News
Stay up-to-date on the news coming out of Michigan’s craft beverage industry. Send press releases to MDARD-CraftBev@michigan.gov for listing consideration.
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Apr 13, 2023 - Inclusion & Expansion Educational Fund Scholarship Applications Now Open!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC) announces the launch of the Inclusion and Expansion Education Fund Scholarship application process. Awardees of the Inclusion & Expansion Educational Fund will receive the following to advance their training and career in wine: · Funding · Mentorship Su... -
Apr 5, 2023 - Michigan Craft Beverage Council Announces Recipients of its 2023 Research Grants
Grants support and enhance the state’s expanding craft beer, hard cider, spirits, and wine industries
LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) today announced the recipients of it 2023 research grant program. The 10 selected projects total $350,000 in funding for research and education, advancing agricultural inputs for craft beer, spirits, wine, and hard cider. Six of the proposals selected are con... -
Mar 27, 2023 - Governor Announces Dr. Timothy Boring as Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that she will appoint Dr. Timothy Boring as Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). The new director is expected to assume the role on Monday, March 27. “Dr. Boring will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to... -
Mar 16, 2023 - Traverse City Winery Celebrating 25 Years!
For Immediate Release Contact: Sherri Campbell Fenton, Managing Owner March 15, 2023 sfenton@blackstarfarms.com, 231-944-1294 (O),231-883-7832 (M) Traverse City Winery Celebrating 25 Years! Suttons Bay, MI— This year marks 25 years of excellence in wine and hospitality for Black Star Farms in Northwest Low... -
Mar 7, 2023 - Dragon’s Milk Announces Packaging Refresh, New Beers, RTS Cocktail
An exciting new look and bevy of new products marks a legendary spring for the storied bourbon barrel-aged brand.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Media Contact: Dominic Bergquist, Brand Manager Office: 616.355.6422 | Mobile: 616.916.8131 dbergquist@newhollandbrew.com DRAGON’S MILK PHOTO ALBUM Dragon’s Milk Announces Packaging Refresh, New Beers, RTS Cocktail An exciting new look and bevy of new products marks a legendary spring for the sto... -
Jan 26, 2023 - Michigan Craft Distillers Association Names 2023 Board of Directors
(GRAND RAPIDS, MICH) — The Michigan Craft Distillers Association (MCDA) elected its 2023 Board of Directors at the association’s annual meeting on Friday, January 20 in Grand Rapids. President: Jon O’Connor — Co-Owner of Long Road Distillers, Grand Rapids Vice President: JP Jerome — Founder / Distiller of Detroit Cit... -
Jan 25, 2023 - Michigan Wine Collaborative Announces The DREAM Project Wine Release
January 24, 2022 Traverse City, MI: The Michigan Wine Collaborative proudly announces the release of The DREAM wine. The Michigan Wine Collaborative’s Inclusion and Expansion Committee will release a wine that will provide seed funding for the Inclusion and Expansion Education Fund. This fund will provide education and... -
Jan 24, 2023 - Sixth Annual Michigan Chinook Cup Awarded at the 2023 Michigan’s Great Beer State Conference & Trade Show
(LANSING, Mich) — The Hop Growers of Michigan presented the 6th Annual Chinook Cup award earlier this month at the 2023 Michigan’s Great Beer State Conference & Trade Show at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo. The conference, which hosted over 500 attendees including nearly 50 industry speakers, was presented b... -
Jan 10, 2023 - Over 75 Events and Specials Planned During Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week
KALAMAZOO, MI - The annual Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week kicks off on Friday with more than 75 events and specials taking place between January 13th - 21st. It’s a celebration of the craft beverage industry, highlighting the local breweries, wineries, and distilleries with events all around Kalamazoo County. Highlights... -
