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.

In this episode, I sit down with Neal Hulkower, an applied mathematician and longtime wine writer based in Oregon. Neal’s deep dive into comparative tastings spans decades, and his recent blind tasting of Oregon and Michigan Pinot Noirs offers a fresh perspective on how our state’s wines stack up. We discuss his methodology, including the Borda count and stars and bars analysis, and reflect on the results. Featured Michigan wines include Bel Lago, Chateau Fontaine, and Black Star Farms.

For questions, Neal can be reached at nhulkower@yahoo.com

Check out his book, "Grape Explications":

https://www.oregonwinepress.com/article?articleTitle=grape-explications%21--1751386610--3868--news

Check out his related articles:

“Smitten with the Mitten”: https://www.oregonwinepress.com/article?articleTitle=smitten-with-the-mitten--1741054267--3834

“Borda is Better”: https://www.oregonwinepress.com/article?articleTitle=borda-is-better--1317231621--959--

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

In this episode of If Vines Could Talk, we step into the cellar with Stranger Wine Co. to explore their bold winemaking approach. We taste through an exceptional lineup, including:

- 2023 Grüner – Outcross Vineyard, LMS

- 2024 Kerner – Lyons Estate, OMP

- 2024 Cabernet Franc Blanc Pet Nat (Yeastie Boys) – Fernweh Vineyards, OMP

- 2024 Carbonic Pinot Noir – Shady Lane Estate, LP

- 2023 Pinot Noir – Old Shore, LMS

- 2023 Cabernet Franc – Domaine Berrien, LMS

Find out more at www.strangerwineco.com or email them at hellostranger@strangerwineco.com.

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

Travel and wine go hand in hand, and today’s guest knows exactly how to blend the two. Laura Danforth, The Wine Travelista, shares her experiences visiting wineries in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA, offering insights on where to sip and explore. If planning a Michigan wine trip feels overwhelming, she’s got you covered. Check out her guide at winetravelista.thrivecart.com/new-buffalo-wine-country-itinerary and get ready to explore Michigan’s wine country in style. Find more of her work at winetravelista.com, or reach out at laura@winetravelista.com.

In this episode, Steve and Jayme blind taste three Sauvignon Blancs from different regions—Marlborough, Loire Valley, and Michigan’s own Lake Michigan Shore. They explore aromatics, balance, and the unique winemaking styles behind each. To wrap it up, Modales Head Winemaker Andrew Backlin shares insight into his upcoming 2024 Sauvignon Blanc release.

Eckhard Kaesekamp is the force behind Knights Grapevine Nursery. With 38 years of experience in grapevine propagation, Eckhard shares his expertise on viticulture, the role of a nursery in shaping vineyards, and the importance of a family-owned approach to the business. Discover some the “roots” of Michigan’s wine industry and the commitment to quality that drives Knights Grapevine Nursery forward. Learn more at knightsgrapevinenursery.com.