Midwest Wine Press Celebrates One Year Anniversary

As of September 1st, Midwest Wine Press has been publishing for one year. However, very few people have been reading Midwest Wine Press for a year. That’s because during our first month,  September 2011, Midwest Wine Press had only 531 views. If you were among the very early readers of Midwest Wine Press, thank you for sticking with us.

In comparison, during August 2012 Midwest Wine Press had almost 13,000 page views. Every month this year our readership has increased. Overall, more than 22,500 individuals have visited Midwest Wine Press since inception, according to Google Analytics.

Much of the growth of Midwest Wine Press has to do with the growth of the Midwestern wine industry. By growth, I mean not only in the number of wineries but also in the maturity of the industry. The Midwest wine industry has now been around for several decades and there is now more than enough Midwest wine related news to fill a publication. Folks in other parts of the U.S. and other countries are also interested in the wine being made here, as evidenced by the thousands of visits Midwest Wine Press receives from California, France, Australia and other global wine producing hubs.

Midwest Wine Press is primarily a trade publication, but an important part of our mission is to promote Midwest regional wine to consumers. Next year, Midwest Wine Press will be introducing a print publication with greatly increased content for wine tourists and consumers. Midwest Wine Press is also becoming more active in hosting and sponsoring events that promote regional wines and ciders. Many of these events will be in my hometown, Chicago, where regional wine is just beginning to attract a following.

Underlying Midwest Wine Press is the same adventurous spirit the embodies the industry we cover. You cannot be a grape grower or winemaker in the Midwest without being dauntless. Midwestern wine is on the rise because of the work of thousands of men and women who like a challenge. I am proud and honored that so many of you are finding value in Midwest Wine Press. Let the adventure continue.