Jan 4, 2023 - Chateau Chantal Announces Fifth Annual Ice Wine Harvest Festival
Chateau Chantal Announces Fifth Annual Ice Wine Harvest Festival January 4, 2023 Traverse City, MI: Building on 30 years of ice wine making and hospitality expertise, Chateau Chantal will host its annual Michigan Ice Wine Harvest Festival January 27-28, 2023. Known as the "Nectar of the Gods," Ice wine is made from gra... -
Jan 3, 2023 - St. Julian's Brings Sholom Kosher Wine Back
St. Julian’s kosher wine — Sholom — is back on store shelves across Michigan after a two-year hiatus. First introduced in the mid-1940s, Sholom has long been a popular offering from St. Julian Winery but has not been available since 2020. The long-time friend and rabbi the winery had worked with for years died. To be d... -
Nov 17, 2022 - MICHIGAN WINE COLLABORATIVE INVITES EVERYONE TO “TASTE MICHIGAN”
Traverse City, November 15, 2022 – Next time you’re thinking about enjoying a glass of wine, Michigan’s wine industry has a suggestion for you: “Taste Michigan.” That’s the brand name behind a new marketing platform launched by the Michigan Wine Collaborative, an association of wineries and wine professionals from arou... -
Nov 17, 2022 - Gov. Whitmer Proclaims November as ‘Michigan Craft Beverage Month’ as holiday seasons kicks off
Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed November as Michigan Craft Beverage Month, recognizing Michigan’s robust craft beverage industry’s vital economic development and social benefits. “Michigan is home to some of the best breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries in the nation, and my administration will continue... -
Sep 7, 2022 - September Named “Michigan Craft Spirits Month”
(GRAND RAPIDS, MICH) — The Michigan Craft Distillers Association (MCDA) is proud to announce September has once again been proclaimed “Michigan Craft Spirits Month” by Governor Whitmer. Michigan currently ranks #7 in the national for the number of licensed craft distilleries (with nearly 90) as noted by the annual “Cra... -
Sep 1, 2022 - Michigan Craft Beverage Council Announces Applications Now Open for Qualified Small Distiller Program
Application accepted until 5 p.m. on September 23, 2022
LANSING, Mich. – Today, the Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) announced the opening of the application period for the new qualified small distiller program. The online application will be open from September 1 – September 23, 2022. Michigan small distillers or an out-of-state entity that is the substantial equival... -
Aug 15, 2022 - Best Winery Hotel (2022)
Château Chantal named Best Winery Hotel
Repeating a 2021 win, Chateau Chantal brings home the top spot again this year in the USA Today Best Winery Hotel-Readers’ Choice 2022 Award: https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-winery-hotel/ Marie-Chantal Dalese, CEO, Chateau Chantal comments “A wonderful moment of recognition for us at Chateau Chantal to be li... -
Aug 15, 2022 - 4th Generation Takes the Helm at St. Julian Winery
Apollo Braganini II to become 6th family member to lead Michigan’s oldest, largest winery
(PAW PAW, Mich) — Michigan’s largest and longest operating winery, St. Julian Winery & Distillery in Paw Paw, has reached another milestone as the fourth generation of the founding family takes the helm. After celebrating its centennial last year, the company has announced that Apollo Braganini II ascended to the r... -
Aug 15, 2022 - MICHIGAN DISTILLED Festival (Friday, September 23) to Celebrate Locally Distilled Craft Spirits & Cocktails
(Michigan)—The Michigan Craft Distillers Association is excited to announce the return of its Michigan Distilled festival, featuring craft spirits and cocktails from its members around the Great Lakes State. The event will be held on Friday, September 23 from 6-10pm, at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market. Tickets are on sale... -
Aug 15, 2022 - Michigan Brewers Guild Releases “Great Beer State” Documentary in Honor of 25th Anniversary
