Chef Jean Joho joins me for a conversation that spans his early life in Alsace, his classical training, his rise in Chicago, and his long relationship with wine. We talk about Everest, the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, his connection to Michigan wine, and the progress he has seen in our region. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Chef Jean Joho joins me for a conversation that spans his early life in Alsace, his classical training, his rise in Chicago, and his long relationship with wine. We talk about Everest, the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, his connection to Michigan wine, and the progress he has seen in our region. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Episode 163: Chef Jean Joho on Michigan Wine

Steve first shares a short collage of voices from a successful Michigan wine dinner at Wildfire in Chicago. Then in this episode, Steve talks with Sam Smiertka of Blue Dot Farm and Vineyard in Charlevoix. Sam studied graphic design and history at James Madison University, worked in a corporate role in Atlanta, and discovered a strong interest in wine after trying a bottle from Georgia. She returned to Maryland, spent four years at Crow Vineyard and Winery, and completed WSET level 3. An internship at Alexana Estate in Oregon shaped her next chapter. She later joined Blue Dot, owned by Paul and Jenny, where she works with established vineyards, new plantings, and fruit trees for cider. The site near Lake Charlevoix supports a wide range of varieties and faces challenges from wildlife and frost. Sam brings steady focus to the work and continues to shape Blue Dot’s future. bludotwine.com Facebook: Blu Dot Farm and Vineyard Instagram: #bludotfarmandvineyard © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Steve first shares a short collage of voices from a successful Michigan wine dinner at Wildfire in Chicago. Then in this episode, Steve talks with Sam Smiertka of Blue Dot Farm and Vineyard in Charlevoix. Sam studied graphic design and history at James Madison University, worked in a corporate role in Atlanta, and discovered a strong interest in wine after trying a bottle from Georgia. She returned to Maryland, spent four years at Crow Vineyard and Winery, and completed WSET level 3. An internship at Alexana Estate in Oregon shaped her next chapter. She later joined Blue Dot, owned by Paul and Jenny, where she works with established vineyards, new plantings, and fruit trees for cider. The site near Lake Charlevoix supports a wide range of varieties and faces challenges from wildlife and frost. Sam brings steady focus to the work and continues to shape Blue Dot’s future. bludotwine.com Facebook: Blu Dot Farm and Vineyard Instagram: #bludotfarmandvineyard © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Episode 162: Sam Smiertka – Blue Dot

I’m honored to welcome Sarah Spoonholtz, a key leader at the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and the familiar voice of our podcast’s introductions and closings. Sarah and I take a fresh look at Southwest Michigan’s wine industry, sharing perspectives beyond the usual narratives. As a MoodyOnTheMarket 40-Under-40 honoree, Sarah exemplifies leadership, passion, and the art of building meaningful connections. At the end of my conversation with Sarah, stay for an exclusive conversation with Maxx Eichberg, co-owner of Stranger Wine Co., as he gives us a sneak peek at his soon-to-open tasting room in downtown Buchanan, an exciting milestone for Michigan wine. For more information: smrchamber.com or contact Sarah at sspoonholtz@smrchamber.com or (269) 932-4040.

I’m honored to welcome Sarah Spoonholtz, a key leader at the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and the familiar voice of our podcast’s introductions and closings. Sarah and I take a fresh look at Southwest Michigan’s wine industry, sharing perspectives beyond the usual narratives. As a MoodyOnTheMarket 40-Under-40 honoree, Sarah exemplifies leadership, passion, and the art of building meaningful connections. At the end of my conversation with Sarah, stay for an exclusive conversation with Maxx Eichberg, co-owner of Stranger Wine Co., as he gives us a sneak peek at his soon-to-open tasting room in downtown Buchanan, an exciting milestone for Michigan wine. For more information: smrchamber.com or contact Sarah at sspoonholtz@smrchamber.com or (269) 932-4040.

Episode 96: Sarah Spoonholtz, Director at the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber

This week Jayme and I discuss the Lake Michigan Shore AVA. AVA stands for American Viticultural Area. Listen today as we talk about all the great things this AVA has to offer.

This week Jayme and I discuss the Lake Michigan Shore AVA. AVA stands for American Viticultural Area. Listen today as we talk about all the great things this AVA has to offer.

Episode 3: The Lake Michigan Shore AVA

Lake Michigan College opened the Midwest's first viticulture and wine making teaching winery in 2015. Listen to this interview with Michael Moyer, the director of this groundbreaking program.

Lake Michigan College opened the Midwest's first viticulture and wine making teaching winery in 2015. Listen to this interview with Michael Moyer, the director of this groundbreaking program.

Episode 2: Michael Moyer of Lake Michigan College

Welcome to If Vines Could Talk, a podcast series dedicated to increasing the prestige of Michigan wines. In this episode we introduce ourselves; your host Steve Salisbury, and co-host Jayme Neumann.

Welcome to If Vines Could Talk, a podcast series dedicated to increasing the prestige of Michigan wines. In this episode we introduce ourselves; your host Steve Salisbury, and co-host Jayme Neumann.

Episode 1: Introducing If Vines Could Talk

We believe Michigan makes great wine. It is an up-and-coming region, already producing world-class award-winning wines. Our mission is to help the world learn about and to enhance the prestige of Michigan wine.

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