Wine Industry Resources for Michigan
About the Guide
This Wine Industry Resource Guide is designed to place the best available resource materials for winery or vineyard operators, or those interested in such ventures, in one convenient location.
Materials listed on this web site have been approved by the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council for this purpose. As you review the materials and conduct your own investigations into the wine business, the Council would appreciate learning of new or additional materials you have found useful that could be added to the database. Please contact the Council with this information at (517) 241-3415 or by e-mail at MDA-Michigan-Wines@michigan.gov.
The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council is a 10-member panel, reporting to the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, that supports the growth of the grape and wine industry in Michigan.
Download a 16 page Start-Up Guide to Michigan's wine industry (PDF format, 1.85mb)
Guide Sections
| Main Category | Sub-Categories |
|---|---|
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Growing Wine Grapes in Michigan
The western shore of Michigan's lower peninsula has been the primary region of commercial wine grape production in the state. There are varieties that are suitable in other regions. Growing high quality grapes for premium wine requires the grower to fully understand the principles of viticulture. Download the Growing Wine Grapes section of the Start-Up Guide (PDF) |
Grape Growing Supplies Site Selection Vineyard Management Pest and Disease Management |
|
Making Wine in Michigan
Winemaking principles and procedures are less regionally specific than wine grape cultivation. Therefore, a wide range of global reference materials are applicable to winemaking in Michigan. Download the Making Wine section of the Start-Up Guide (PDF) |
Winemaking Supplies Winemaking Principles Laboratory Analysis Sources of Grapes/Juice Building Design |
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Sales and Marketing
A well-developed marketing plan is essential to any business operation, particularly a winery business. Download Sales and Marketing section of the Start-Up Guide (PDF) |
Marketing Plan Media Relations Distribution Tasting Room Operations |
| Licensing, Regulations and Taxation
The wine industry is a particularly challenging business in which to succeed as the operator must learn to conduct business in three sectors, each with its own set of issues and regulations - Agriculture, Tourism and Alcohol Beverage. Download the Licensing, Regulations and Taxation section of the Start-Up Guide (PDF) |
TTB (Alcohol &Tobacco Tax &Trade Bureau) MDARD (MI Department of Agriculture & Rural Development) MLCC (MI Liquor Control Commission) MDEQ (MI Department of Environmental Quality) OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Local Government |
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Other Business Issues
Several additional areas need to be researched in establishing a successful winery operation. Download the Other Business Issues section of the Start-Up Guide (PDF) |
Business Plan Risk Management Human Resources Professional Development Tourism Financial Management |