(LANSING, Mich) – In honor of its 25 Anniversary, the Michigan Brewers Guild has announced the release of its Great Beer State Documentary which draws from more than 60 interviews gathered over four years. Building on the work from the 2019 book A Rising Tide – The Story of the Michigan Brewers Guild and Michigan’s Gre... -
Aug 15, 2022 - Michigan Distilleries Bring Home Awards from American Craft Spirits Association Annual Competition
(WALLOON LAKE, MICH) — Four members of the Michigan Craft Distillers Association (MCDA) – Detroit City Distillery, Iron Fish Distillery, Long Road Distillers and Wonderland Distilling – brought home a collective 15 medals from the Annual Judging of Craft Spirits at the American Craft Spirits Association (ASCA) held in ... -
Jun 28, 2022 - Michigan Beer Month Highlights 25 Years of the Michigan Brewers Guild
Summer Festival, Anniversary Grand Crew Ale, and Great Beer State Documentary Highlight Celebration
(LANSING, Mich) – This year’s celebration of Michigan Beer Month promises to be the biggest and best yet, according to the Michigan Brewers Guild, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2022. It was October 22, 1997 when a surprising collection of 49 people representing 30 operating breweries gathered at a pub in Sag... -
Jun 1, 2022 - MICHIGAN DISTILLED Festival (Friday, September 23) to Celebrate Locally Distilled Craft Spirits & Cocktails
(Michigan)—The Michigan Craft Distillers Association is excited to announce the return of its Michigan Distilled festival, featuring craft spirits and cocktails from its members around the Great Lakes State. The event will be held on Friday, September 23 from 6-10pm, at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market. Tickets are on sale... -
Feb 17, 2022 - Michigan Craft Beverage Council Announces 13 Recipients of 2022 Research Grants
Grants support Michigan’s craft beer, hard cider, spirits, and wine industries
LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) has announced 13 projects will receive funding through its 2022 research grant program. MCBC recommended $335,000 in project support for research and education, advancing agricultural inputs for craft beer, spirits, wine, and hard cider. Six of the proposals ... -
Jan 31, 2022 - Iron Fish Distillery Takes Home Multiple National Medals
Best in State / Bourbon Whiskey Best in Design/Packaging Awards
(Thompsonville, MI) December, 2021 – Iron Fish Distillery swept top honors at the American Craft Spirits Association national convention last month in Louisville in both packaging and Best in State - Bourbon Whiskey. The second annual CRAFT SPIRITS Magazine packaging competition celebrated excellence and creativity i... -
Jan 31, 2022 - St. Julian Winery Awarded 14 Medals at 2022 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
(PAW PAW, Mich) – St. Julian Winery was recently presented with 14 medals – including a “Best of Class” for its 2020 Traminette and a “Double Gold” for its 2020 Sauvignon Blanc – at the 2022 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Now in its 22nd year, the San Francisco competition judged more than 5,800 wines from n... -
Jan 20, 2022 - Over 70 Events Planned During Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week
KALAMAZOO, MI - The annual Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week kicks off at the end of January with more than 70 events taking place between January 28th and February 6th. It’s a celebration of the craft beverage industry, highlighting the local breweries, wineries, and distilleries with events all around Kalamazoo county. ... -
Nov 29, 2021 - St. Julian Winery Brings Home 16 Medals – including a Coveted “Jefferson Cup” – at Recent Competition
(PAW PAW, Mich) – St. Julian Winery – the longest operating winery in Michigan, celebrating 100 years in 2021 – has been awarded an esteemed “Jefferson Cup” for its 2020 Braganini Reserve Traminette. This is the 15th such honor since its first participation in the competition in 2001. Additionally, St. Julian was award... -
Sep 28, 2021 - Chateau Chantal Hosts 21st Annual Harvest Festival This Saturday, Oct 2!
