Michigan Wine: Why Traverse City Is America's Next Great Wine Destination

Check out all the great events Laurie has on the calendar on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her newly announced Treasures of Tuscany Tour in May 2027.Michigan may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of world-class wine—but that may be about to change.In this episode of The Sipping Point Podcast, Laurie Forster, The Wine Coach®, sits down with acclaimed wine writer and former Wine Enthusiast Editor-in-Chief Susan Kostrzewa to explore why Traverse City has become one of America's most exciting cool-climate wine destinations.Susan shares her journey from growing up in northern Michigan to becoming one of the wine industry's most respected voices. Together, they discuss the grapes putting Michigan on the map, why climate change is reshaping wine regions around the world, and how authentic storytelling helps consumers connect with the people behind every bottle.Whether you're planning a trip to the Traverse City Food & Wine Festival or simply looking for your next favorite Riesling or sparkling wine, this episode will inspire you to discover one of America's hidden wine gems.In This Episode You'll Learn: Susan Kostrzewa's journey from Traverse City to leading Wine Enthusiast to starting her company Resplendent Ink Why Michigan has become one of America's premier cool-climate wine regions  The Michigan wines and grape varieties you should be drinking now  Why Traverse City's sparkling wines deserve national attention  How climate change is creating both opportunities and challenges for winemakers  What to expect at the Traverse City Food & Wine Festival, August 19-23, 2026Featured Wines & Wineries Mawby Grace Brut Rosé  Left Foot Charley Blaufränkisch Support the showFollow The Sipping Point on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode!Subscribe to our YouTube channel @thewinecoach to get video footage of the podcasts an more.Let's Stay Connected:Instagram @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster