Michigan Wine, Organic Vineyards & Local Impact: Sommelier Sarah Carlson on West Michigan’s Wine Scene episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 29, 2026 · 25 MIN

Michigan Wine, Organic Vineyards & Local Impact: Sommelier Sarah Carlson on West Michigan’s Wine Scene

from The Keys To The Community · host Phil Nykamp

🚀 In this episode of Keys to the Community, Phil sits down with Sarah Carlson, a passionate sommelier, to explore the world of Michigan wine. From her journey back from the Pacific Northwest to the unique climate that makes Michigan wines world-class, Sarah shares insights into organic farming, vineyard life, tourism impact, and how wineries help strengthen local communities.🎧 Hosted by: Phil Nykamp👤 Guest:🏡 Sarah Carlson– Sommelier & Wine ExpertSarah Carlson is a Michigan sommelier who began her wine career in Traverse City in 2004 and spent a decade in the Pacific Northwest wine industry before returning to Michigan in 2020. She is currently the Tasting Room Manager at Modales Wines, an organic winery in Fennville.One thing becomes clear: in West Michigan wine isn’t just made—it’s grown, shared, and rooted in community.What You’ll Learn:Why Lake Michigan creates ideal conditions for growing award-winning wine grapes How Sarah Carlson’s sommelier journey across the Pacific Northwest shaped her approach in Michigan What “organic farming” actually looks like inside a working vineyard like Modales How wineries drive tourism, support local farms, and strengthen West Michigan’s economy The surprising diversity of Michigan wine—from crisp whites to bold reds and ice wine What a real tasting room experience looks like today (and how it’s changed in the last decade) Why supporting local wineries has a direct impact on small businesses and community growth💼 Connect with Sarah Carlson:🌐 Website → https://modaleswines.com/🎙 Follow Phil Nykamp:🌎 Website → https://phil-nykamp.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PhilNykampRealtor/?locale=vi_VN📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/philnykamprealtor/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/philnykamp322/🤝 This Episode Is Proudly Sponsored By:Lighthouse Title: Navigating your title and closing needs in Holland since 2001. Contact: 616-393-9240 Independent Bank – Joshua DeVries, Mortgage Lender: Whether you’re buying, refinancing, or exploring your options, Josh is ready to help guide you through the mortgage process with clarity and care. Contact Josh: 616-402-7823Coupe Burr Insurance in Partnership with Fremont Mutual Insurance:Protecting what matters most. Coupe Burr Insurance, partnered with Fremont Mutual Insurance, provides dependable coverage for everything from life’s small bumps to major storms.Jose Morales is ready to assist with your insurance needs. Contact: 616-355-2920🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate -https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of Keys to the Community, Phil sits down with Sarah Carlson, a passionate sommelier, to explore the world of Michigan wine. From her journey back from the Pacific Northwest to the unique climate that makes Michigan wines world-class, Sarah shares insights into organic farming, vineyard life, tourism impact, and how wineries help strengthen local communities.🎧 Hosted by: Phil Nykamp👤 Guest:🏡 Sarah Carlson– Sommelier & Wine ExpertSarah Carlson is a Michigan sommelier who began her wine career in Traverse City in 2004 and spent a decade in the Pacific Northwest wine industry before returning to Michigan in 2020. She is currently the Tasting Room Manager at Modales Wines, an organic winery in Fennville.One thing becomes clear: in West Michigan wine isn’t just made—it’s grown, shared, and rooted in community.What You’ll Learn:Why Lake Michigan creates ideal conditions for growing award-winning wine grapes How Sarah Carlson’s sommelier journey across the Pacific Northwest shaped her approach in Michigan What “organic farming” actually looks like inside a working vineyard like Modales How wineries drive tourism, support local farms, and strengthen West Michigan’s economy The surprising diversity of Michigan wine—from crisp whites to bold reds and ice wine What a real tasting room experience looks like today (and how it’s changed in the last decade) Why supporting local wineries has a direct impact on small businesses and community growth💼 Connect with Sarah Carlson:🌐 Website → https://modaleswines.com/🎙 Follow Phil Nykamp:🌎 Website → https://phil-nykamp.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PhilNykampRealtor/?locale=vi_VN📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/philnykamprealtor/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/philnykamp322/🤝 This Episode Is Proudly Sponsored By:Lighthouse Title: Navigating your title and closing needs in Holland since 2001. Contact: 616-393-9240 Independent Bank – Joshua DeVries, Mortgage Lender: Whether you’re buying, refinancing, or exploring your options, Josh is ready to help guide you through the mortgage process with clarity and care. Contact Josh: 616-402-7823Coupe Burr Insurance in Partnership with Fremont Mutual Insurance:Protecting what matters most. Coupe Burr Insurance, partnered with Fremont Mutual Insurance, provides dependable coverage for everything from life’s small bumps to major storms.Jose Morales is ready to assist with your insurance needs. Contact: 616-355-2920🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate -https://iconsofrealestate.com/

NOW PLAYING

Michigan Wine, Organic Vineyards & Local Impact: Sommelier Sarah Carlson on West Michigan’s Wine Scene

0:00 25:52

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of The Keys To The Community?

This episode is 25 minutes long.

When was this The Keys To The Community episode published?

This episode was published on April 29, 2026.

What is this episode about?

🚀 In this episode of Keys to the Community, Phil sits down with Sarah Carlson, a passionate sommelier, to explore the world of Michigan wine. From her journey back from the Pacific Northwest to the unique climate that makes Michigan wines...

Can I download this The Keys To The Community episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!