Harvest has started! We are going to try something new for the harvest season and provide a periodic (~weekly) update on how things are going in Fennville as the fruit comes in.

We also go through a little history on the Chardonnay grape, one of the most popular varieties grown around the world. And we wrap the episode with an overview of what goes into deciding when to harvest each block.

Note: this episode is audio only. We will provide video when it adds value, but given the time craziness of harvest, we will prioritize getting content out over polished production.

Have questions you would like to submit for an upcoming Epidose? Contact us today!

Links to Topics Discussed

• Judgement of Paris
• AMA #3 - Sparkling Wine

Sponsors

• Fenn Valley Vineyards, Inc
• Carrier Signal
• Interested in being a sponsor? Click here.

Show Links

• https://craftpourdecisions.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/craftpourdecisions
• https://www.instagram.com/craftpourdecisions/

Music is provided by Domestic Problems.

In this episode we talk to Matthew Jannette, Head of Winemaking at Fenn Valley Vineyards. Matt and Brian literally sit next to each other at work, so needless to say they dove right into a myriad of topics.

Like many episodes, we start by going through Matt's journey through the craft beverage world - which included stops at some of the worlds' largest and smallest wineries. He also spent time selling wine which gives him a lot of street credibility when it comes to consumer preferences.

As evidenced by the crazy number of links below, this episode was all over the place, which really highlights the breadth of Matt's passions. We fully expect Matt to be a frequent visitor as we look to explore various topics. As a 10+ year veteran of the Michigan wine industry, he is a wealth of knowledge based on real world experience.

Links to Topics Covered

• https://www.plummarket.com/
• https://domainedesmathurins.com/
• https://www.bnektar.com/
• https://nordesgin.com/en/nordes-en/
• https://fever-tree.com/en_US/products/premium-indian-tonic-water
• https://www.picturethisai.com/
• https://www.kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/attachments/p.metal-food-grinder-attachment.KSMMGA.html

Sponsors

• Fenn Valley Vineyards, Inc
• Carrier Signal
• Interested in being a sponsor? Click here.

Show Links

• https://craftpourdecisions.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/craftpourdecisions
• https://www.instagram.com/craftpourdecisions/

Please note: Transcription is done automatically and may not be accurate.

Music is provided by Domestic Problems.

In this Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode we dive into the different ways sparkling wine can be produced. We cover the three main methods, Méthode Champenoise, Charmat Method, and Carbonation Method in detail. We also touch on a couple others, such as Pét-Nat.

Pour Decisions approaches the topic from two points of view. First, we try to highlight the considerations of each method, including time, equipment, and winemaking strategy. And second, we illustrate how the techniques translate into differences in the finished product. This is a great episode for producers and consumers alike.

Have questions you would like to submit for an upcoming AMA? Contact us today!

Sponsors

• Fenn Valley Vineyards, Inc
• Carrier Signal
• Interested in being a sponsor? Click here.

Show Links

• https://craftpourdecisions.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/craftpourdecisions
• https://www.instagram.com/craftpourdecisions/

Music is provided by Domestic Problems.

We are joined in this episode by Scott Graham, the Executive Director of the Michigan Brewers Guild. Scott has been part of the craft scene for over 30 years including brewing and selling some of the worlds most iconic brands and some of the most niche. In his role as Executive Director Scott advocates for the Michigan Craft Beer industry on a daily basis.

We leveraged Scott's experience to discuss beer trends, both current and past. We also discussed how beer fits into the broader ecosystem of craft beverages and hospitality as a whole. He brought some excellent beers to drink, which led to a deeper dive on a few styles in particular.

Some links to things covered...

• https://www.mibeer.com/
• https://barrelandbeam.com/
• https://unexpectedcraft.com/
• https://brewerybecker.com/
• https://www.birdieball.com/

Sponsors

• Fenn Valley Vineyards, Inc
• Carrier Signal
• Interested in being a sponsor? Click here.

Show Links

• https://craftpourdecisions.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/craftpourdecisions
• https://www.instagram.com/craftpourdecisions/

Music is provided by Domestic Problems.

In this Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode we cover all things Rose! The category of Rose wine is incredibly broad, and often misunderstood. We delve into the main ways rose wine is produced and how those production decisions may impact the wine in your glass - including color, flavor, and intensity. We also cover considerations around wine and food pairing and conclude with some thoughts on knowing if a Rose is starting to go over the hill.

Have questions you would like to submit for an upcoming AMA? Contact us today!

Sponsors

• Fenn Valley Vineyards, Inc
• Carrier Signal
• Interested in being a sponsor? Click here.

Show Links

• https://craftpourdecisions.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/craftpourdecisions
• https://www.instagram.com/craftpourdecisions/

Music is provided by Domestic Problems.