The Harvest Festival tradition continues at Chateau Chantal on Saturday, October 2nd from 12 noon to 4pm. All activities take place at Chateau Chantal, 12 miles North of Traverse City on Old Mission Peninsula, 15900 Rue de Vin, Traverse City, MI View the beautiful grapes ripening on the vine as harvest gets under way! ... -
Sep 13, 2021 - Michigan Craft Beverage Council Now Accepting 2022 Research Grant Proposals
Proposals must be received no later than 3 p.m. on Monday, October 25
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) announced today it is accepting 2022 research grant proposals with a maximum grant award of $40,000. Proposals must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. (EDT) on Monday, October 25, 2021. While any research topic will be accepted, the Council has identifi... -
Jun 30, 2021 - Raise a Commemorative Glass to Michigan Beer Month!
(LANSING, Mich.) — As part of this year’s “Michigan Beer Month” celebration, the Michigan Brewers Guild has announced that a one-of-a-kind commemorative pint glass will be available at more than 70 member breweries and select retail outlets around the state throughout the summer (while supplies last). Breweries are als... -
Jun 23, 2021 - The 2021 ‘Discover Michigan Farm Fun’ Directory Features Engaging Activities for all Ages on Farms across the State
The Michigan Agritourism Association just released its 2021 edition of Michigan’s Agricultural Tourism Directory, a popular guide for finding fun, hands-on activities on Michigan farms. Suggested activities include U-pick farms, educational activities and tours, farm markets and stands, dairies and creameries, farm din... -
Jun 18, 2021 - Michigan Brewers Guild Announces Return of Beer Festivals
Tickets for Three August / September Festivals Go On Sale June 24
(LANSING, Mich.) — The Michigan Brewers Guild is excited to announce three upcoming beer festival dates after more than a year hiatus. Tickets for all three events will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, June 24 at 10am, with Enthusiast Member Pre-Sale opening on Tuesday, June 22 at 10am, at MiBeer.com. Mich... -
May 12, 2021 - Michigan Wine Collaborative Announces May is ‘Michigan Wine Month’
The Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC) is thankful to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for the opportunity to officially announce May 2021 as Michigan Wine Month. The theme of 2021 Michigan Wine Month is “Michigan Wine For All”. The Michigan wine industry has an economic impact totaling $5.4 billion in the state of Michigan, ... -
Apr 29, 2021 - Michigan Brewers Guild Releases Annual Magazine
(LANSING, Mich) – The Michigan Brewers Guild has just released the 2021 edition of its annual publication, Michigan. The Great Beer State, with 75,000 copies of the 60-page magazine being distributed to member breweries, Michigan welcome centers, chambers of commerce and visitor bureaus, retail locations and other beer... -
Apr 29, 2021 - 2021 Michigan Wine Country Magazine Released for Michigan Wine Month
Just in time for Michigan Wine Month (May), the 2021 edition of Michigan Wine Country magazine is now available. Now in its 31st year of publication, Michigan Wine Country is the essential guide to 177 wineries in Michigan (up from 164 in 2020), including maps and locations of tasting rooms and others who are making an... -
Mar 30, 2021 - Michigan Craft Beverage Council Announces 2020 Grape and Hop Inventory Results
LANSING, Mich. – The results of the 2020 Michigan Grape and Hop Inventory are promising for Michigan’s craft beverage industry. There are 3,375 wine grape acres in Michigan maintained by 257 farms, and 670 hop acres maintained by 68 farms. While the wine grape inventory shows an increase of 325 acres from the previous ... -
Mar 17, 2021 - Saluting the Women of St. Julian Winery
(PAW PAW, Mich)—Women have always been a strong part of the story of St. Julian Winery, starting with Avelia – the wife of founder Mariano Meconi and mother of four children, including Julia Meconi who was born in 1926 just five years after the then Border City Wine Cellars opened in Canada. Julia grew up in the wine i... -
Feb 5, 2021 - Michigan Craft Beverage Council Announces Recipients of 2021 Research Grants
Grants support Michigan’s craft beer, hard cider, spirits, and wine industries
