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High-quality wine grapes expected from Michigan vineyards

Michigan State University Extension’s viticulturist says dry conditions this season should make for high-quality wines.

Esmaeil Nasrollahiazar tells Brownfield, “In August, September, and October, it was super dry.”

“In two months, the volume of the rain was less than half an inch, so it was a very unusual year,” he says.

The moisture stress he says is especially ideal for red wines.

“Probably we’ll have more sugar levels and less acid levels, which is good because usually we have excessive levels of acid and some people don’t like this kind of wine,” he shares.

Northwest Michigan received an extra 500 growing degree days in 2024.

Nasrollahiazar says the abundant harvest has also elevated the need for more processing facilities in the state.

Brownfield interviews Nasrollahiazar about recent U.S. wine survey research and the growing season.