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.

Episode 151 features Maxx Eichberg in the third installment of our five-part series on pioneers and trailblazers. Maxx returns to talk about regenerative farming and the hands on work that forms the foundation of great wine. You do not have to have been involved in Michigan winegrowing for multiple decades to be a pioneer, and Maxx shows why. We also reference Lauren Burns of Tending Tilth, featured in episode 121. Learn more at strangerwineco.com or contact hello@strangerwineco.com.

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

This episode continues our five-part series on pioneers and trailblazers in Michigan wine. Tony Peterson of Contessa Winecellars shares the story behind his ten-acre vineyard, his focus on Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Moscato, and the possible addition of Cabernet Franc, and his long standing role in shaping the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. We also talk about the early days of the Michigan Grape and Wine Council, now known as the Michigan Craft Beverage Council, and Tony’s commitment to building a strong, supportive network across the industry. Learn more at contessawinecellars.com and michigan.gov/mdard/about/boards/craftbeverage.

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

Episode 149 features Doug Welch, owner and cofounder of Fenn Valley Vineyards and a pioneer of the Lake Michigan Shore. Doug shares the story of building Fenn Valley more than fifty years ago alongside his father and reflects on the early days of Michigan’s wine industry transformation. This conversation offers rare insight into patience, long term vision, and the steady commitment required to move a region forward. Learn more at fennvalley.com or reach out at dww@fennvalley.com or winery@fennvalley.com.

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

Episode 148 closes out our five-part miniseries on Michigan varieties with grower and winemaker Dan Nitz. Dan manages hundreds of acres of vineyards and produces some of the most respected ice wine in the region. We recorded this conversation in July 2025, and it is a clear look at the work, risk, and reward behind frozen gold. If you have ever wondered why ice wine carries the price it does, this episode lays it out. Michigan is uniquely suited to ice wine, and Dan explains the process with the honesty and depth that define his work. Visit nitzwines.com to learn more and to order this delicious ice wine.

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

Matt Killman returns for the fourth episode in our miniseries on Michigan varieties. We explore cool climate grapes that thrive in Michigan, especially those that perform well in the Tip of the Mitt AVA. Matt is an owner and winemaker at Walloon Lake Winery, and his work has made him a respected voice in the world of cold hardy vines. Recorded in June 2025. Learn more at walloonlakewinery.com or reach Matt at killmanmatt@gmail.com. Visit the Straits Area Grape Growing Association at straitsgrapesmi.org and explore the Petoskey Wine Region at petoskey.wine.

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