesting season for Michigan winemakers

A woman stands behind a bar surrounded by metal stools. Racks of dozens of wine bottles stand behind her.
April Baer
/
Michigan Radio
Lutes said that the war in Ukraine has led to supply-chain issues, causing some wine-making facilities to shut down. However, Black Star Farms has been able to get their bottles for next year.

It’s officially fall, which means it’s also harvesting time for many of Michigan’s wineries. Despite the romantic image of the sun shining over rolling fields of ripe, juicy grapes, this time of year can also be a season of chaos for growers and distilleries. 

Black Star Farms, founded in 1998 by a team of grape growers looking to showcase northwest Michigan’s agriculture, partners with vineyards on the Leelenau and Old Mission Peninsulas. 

Lee Lutes, head winemaker at Black Star Farms, provided a window into what a winemaker weathers throughout the fall.

GUEST:

  • Lee Lutes, head winemaker and managing member for the winery at Black Star Farms

—-
Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work.

Music in this episode byBlue Dot Sessions.

Stay Connected
Mercedes Mejia is a producer and director of <i>Stateside</i>.