Andrew Backlin, Head Winemaker and Proprietor at Modales, joins me in the original Modales tasting room for a conversation about Michigan's Red Wine Story. We talk about the evolution of red wine in the state, and how Michigan winemakers are producing red wines with depth, structure, and identity. Andrew is now part owner of Modales and president of the Michigan Wine Collaborative. A cricket joined us during the recording, adding a little extra character to the session. Visit modaleswines.com for more on Andrew’s work. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Amy Birk, co-owner and winemaker at Domaine Berrien Cellars in Berrien Springs, joins the podcast to talk about Michigan’s red wine story. We explore why red grapes thrive in this region, why Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Lemberger stand out, and how Amy approaches her work as one of the rising leaders in Michigan wine. The first of a three-part series with Michigan winemakers. Reach Amy at domaineberrien.com or email her at winery@domaineberrien.com.

© Steve Salisbury 2026. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

In this final episode of our four-part series on vineyard care through the seasons, I sit down once again with Mike de Schaaf, Farm Manager at MSU Extension in Benton Harbor. Mike brings a steady, thoughtful approach to vineyard work, and today we explore the fall season and everything leading up to and including harvest. Learn more about MSU’s work at https://www.canr.msu.edu/swmrec/ and explore wine education at lakemichigancollege.edu/wine. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Episode 139 features Mike de Schaaf, Farm Manager at MSU Extension in Benton Harbor. This is the third of four conversations covering vineyard care through the seasons. Today we focus on summer and explore thinning, irrigation and disease control. Learn more at https://www.canr.msu.edu/swmrec/ and lakemichigancollege.edu/wine. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Episode 138 features Mike de Schaaf, Farm Manager at MSU Extension in Benton Harbor. This is the second of a four-part series focused on vineyard care for each season. Today we explore spring and discuss frost protection, bud break, fertilizer and disease. Mike also shares insight into his role at Lake Michigan College. Learn more about his work at https://www.canr.msu.edu/swmrec/ and lakemichigancollege.edu/wine. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Episode 137 features Mike de Schaaf, Farm Manager at MSU Extension in Benton Harbor, joining me for the first installment of a four part series on vineyard care through the seasons. Today we explore winter, the critical pruning season that sets the tone for the entire year. We also highlight Mike’s work at Lake Michigan College and point listeners to Episode 64 for his background and story. Learn more about MSU’s work at https://www.canr.msu.edu/swmrec/ and explore the wine program at lakemichigancollege.edu/wine.

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

This episode features a summer conversation with Ben Guerrin, recorded during his time as Vineyard Manager at Modales. We explore organic certification, the responsibilities of a vineyard manager, the challenges that define each season, and the collaborative relationship between vineyard and winery. Ben now serves as Agronomy Sales, Account Relationship Manager for Keystone Co-op, supporting grape growers across Michigan with crop protection, fertility solutions, disease control, and nutrition. Contact Ben at benjamin.guerrin@keystonecoop.com or 616-239-5607. Learn more about Modales at modaleswines.com.

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

Many listeners have asked me to share my story, and this episode brings it forward. I also explain what is ahead while my wife and I travel abroad. I have prepared a full arc of episodes that will continue each week. We begin with my own story, then move into the vineyard with its pulse and the seasons. From there we explore the varieties that define Michigan wine, including red grapes, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Ice Wines and other cool climate strengths. We also hear from voices who carry forward soil, soul and regional heritage, and close with a look at marketing and industry. These episodes are designed to keep the conversation moving and to offer a deeper look at Michigan wine. Visit ifvinescouldtalk.com or contact me at steve.salisbury@mail.com. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.