SPRING FLING
By Erin Marie Miller
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pring has nally sprung – and with it, the promise of picnics, barbecues and outdoor gatherings with friends and by Jessica Zimmer family has arrived in full bloom. For wine lovers seeking the perfect bottle of vino to bring along to get-togethers or
pair with their favorite seasonal dishes as the warmer months approach, it’s no secret that Michigan’s wines have been gaining traction in recent years. Wineries throughout the state have taken home well-deserved awards and their artful, rustic vineyards have captured the attention of a new generation of curious wine consumers – both locally and nationally. “It's so wonderful to see, and so inspiring to see, a younger generation of buyer that isn't all about Bordeaux, Burgundy, Brunello, the big wines from Napa. They are so enthusiastic, and so excited, when they have the opportunity to taste something that's truly, truly good, but also from a unique place with a story behind the label,” says Amanda Danielson, an advanced sommelier and the owner of Trattoria Stella in Traverse City, Michigan. Still, when it comes to selecting the best Michigan-made wines to pair with seasonal meals this spring, wine experts like Danielson say there’s more to consider than mere geography.
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