Fenn Valley Vineyards has been creating unique Michigan wines and ciders for over fifty years, nestled in the rolling green hills of Fennville in beautiful southwest Michigan. Behind the Mitten made a recent jaunt that way, about 45 minutes south of our world headquarters in Grand Rapids. We sat down with Brian Lesperance, Vice President of Fenn Valley, and winemaker Matt Jannette to get the scoop on all that's happening at Fenn Valley, plus some wine-tasting do's and don'ts.

First, let's go way back to 1973 when Fenn Valley was founded. The owners located the perfect section of land just the right distance from our lady Lake Michigan, which helps to provide the temperate weather that is just right for growing grapes. Lesperance explains the true importance of the lake, plus what "terroir" means, to kick off the show.

Head winemaker Matt Jannette came back home to Michigan after a stint out on the West Coast working for a really big vineyard. He's been making his mark at Fenn Valley for a while now, tweaking systems and techniques to make the very best wine possible. We learn how he got started, and what he loves about making wine. Hint: he's a Sparty!

Both Lesperance and Jannette join us for segment three, where we talk fun things to do at the vineyard, which is family-friendly, and open year-round. Fenn Valley hosts a few really big events each year, including their upcoming New Release weekends. Held the second and third weekends in April, this is like the deal and experience of the spring. This year join them at the vineyard April 13 & 14, and April 20 & 21where you'll get to try the six new wines for 2024, each paired with a special small taste of food from the culinary team. For only $15. Seriously!

We end the show with a wine tasting, and we get some great tips on do's and don'ts when you are doing one. I also just remembered that by the end of the show, we had both agreed to participate in The Vine Wine'd, a stunning 5K through the vineyards at Fenn Valley on October 5. Plan on joining us, and plan a visit to this beautiful corner of our state soon.


Follow John and Amy:
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
Twitter at @BehindTheMitten
Instagram at @BehindTheMitten