Shows / If Vines Could Talk
If Vines Could Talk
We believe Michigan makes great wine. It is an up-and-coming region, already producing world-class award-winning wines. Our mission is to help the world learn about and to enhance the prestige of Michigan wine.
Episodes
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 106: Dan Nitz – Countdown to Crush
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…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 105: Alex McNeely - The Poetry of Place
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…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 104: Neal Hulkower – Wine in Words
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…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 103: Stranger Wine Co. - Cellar Sessions
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…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 102: Laura Danforth – The Wine Travelista
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…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 101: Sauvignon Blanc Blind Tasting
In this episode, Steve and Jayme blind taste three Sauvignon Blancs from different regions—Marlborough, Loire Valley, and Michigan’s own Lake Michigan Shore…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 100: Eckhard Kaesekamp, Knights Grapevine Nursery
Eckhard Kaesekamp is the force behind Knights Grapevine Nursery. With 38 years of experience in grapevine propagation, Eckhard shares his expertise on…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 99: Steve’s Ningxia (China) Region Report
This episode kicks off our June series featuring outside perspectives on Michigan’s wine scene and other regions. Today, we turn to Ningxia, China, an emerging…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 98: Dr. Sherry Seston and Timothy Schultz: Michigan Wine Pairing
In celebration of Michigan Wine Month, we take you to The Vintage Inn at Veritas Estate for an insightful and mouthwatering conversation with the unbeatable…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 97: Cellar Sessions with Filkins Vineyards
Today, we celebrate Michigan Wine Month with an exclusive tasting at Filkins Vineyards, formerly Karma Vista. Hosts Jayme and Steve sit down with winemaker…
- If Vines Could Talk
Episode 96: Sarah Spoonholtz, Director at the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber
I’m honored to welcome Sarah Spoonholtz, a key leader at the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and the familiar voice of our podcast’s introductions and…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 95: Many Voices of Michigan Wine
As Michigan Wine Month continues, we bring you some of the voices shaping Michigan wine. From skilled artisans to industry experts, this episode captures what…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 94: Brian Lillie, Brian Lillie & Company
Welcome to Michigan Wine Month! As we celebrate the bounty and richness of Michigan’s wine heritage, there are few people better suited to lead us into this…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 93: Emily Dockery, Michigan Wine Collaborative
Today’s guest is Emily Dockery, Executive Director of the Michigan Wine Collaborative. Emily shares her insights into the vital work of the Collaborative…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 92: Jason Menken, The Bottle Run
Join Steve on this episode of If Vines Could Talk as he interviews Jason Menken, owner of The Bottle Run, Southwest Michigan’s premier boutique winery tour…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 91: Three Lake Michigan Shore Rose's
Join Jayme and me as we conduct a comparative tasting of three exquisite Rosés from the Lake Michigan Shore. With Easter approaching, these wines are perfect…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 90: Brian Lillie, Chateau Chantal
Today, I welcome back Brian Lillie to the show. Brian wears many hats as a true advocate of Michigan wine. In this episode, we will explore his role as Vice…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 89: Liana Smith - Graduate Student
Today’s guest is Liana Smith, a soon-to-be graduate of the master's program in Sustainable Viticulture & Enology at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 88: Zach and Lindsay Filkins, Filkins Vineyards
Today, I welcome Zach and Lindsay Filkins to the show. In this interview, we discuss their passion for Michigan wine, and how Zach balances his burgeoning wine…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 87: Jasmine Hein - Lake Michigan Vintners
Today kicks off an exciting new series, "Michigan Under 40," spotlighting the bright and talented young winemakers and other rising stars in Michigan's…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 86: Brian Lillie, Michigan Wine Collaborative
Today we talk with Brian Lillie, a multifaceted advocate for Michigan wine. Over the course of three episodes, we will delve into his various contributions to…
- If Vines Could Talk
Episode 85: Eastern USA Cabernet Franc
Join Jayme and me as we embark on a blind tasting journey with three Cabernet Francs from the eastern United States. Our tasting lineup features: - Lemon Creek…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 84: Dr. Analisa Leppanen, Golden Muse Winery
Today, Dr. Analisa Leppanen is back. She is the owner and winemaker at Golden Muse Winery, located in downtown Baroda. This interview, recorded in August…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 83: Eastern United States AVAs
Today, we delve into the fascinating world of East Coast American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). Our focus spans from Massachusetts to North Carolina, where we…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 82: Dr. Dave Miller - White Pine
Dr. Dave Miller of White Pine Winery is back for a super educational session about viticulture and how proper work in the vineyard helps to make fantastic…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 81: Achrimere - Winery Immersion
Aimee Mali owns and operates Achrimere (ACK-RIM-MERE) Wines on Old Mission Peninsula. Today Jayme and I taste four of her wines. You can reach Aimee at…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 80: Aimee Mali - Achrimere Wines
Aimee Mali owns and operates Achrimere (ACK-RIM-MERE) Wines on Old Mission Peninsula. Today we talk about her fascinating story, and next week Jayme and I…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 79: Wine Flaws
Jayme and I uncover the mystery of wine flaws. We shed light on oxidation, sulfur, bret, UV damage, and many other flaws that detract from your tasting…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 78: Andrew Schultz - Lawton Ridge
Andrew Schultz and his wife own and operate Texas Corners Brewing Company, and about a year ago purchased Lawton Ridge Winery on Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 77: White Cabernet Franc Tasting from the Lake Michigan Shore
Jayme and I blind taste three Lake Michigan Shore White Cabernet Francs, one each from Cody Kresta, St. Julian/Braganini, and Veritas Estate…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 76: Juliann Adams - Vines 79
All the way from Colorado’s Grand Valley AVA, my guest today is Juliann Adams of Vines 79 Vineyard and Winery in Palisade, Colorado. Join us as we talk about…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 75: Wine Serving Tips
Just in time for the holidays, today Jayme and I talk about serving wine – temperatures, glassware and storing open bottles.
