Joe Herman, longtime steward of Karma Vista Vineyards, is back on the show. Since selling the property, Joe has embraced a more relaxed pace while diving into regenerative agriculture and the future of sustainable viticulture. Tune in to hear his insights, reflections, and a dose of Michigan vineyard wisdom. Contact Joe at joeherman@mac.com.

Books and other resources:

The Devil's Element by Dan Egan

www.amazon.com/Devils-Element-Phosphorus-World-Balance/dp/1324002666

Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown

www.chelseagreen.com/product/dirt-to-soil

Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake

www.merlinsheldrake.com/entangled-life

Growing a Revolution by David R. Montgomery

www.amazon.com/Growing-Revolution-Bringing-Soil-Back/dp/0393608328

The Art of Balancing Soil Nutrients by William McKibben

bookstore.acresusa.com/products/the-art-of-balancing-soil-nutrients

Hands-On Agronomy by Neal Kinsey & Charles Walters

bookstore.acresusa.com/products/hands-on-agronomy

Common Ground (Prime Video)

www.amazon.com/Common-Ground-Joshua-Tickell/dp/B0DSQ7LC5W

Kiss the Ground (Prime Video)

www.amazon.com/Kiss-Ground-Woody-Harrelson/dp/B08KZCL4X2

Elaine Ingham (YouTube)

www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdh7A7CwJ_djfIG1ecN8mCeOG4MsqcY4e

Regenerative Agriculture Podcast by John Kempf

open.spotify.com/show/14s0owdUUxjTYUeNXpWnv8

Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/

Dan Nitz joins the podcast for a timely episode as harvest approaches. As a fifth-generation grower and one of the largest producers of vinifera grapes east of the Rockies, Dan brings unmatched experience and insight into Michigan’s wine industry. From the foundational values behind Nitz Wines to the custom crush operations at Arrowhead Vineyards, this episode highlights the energy, preparation, and historical depth that fuel the countdown to crush. Learn more at nitzwines.com and arrowheadvyds.com.

Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/

New winery alert! Learn about the man behind Poetson. Alex McNeely has built a career in East Coast beverage programs and now brings that expertise to Michigan wine. This episode explores his professional pivot, his interest in the region’s potential, and how experienced talent can shape Southwest Michigan’s wine community. Learn more at poetsonwine.com or contact Alex directly at alex@poetsonwine.com.