In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Kniebes for a lively conversation about marketing, labels, tasting room experiences, glassware, and the creative choices that shape Lazy Ballerina Winery. Lauren and her co‑owner Melanie grew up in Coloma, inspired by their grandmother’s homemade wines and the grapes grown on their family farm. That early spark led them into the Michigan wine industry and eventually to opening Lazy Ballerina Winery in 2015. Learn more at lazyballerinawinery.com or reach Lauren at lauren@lazyballerinawinery.com. This is the last of our 20 evergreen episodes prerecorded for release during my time in China.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Sean O’Keefe joins me for the final episode in our five-part series on pioneers and trailblazers in Michigan wine. We explore the origins of vinifera in Northwest Michigan through the work of his father, Ed O’Keefe, founder of Chateau Grand Traverse, and the early support of Dr. Helmut Becker of Geisenheim. This episode was recorded last summer while Sean was still at Mari Vineyards. Sean can be reached at roninwinemaker@gmail.com. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

In this episode I sit with Gunnar Olson, owner of Baroda Founders Winecellar, to reflect on the legacy of his father, Leonard Olson. Leonard helped launch modern Michigan wine, beginning with Tabor Hill in 1970 and continuing through Berrien Vintners, Tanner Creek, River Bend Winery in Louisville, and Baroda Founders Winecellars. Gunnar shares stories from inside a family that helped build the foundation for the industry we know today. Visit Baroda Founders at barodafounderswinecellar.com

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.