What happens when a young wine region decides to define itself on its own terms?

In this episode, we sit down with Emily and Alan of Mixed Meadia Winery in Door County, Wisconsin, to explore the Ledge Blanc project, a collaborative effort to establish a signature wine style for the Wisconsin Ledge AVA. From limestone rich soils along the Niagara Escarpment to the challenges and opportunities of hybrid grapes, this conversation dives into what makes Midwest wine unique and worth paying attention to.

We unpack:

• How Wisconsin's cool climate shapes bright, aromatic white wines
• Why hybrid grape varieties are key to sustainability and regional identity
• The creation of Ledge Blanc, a quality controlled crisp aromatic white that unites wineries across the region
• How collaboration instead of competition is helping grow visibility for emerging wine regions
• The broader challenge of telling a compelling story outside of traditional wine strongholds like California

You'll also hear how winemakers are pushing back against outdated stereotypes, moving beyond only fruit wine perceptions and proving that places like the Ledge AVA can produce expressive wines rooted in place.

Whether you're a wine professional or just curious about what is happening beyond the coasts, this episode offers a fascinating look at how regional identity, innovation, and community are reshaping the American wine landscape.

Anne and Randall are back! In this episode, we dive into our current projects, share our experiences from recent conferences, and discuss the issue of declining vine vigor in our region. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll chat with Russ Funk of Carlos Creek Winery about Frontenac.

Conference Experiences (0:14)

• Recap of various conferences attended.
• Insights on generational wine purchasing habits and marketing strategies from the DTC symposium.
• Networking opportunities and the impact of weather on conference attendance.

Vineyard Vigor (9:14)

• Discussion on declining vine vigor in regional vineyards and potential causes.
• Importance of nitrogen levels (YAN) in grape and wine production, and the need for regular testing.
• Effectiveness of foliar versus ground-applied nitrogen for maintaining vine health.

Wine Projects (17:22)

• Discussion on bourbon barrel-aged wines and their fit in wine competitions.
• Anne's collaboration in hard cider production.

Grafted Marquette and Petite Pearl Project (27:06)

• Reasons for considering grafting grapevines.
• Challenges in sourcing cold-hardy cultivars that are grafted.
• Pros and cons of grafting grapevines.

Other Upcoming Projects and Competitions (38:44)

• Plans for tissue sampling in vineyards to evaluate nutrient levels and vine performance.
• Encouragement for wineries to participate in regional and national competitions for feedback and marketing

Many states have selected a state grape to promote, but Illinois has taken a different approach to that. Given the wide north to south geographic range, there isn't one grape cultivar that is grown throughout the state. Due to this Illinois has focused on a wine style to promote, dry rosé.

In this episode we speak with 3 members of the Illinois wine industry to chat about the Illinois Signature Rosé series of wines.

• Lisa Ellis, Executive Director of the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance
• Peggy Harmston, Massbach Ridge Winery of Elizabeth, Illinois
• Scott Albert, Kite Hill Vineyards and The Holotype Wine Co, Shawnee Hills AVA, Illinois

Episode Notes

• 4:05 Illinois rosé in blind tastings with Whispering Angel
• 10:06 Background of the Illinois rosé project
• 15:18 Kite Hill Vineyards and The Holotype Wine Co. participation in the Illinois rosé project, making a name for Illinois wine, and friendly competition, varieties being used at rosé
• 19:53 How white Zinfandel has impacted the perception of rosé
• 23:00 Coroner elections in Illinois
• 26:50 How Massbach Ridge Winery began in NW Illinois
• 29:13 How rosé can be done successfully in variable weather, and it has a diversity of consumers
• 35:41 More talk about county coroner elections
• 37:09 Marketing the Illinois Signature Rosé project