Recent Posts
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2025 Harvest Update #5
Harvest is rapidly wrapping up! During the harvest season we will provide periodic (~weekly) updates on how things are going in Fennville as the fruit comes in. In this episode we cover a brief history of Traminette, a hybrid grape developed in the 1960's and brought to market by Cornell University in 1996. Traminette has a very famous parent, Gewurtztraminer, that contributes to its spicy, floral flavors—notes of lychee, rose, and white pepper—without the parent’s susceptibility to cold and disease. Kai Lesperance, Brian's son, also makes a guest appearance!
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2025 Harvest Update – #4
In this episode we cover a brief history of Sauvignon Blanc, a sometimes misunderstood grape with a very long history. We delve into how Sauvignon Blanc can present itself very differently based on ripeness and its lineage as a parent of another famous wine grape.
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2025 Harvest Update – #3
Harvest continues! This short, audio only, episode is designed to give an update on harvest in the Fennville AVA. We also go through a little history on the Riesling grape, originally used for winemaking in the 15th century! We discuss how this famous grape is among the most versatile in the wine world, being used from everything from dry sparkling wine to true late harvests.
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Harvest 2025 – Update #2
Harvest continues! During the harvest season we will provide periodic (~weekly) updates on how things are going in Fennville as the fruit comes in. We go through a little history on the Cayuga White grape, the first hybrid wine grape released by Cornell University in 1972. We wrap the episode with an overview of the different methods of harvest and the rationale behind hand versus machine picking.
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Harvest 2025 – Update #1
Harvest has started! We are going to try something new for the harvest season and provide a periodic (~weekly) update on how things are going in Fennville as the fruit comes in. We also go through a little history on the Chardonnay grape, one of the most popular varieties grown around the world. And we wrap the episode with an overview of what goes into deciding when to harvest each block.
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Matthew Jannette – Head of Winemaking, Fenn Valley Vineyards
In this episode we talk to Matthew Jannette, Head of Winemaking at Fenn Valley Vineyards. Matt and Brian literally sit next to each other at work, so needless to say they dove right into a myriad of topics. Like many episodes, we start by going through Matt's journey through the craft beverage world - which included stops at some of the worlds' largest and smallest wineries. He also spent time selling wine which gives him a lot of street credibility when it comes to consumer preferences.
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AMA #3 – Sparkling Wine
n this Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode we dive into the different ways sparkling wine can be produced. We cover the three main methods, Méthode Champenoise, Charmat Method, and Carbonation Method in detail.
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Scott Graham – Executive Director, Michigan Brewers Guild
We are joined in this episode by Scott Graham, the Executive Director of the Michigan Brewers Guild. Scott has been part of the craft scene for over 30 years including brewing and selling some of the worlds most iconic brands and some of the most niche. In his role as Executive Director Scott advocates for the Michigan Craft Beer industry on a daily basis.
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AMA #2 – All About Rose
In this Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode we cover all things Rose! The category of Rose wine is incredibly broad, and often misunderstood. We delve into the main ways rose wine is produced and how those production decisions may impact the wine in your glass.
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James Lester – President and Winemaker, Wyncroft
We are joined in this episode by James Lester, the Founder, President, and Winemaker at Wyncroft Wines. Working alongside his wife Daun, James is directly involved in every aspect of this intentionally small winery nestled along the lakeshore in Pullman, Michigan.
