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.