One of my favorite ways to spend a day in summer is on a Michigan wine trail. 

Tasting five wines in a row, eating oyster crackers to cleanse the palate, chatting with a bartender, ordering some charcuterie, taking in the beautiful view of the vineyard—then doing it all over again, very slowly getting day-buzzed with friends.

Michigan had roughly 100 wineries in 2007 and now has more than 200, with that number continuing to grow as people realize the climate here makes for great grapes, and the scenery makes for great wineries. 

In this year’s Wine & Spirits issue, we talk to a local winemaker about what it’s like to make the stuff here, such as the unique conditions that allow for ice wines. We also look at just a handful of the wineries across Southwest and Northwest Michigan that have more to offer than vino, like food, cooking classes, tours, music, walking trails and more. 

Then we shine a spotlight on 10 cocktails in Grand Rapids that have stood the test of time, becoming icons of sorts at their respective establishments. There’s something special about coming back to a spot you haven’t been to in years and picking up where you left off (in this case, with a rum-loaded cocktail).

Plus, check out our Summer Bucket List to get your summer planning started. Without a to-do list, the season might just pass you by! And there’s our annual farmers market roundup, reminding you of where you can get food directly from farms alongside jewelry, candles, flowers and so much more—all while enjoying live music, food trucks and games.

Finally, as always, we have our interviews with musicians like A Perfect Circle and Hippo Campus, comedians like Fortune Feimster, and artists like rising star pianist Daniela Liebman. 

Whatever you end up doing this summer, we just suggest that you do it in a way that supports local, especially given how much small businesses are struggling right now.

'Til next time,

Josh Veal, Managing Editor