Michigan

Wines & Vines, Feb, 1991 by T. Mike Thomas

Production of all grapes was down in 1990 by 20 % from 1989 levels and equal to about 70 % of full crop potential. There was little frost damage in Michigan, but severe cutworm outbreaks in some areas and poor berry set led to reduced production on vines that were in poor condition due to lack of winter hardiness caused by early fall frosts in 1989. Vinifera and some hybrids were especially hard hit by the winter cold with many vines killed back to the trunk.

Grape demand for juice and wine was very good, resulting in strong bidding for the small uncommitted tonnage. Prices for grapes were at or near record highs for the most desirable varieties. Continued instate promotion of Michigan wines fuels continuing growth of Michigan's wine industry, resulting in small yearly planting of vinifera and hybrid grapes. Recent development at Michigan State University's Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center near Benton Harbor has provided a renewed and enlarged commitment to variety testing and development of solutions to the cultural problems of Michigan's juice and wine grape industry. A new enology laboratory under the direction of Dr. Stanley Howell of the Department of Horticulture at M.S.U. was dedicated in the fall of 1989 and is in its second season of research and demonstration activities for Michigan vintners. The laboratory construction was funded by the Michigan Grape and Wine Council.