The better wine regions in the country are growing in acres of vineyards planted, but none quicker than Michigan. Though that state produces less than one-half of one percent of all American wine now they have big plans. They expect to be at 10,000 acres of wine grapes in a short time (Sonoma County has 62,000 acres).
What is more interesting is what they are planting. The area is known for the colder climate wines like chardonnay, riesling, pinot noir, and cabernet franc. Now we're seeing cabernet sauvignon, a grape that requires warm weather to ripen. What happened?
The average temperature for the state has increased by two degrees Fahrenheit over the past hundred years. The growing season in Michigan's fruit belt along Lake Michigan is several weeks longer than it once was.
The USDA divides the country into plant hardiness zones. Because of its many microclimates, Sonoma County is in zones 9a, 9b, and 10a. A few years ago, Michigan's wine growing regions moved from zone 5 to zone 6. So while others worry about getting too hot, such as Napa's famous areas for cabernet like Rutherford and Oakville, some will benefit from the changes.
So will Michigan's west coast become the next Napa? Well, not in my lifetime. Hopefully, not in yours either, as there would be more important things to be concerned about than where your cabernet is originating -- like where your food supply is coming from.
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