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) has announced that nine projects will receive funding through its 2021 research grant program. MCBC recommended more than $274,000 in project support for research into agricultural inputs of craft beer, spirits, wine, and hard cider. Four of the proposals sel... -
Dec 30, 2020 - Michigan Brewers Guild Cancels 2021 Winter Beer Festival
(LANSING, Mich) — In the interest of health and safety in the continued wake of COVID-19, the Michigan Brewers Guild has made the sad decision to cancel its upcoming Winter Beer Festival scheduled for Saturday, February 27 at Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park.“While this is yet another disappointment, with the new ... -
Sep 8, 2020 - Michigan Craft Beverage Council Now Accepting 2021 Research Grant Proposals
Proposals must be received no later than 3 p.m. on Monday, October 19
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Craft Beverage Council announced today it is now accepting 2021 Research Grant proposals with a maximum grant award of $40,000. Proposals must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. (EST) on Monday, October 19, 2020.While any research topic will be accepted, the Council has identified priorit... -
Aug 28, 2020 - September Declared Michigan Craft Spirits Month
(WALLOON LAKE, MICH) — The Michigan Craft Distillers Association (MCDA) is proud to declare September as “Michigan Craft Spirits Month” in honor of its passionate and dedicated member distilleries throughout the state and the world-class, award-winning craft spirits and cocktails that they produce.To celebrate, the ass... -
Jun 29, 2020 - Cheers to Celebrating July as Michigan Beer Month
(LANSING, Mich) – Legislators in Lansing have recently declared July as “Michigan Beer Month” with the introduction of House Resolution No. 289 and Senate Resolution No. 131, noting the brewing industry’s long-standing history, impact on both the tourism and agricultural interests and the ongoing contributions to the o... -
Jun 11, 2020 - Michigan Brewers Guild Launches Michigan’s Great Beer State Podcast
(LANSING, Mich) – As part of its ongoing efforts to inform, educate and entertain beer lovers and its Enthusiast Members, the Michigan Brewers Guild has launched a weekly podcast. Michigan’s Great Beer State Podcast shares conversations and stories from the passionate people who contribute to our vibrant Michigan beer ... -
Jun 9, 2020 - Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association and Michigan Wine Collaborative Partnership Raises Over $10,000
LANSING, MICH. – The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) and Michigan Wine Collaborative hosted the #MichiganWineMonthChallenge through the month of May to raise money for The Michigan Hospitality Industry Employee Relief Fund. The general public purchased tickets to be entered to win prize packages at... -
May 8, 2020 - Support Your Local Michigan Breweries During American Craft Beer Week® — May 11-17, 2020
(LANSING, Mich) – The Michigan Brewers Guild invites residents around the state to join them in celebration of American Craft Beer Week® (May 11-17, 2020) – the nationwide recognition of U.S. small and independent craft brewers. The week-long salute, organized since 2006 by the Brewers Association, provides an opportun... -
May 8, 2020 - Chateau Chantal Provides Community Aid During Pandemic
Traverse City, MI: Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn on Old Mission Peninsula just completed a month of contributions to local organizations providing COVID-19 related relief via a donation of 15% of their online sales during April. The company provided $6,567 worth of contributions to the following organizations:The Good... -
May 4, 2020 - Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association and Michigan Wine Collaborative Launch Wine Month Challenge
Challenge will Raise Funds for Hospitality Employees
LANSING, MICH. – The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) and Michigan Wine Collaborative announced today the launch of #MichiganWineMonthChallenge. Beginning on May 1 and continuing for the entire month, during Michigan Wine Month, the challenge will offer opportunities for individuals to bid on exclus... -
Apr 21, 2020 - Michigan Wine Collaborative Announces May is ‘Michigan Wine Month’
The Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the sustainability and profitability of the Michigan wine industry, is observing the annual Michigan Wine Month in May. The theme of 2020 Michigan Wine Month is “Michigan Wine Wins.” The Michigan wine industry has an economic im... -
