Thanks to coasts, lakes, hills, orchards, and wide-open farmland, Michigan has the second most diverse agriculture industry in the nation, behind only California.
That means wine, spirits, cider, mead, beer — we can make it all with quality ingredients from our fair state, and we’re getting better at it every year. This annual issue is a celebration of that, highlighting some incredible distilleries, wineries and cocktail bars around West Michigan.
We have a Q&A with Grove and Bistro Bella Vita’s expert sommelier, a look at the latest wine trends, a round-up of great cocktails using every kind of spirit, and a story on how distilleries craft an elevated experience with their tasting rooms. And our talk with Café Mamo follows a similar theme, since they have one of the most intentionally designed restaurants around.
This month isn’t all about wine and spirits, though! We also have lots of music, from indie rock legends Modest Mouse to indie pop duo Matt & Kim. Plus, a chat with the illustrious Chris Gethard, as well as local psych-rock band Crooked Spires.
Summer is coming, which means it’s time to get your calendar mapped out. Have you spent the past two years wanting to delve into art but never quite taking the leap? Check out our guide to local arts classes and camps just for adults. Glassblowing, sculpting, string ensembles, painting, singing — whatever your passion, you can get started here.
In the meantime, enjoy Michigan spring with a glass of wine or your favorite cocktail in hand. I know I will.
‘Til next time,
Josh Veal, Managing Editor
On the Cover: The Wine & Spirits Issue
Also Inside: Modest Mouse, Matt & Kim, Chris Gethard, Adult Arts Classes
News: What's Going On, Arts Calendar
ARCHIVED ISSUES:
2022
January: 50 Things to Do in 2022
February: The Sweet Issue
March: The Cannabis Issue
April: The Dining & Drinking Issue
2021
January: The Winter Guide Issue
February: The Sweet Issue
March: The Guilty Pleasures Issue
April: The Cannabis Issue
May: The Wine & Spirits Issue
June: The Road Trip Issue
July: The Dining & Drinking Issue
August: Best of the West Winners 2021
September: The Arts Issue
October: The Beer Issue
November: 2021 Gift Guide
December 2021: Crystal Ball Issue
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.