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Wine and spirits have come a long way in West Michigan.

When I was a teen, I remember reading The Golden Compass and coming across a talking bear that “drank spirits,” which sounded cool. It took me the length of the book to realize spirits was another word for liquor, and not lingering remnants of human souls. I guess that says more about me than the state of the world, but this is my letter and I can write what I want. 

The fact remains, locally crafted spirits and wine have seen a huge surge in recent times. Many of the distilleries and vineyards championed in this issue didn’t even exist 10 years ago, and now there’s no shortage of options for local wine and spirits, wherever you go. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a West Michigan without them.

In this year’s Wine & Spirits issue, we talk to a winemaker to get the scoop behind the scenes, chat with a bartender about how cocktails get created from start to finish (and how you can do the same at home), and take a walk down the Revue wine trail. Plus, canned cocktails and wines for sunny adventures!

Speaking of which, this issue also gets summer planning kicked off with a bucket list for the season ahead and a guide to the best farmers markets around. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to get out there and earn my sunburn. 

Also check out our comedy and music interviews, including Vine star turned comedian Trey Kennedy, local solo artist Max Lockwood, and the recently reborn City and Colour project of Dallas Green.

As the temperatures rise and life gets busy—it always does, in the summer—just don’t forget that you don’t need to travel far to experience amazing food, wine, spirits and community. 

’Til next time,

Josh Veal, Managing Editor

On the Cover: The Wine & Spirits Issue, Eastern Kille, Photo by Josiah Gentry

Also Inside: City & Colour, Cannabis Concentrates, Summer Bucket List

News: What's Going On, Arts Calendar

2020
December: Last-Minute Gift Guide
November: The Holiday Issue
October: The Beer Issue
September: The Arts Issue
August: The Best of the West Issue
July: The Dining & Drinking Issue
June: Summer to Re-Discover
May: Feel the Love Issue
April: Cannabis Issue
March: The Funny Issue
February: The Sweet Issue
January: 50 Things to Do in 2020 

2019
December  |  November  |  October  |  September  |  August  |  July  |  June  |  May  |  April  |  March  |  February  |  January

2018
December  |  November  |  October  |  September  |  August  |  July  |  June  |  May  |  April |  March  |  February  |  January

2017
December  |  November  |  October  |  September  |  August  |  July  |  June  |  May  |  April  |  March  |  February  |  January

*For earlier issues, contact Courtney for the linked archive.