Apr 9, 2020 - Michigan Craft Distillers Association Names 2020 Board of Directors
(TRAVERSE CITY, MICH) — The Michigan Craft Distillers Association (MCDA) has named its 2020 Board of Directors:President: Jon O’Connor — Co-Owner of Long Road Distillers, Grand Rapids Vice President: JP Jerome — Founder / Distiller of Detroit City Distillery, Detroit Treasurer: Nancie Oxley — Vice President-Winemaking ... -
Mar 3, 2020 - Michigan Craft Beverage Council Announces Research Grants for Beer, Hard Cider, Spirits and Wine Production
Council approves a record amount of grant funding support
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) today announced that 14 projects will receive funding through its 2020 research grant program. MCBC recommended more than $400,000 in project support – the largest annual research contribution from the Council to date. Five of the proposals selected are continuati... -
Mar 2, 2020 - Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the following appointments to the Michigan Cherry Committee, Michigan Corn Marketing Committee, Michigan Tree Fruit Commission, Michigan Craft Beverage Council, Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, and the Advisory Board for the Michigan Intelligen... -
Feb 18, 2020 - 6th annual Great Lakes Hop and Barley Conference to be held in Ann Arbor
EAST LANSING, Mich. – The 6th annual Great Lakes Hop and Barley Conference offers hop and barley growers an opportunity to learn the latest in production information, market and industry trends for the craft beer raw material supply sector, and network with brewers, growers and industry representatives. The conference ... -
Jan 14, 2020 - Raise a Glass: Muskegon’s Love of Beer Goes Deeper Than You Think.
Muskegon, MI -- An ice cold beer is just as much a part of Muskegon as the snow. Turns out, brewing reflects a pivotal part of this city’s past, as evident by Lakeshore Museum Center’s (LMC’s) latest exhibit: Cheers! A History of Brewing in Muskegon running now through May 18, 2020.“We often think of brewing beer in Mu... -
Jan 13, 2020 - 2020 Southwest Michigan Horticultural Days
The Michigan Grape Society and Michigan State University Extension in partnership with Lake Michigan College will host the annual Southwest Michigan Horticultural Days conference February 5 and 6 at Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center, 2755 E. Napier Ave., Benton Harbor, Michigan. Registration begins at 8 am both day... -
Jan 10, 2020 - Michigan Brewers Guild Presents Awards to Long-Time Industry Leaders at 2020 Annual Conference in Kalamazoo
KALAMAZOO, Mich – The Michigan Brewers Guild presented two key awards to industry leaders at its annual conference Thursday night, January 9, 2020, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo. The Tom Burns Award was presented to Ron Jeffries, co-founder and head brewer of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales in Dexter while the Mi... -
Dec 12, 2019 - LMC offers guided tasting through Wines of the World
BENTON HARBOR, MI – What distinguishes the wines of one wine region from the wines of another? How does climate, grape variety, and winemaking practices affect the flavors of a particular wine?Each Monday beginning Jan. 13, 2020, Lake Michigan College Enologist Amy Birk will answer such questions as she guides you on a... -
Nov 5, 2019 - Celebrating Possibilities at Michigan’s Only Farm Distillery
First Release of Iron Fish Distillery's Farm Distilled Whiskeys
THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. – Iron Fish Distillery is releasing its first farm-distilled whiskeys, aged in their Rick House. Michigan’s first farm distillery, situated in Northwest Michigan, will dedicate their inaugural whiskeys to the Arctic Graying Research Initiative. The release will be focused on the successful reintrod... -
Sep 5, 2019 - Michigan Craft Beverage Council Now Accepting 2020 Research Grant Proposals
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Craft Beverage Council announced today it is now accepting 2020 Research Grant proposals with a maximum grant award of $50,000. Proposals must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, October 17, 2019.While all research proposals will be accepted, the Council has identified r...