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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

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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