We are joined in this episode by James Lester, the Founder, President, and Winemaker at Wyncroft Wines. Working alongside his wife Daun, James is directly involved in every aspect of this intentionally small winery nestled along the lakeshore in Pullman, Michigan.

The majority of this discussion revolved around Wyncroft's at times tumultuous history, as James recalls nearly losing his winery on at least one occasion. His story is a testament to the grit and determination it takes to make it in our industry.

We also delve into some of the tactics Wyncroft employs to produce among the most revered wines in the Midwest, and lay the foundation for future episodes around James' favorite grape - Pinot Noir.

Some links to things covered...

• https://www.wyncroftwine.com/
• https://www.diewithzerobook.com/welcome

Sponsors

• Fenn Valley Vineyards, Inc
• Carrier Signal
• Interested in being a sponsor? Click here.

Show Links

• https://craftpourdecisions.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/craftpourdecisions
• https://www.instagram.com/craftpourdecisions/

Music is provided by Domestic Problems.

We are joined in this episode by Fred Bueltmann from the Red Horse Center for Collaborative Leadership. It is safe to say Fred is among the founders of the Michigan craft beer and spirits industry having served in leadership roles during the early years of two of the most iconic breweries in Michigan - Bell's Brewery and New Holland Brewing.

We really leaned into Fred's breath and depth of experience to delve into the long arc of the craft scene in Michigan. We used Fred's two published books, "A Rising Tide - Stories from the Michigan Brewers Guild" and "Beervangelist's Guide to the Galaxy" to help ground our wide ranging discussion.

We specifically covered some of the challenges the industry faced at inception, how beer and spirits differ in terms of the market and how to write a cookbook. We also tasted through a couple very unique spirits - a whiskey made from local honey and a pineapple rum.

Some links to things covered...

• https://redhorse.red/
• https://twojames.com/our-spirits/pineapple-doctor-bird-rum/
• https://www.ethanologydistillation.com/store/p872/Mel%C2%AE_Vocatus.html#/
• https://www.mibeer.com/
• https://www.thefarmhousedeli.com/

Sponsors

• Fenn Valley Vineyards, Inc
• Carrier Signal
• Interested in being a sponsor? Click here.

Show Links

• https://craftpourdecisions.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/craftpourdecisions
• https://www.instagram.com/craftpourdecisions/

Music is provided by Domestic Problems.

In our first ever Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode we cover questions we received following a recent spring break trip onboard the Disney Fantasy cruise ship. Specifically we provide an overview of fermented beverages in the Caribbean, unique challenges and idiosyncrasies of cruise ship beverage service, and some of the unique aspects of the Disney cruise itself.

Have questions you would like to submit for an upcoming AMA? Contact us today!

Some links to things covered...

• https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/
• https://accademia.gaggia.com/

Sponsors

• Fenn Valley Vineyards, Inc
• Carrier Signal
• Interested in being a sponsor? Click here.

Show Links

• https://craftpourdecisions.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/craftpourdecisions
• https://www.instagram.com/craftpourdecisions/

Music is provided by Domestic Problems.

We are joined in this episode with Andrew Backlin from Modales Wines. Andrew grew up outside Napa county and brought his love of wine to Michigan several years ago as Modales was starting up. As the head of production and winemaking Andrew focuses on low intervention wines and has been doing so before it was popular.

We cover a wide variety of topics on this episode, including the use of Non-Saccharomyces yeast, native fermentations, organic farming, and market trends. We also dive pretty deep into Andrew's favorite grape, Riesling!

Some links to things covered...

• https://modaleswines.com/
• https://scottlab.com/harnessing-the-unique-powers-of-non-saccharomyces-yeasts

Sponsors

• Fenn Valley Vineyards, Inc
• Carrier Signal
• Interested in being a sponsor? Click here.

Show Links

• https://craftpourdecisions.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/craftpourdecisions
• https://www.instagram.com/craftpourdecisions/

Music is provided by Domestic Problems.

In the premier of Pour Decisions we sit down with Brian Lillie with Chateau Chantal. Brian is a legend in the Michigan wine industry and has an incredibly broad perspective on wine and the craft beverage market. In addition to his day job at Chateau Chantal, Brian is the President of the Michigan Wine Collaborative, has a WSET Level 3 wine certification, and is the owner of Brian Lillie and Company.

Specifically we delve into topics including wine aging, the impact of soil on flavors and aromatics, the state of the wine consumer, and so much more.

Some links to Brian's organizations...

• https://www.chateauchantal.com/
• https://brianlillieandcompany.com/
• https://michiganwinecollaborative.com/

Other links to things discussed...

• https://libbyapp.com/interview/welcome#doYouHaveACard

Sponsors

• Fenn Valley Vineyards, Inc
• Carrier Signal
• Interested in being a sponsor? Click here.

Show Links

• https://craftpourdecisions.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/craftpourdecisions
• https://www.instagram.com/craftpourdecisions/

Music is provided by Domestic Problems.