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 74: McKenzie Gallagher - Rove Winery at the Gallagher Estate
Episode 74: McKenzie Gallagher is my guest today. McKenzie and her husband own and operate the Rove Winery at the Gallagher Estate just outside of Traverse…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 73: Winery Immersion - Modales
Jamele Favorite, the Marketing Director at Modales, joins us for an exclusive winery immersion episode. Jamele will also share insights about his podcast…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 72: James Lester - Wyncroft Estate
James Lester, one of the most esteemed winemakers in the Lake Michigan Shore, is my guest today. Join us as we delve into his remarkable background and…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 71: Exclusive Wine Tastings
Just in time for the holidays! If you're searching for a unique and special gift idea or an activity to enjoy with your family, friends, or business…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 70: Michael Reinke - MSU Extension
Today, my guest is Michael Reinke, the Viticulture Specialist at the Michigan State University Extension Center, located just east of Benton Harbor. Recorded…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 69: Riesling Blind Tasting
Jayme and I embark on a blind tasting of three exceptional dry Rieslings from around the world. Our lineup includes Domaine Berrien’s 2022 Dry Riesling from…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 68: Tim Godfrey, Lake Michigan Vintners
Today's guest is Tim Godfrey, the new Director of Wine and Viticulture Technology at Lake Michigan Vintners. With big shoes to fill after Michael Moyer’s…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 67: Corks and Screwcaps
Jayme and I explore corks and screw caps, and when, where and why it makes sense to use each.
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 66: Jason Johnson, Filkins Vineyards
Jason Johnson is brand new to the Lake Michigan Shore and comes to us from California’s Napa Valley. Last winter Zach and Lindsay Filkins purchased Karma Vista…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 65: Winery Immersion - Veritas Estate
Sherry Seston is back with us today for another winery immersion. Joining Jayme and me, Sherry will guide us through a tasting of four exquisite wines from her…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 64: Mike De Schaaf
Mike De Schaaf is my guest today. Mike is not only a seasoned vineyard consultant but also the farm manager at the MSU Extension Center in Benton Harbor. We…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 63: The USA AVA System - Midwest (Part 1)
Jayme and I discuss the USA AVA system, particularly focused on the Midwest states. There’s a lot of information here, and a few things that we’d really…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 62: Claire Kliss
Claire Kliss wears two big hats. She’s the general manager at Contessa Wine Cellars in Coloma, Michigan, and she is the President of the Lake Michigan Shore…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 61: Chardonnay Blind Tasting
Jayme and I are blind tasting three Chardonnays from around the world. The three wines we tasted (not in order, otherwise I’d give away the surprise) were…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 60: Jake Nivison of Domaine Berrien Cellars
Jake Nivison is my guest today. Jake is the vigneron at Domaine Berrien Cellars here near Baroda, Michigan. Join us as we talk in their new barrel room about…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 59: Four French Regions
Jayme and I delve into the exquisite wine regions of France, including Alsace, the Loire Valley, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. We can't help but draw parallels to…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 58: Geoff Hamelin of Verterra Winery
Geoff Hamelin and his father, Paul, are the proud owners and operators of Verterra Winery located in the picturesque Leelanau Peninsula. Verterra Winery is…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 57: Winery Immersion - Dablon
Today, we are thrilled to unveil our latest offering: Winery Immersion. Join Jayme and me as we chat with Jason Forbes, the Wine Club Manager at Dablon…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 56: Paula Camp, Carriage House Ciders
Meet Paula Camp and her partner, Mary, the dynamic duo behind Carriage House Ciders in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Paula's story is nothing short of extraordinary…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 55: Sparkling Wine Production
Welcome to Podcast #55, our first anniversary show! What better way to celebrate than with something sparkling? Jayme and I are raising a glass of bubbly as we…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 54: Andrew Backlin Returns
Guess who's back? Andrew Backlin, that's who! Today, we're diving into the latest buzz at Modales, his side hustle Backlin Wine Consulting, the thriving…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 53: Three Michigan Sparkling Wines
Today, Jayme and I have the pleasure of sampling three exquisite Michigan sparkling wines. First up is "Bedazzled," a crisp and dry bubbly white wine from…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 52: Dan Nitz, Nitz Family Vineyards
Dan Nitz is my guest today. Dan owns Arrowhead Vineyards and has started the Nitz Family Vineyards wine label. Arguably the largest wine-grape grower east of…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 51: Anthocyanins and Brettanomyces
Jayme and I go full-geek and talk about anthocyanins and Brettanomyces. There's no doubt the science of wine is truly fascinating. Today we share some things…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 50: David Butkovich and Robert West, Cody Kresta
Cody Kresta Winery is making great wine thanks to owner/winemaker David Butkovich and grower/assistant winemaker Robert West. Today we’ll talk about how both…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 49: Three Lake Michigan Shore Merlot
Jayme and I are tasting three Lake Michigan Shore Merlot. We have one each from Dablon, Karma Vista (now Filkins Vineyards), and Lawton Ridge. We thought they…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 48: Matt Goodell and Emily Goodell, Amoritas Vineyards
Matt Goodell and Emily Goodell are the brother – sister team responsible for much of the operation at Amoritas Vineyards located in the Leelanau Peninsula…
If Vines Could TalkEpisode 47: Lake Michigan - A National Treasure
Jayme and I discuss all of the reasons that Lake Michigan makes it possible for Michigan to be such a fantastic region for growing vinifera and therefore…