Timothy Rehbein, University of Wisconsin Vernon County Agriculture Agent, notes that at its peak in the 1990’s, tobacco farming was a thriving $14 million business in Vernon County, Wisconsin and surrounding areas. When the...
The first Uncork Illinois wine festival in downtown Oak Park on June 2nd was an unqualified success according to Downtown Oak Park executive director Pat Zubak. “The turnout for the festival exceeded our...
It’s refreshing to report some good freeze damage news from Michigan. In their most recent newsletter, Fenn Valley Vineyards said Merlot and Chambourcin vines were barely effected by April freezes. See the “2012...
The beleaguered State of Illinois recently cut $142,500 in funding for the state’s wine industry, according to Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association (IGGVA) president Bruce Morgenstern. The lost State Department of Agriculture funding...
Wine Riot Chicago, a giant wine tasting that will occupy the entire Great Hall at Union Station in Chicago on June 1 and June 2, has added two more regional wines according to Wine...
As I travel around the Midwest talking to winery owners, I often hear this comment: “At my winery, it’s as much about the experience as it is about the wine.” A genuine winery experience...
On May 4th, Philippe Coquard of Wollersheim Winery in Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin commented on his spring 2012 vineyard experiences in the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association internet discussion forum. Coquard has one of...
The best winemakers know that great wine is made in the vineyard. The quality of grapes being grown in Illinois is a part of the reason that the quality of Illinois wine is...
Recently, Midwest Wine Press spent time with Clara Orban, the author of Wine Lessons: Ten Questions to Guide Your Appreciation of Wine. Clara not only chairs the Department of Modern Languages at DePaul University...
The Orange County Register recently published part of a CNBC interview with the principal wine buyer at Costco, Annette Alvarez-Peters. Among the highlights is this quote from Peters: “Is (wine) more special than...