This episode features Jessica Youngblood of Youngblood Vineyard, a family farm located twenty miles northeast of downtown Detroit. Jessica shares how she and her husband planted their first twelve acres in 2015, followed by ten more in 2016, and how they built their business from the ground up with a focus on cold hardy varieties such as Petit Pearl, Marquette, Frontenac, Frontenac Blanc, Prairie Star, and Itasca. She discusses their estate-grown philosophy, their early harvests, and the expansion of their winery into a restaurant, event venue, and community gathering space. Jessica also reflects on her service with the Michigan Craft Beverage Council and the fulfillment she finds in supporting Michigan’s craft beverage industry. Learn more at youngblood.com and follow Youngblood Vineyard on Facebook and Instagram at youngbloodvineyard.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

In this episode, we begin with Brad Deacon, who explains PA232 and the role of the Michigan Craft Beverage Council. He shares how producers can explore grant opportunities and connect with director Jenelle Jagmin at jagminj@michigan.gov. Then we sit down with Lori Herron of Social Vines. Lori and her husband purchased their seventy acre property in 2015 and transformed a historic red barn into the heart of their boutique vineyard and winery. After seven years of township challenges, Lori continues to build a woman owned business that brings new energy and commerce into the area. She farms cold hardy hybrids, sources Riesling from Joe Herman, partners with Modales for custom crush, and focuses on creating a welcoming space for dogs, children, and anyone who wants to enjoy Michigan wine. Visit socialvines.com and follow Social Vines on Instagram at @socialvinesdexter, Facebook at Social Vines, and TikTok at Social Vines Vineyard & Winery.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Chef Jean Joho joins me for a conversation that spans his early life in Alsace, his classical training, his rise in Chicago, and his long relationship with wine. We talk about Everest, the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, his connection to Michigan wine, and the progress he has seen in our region.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.