Guess who's back? Andrew Backlin, that's who! Today, we're diving into the latest buzz at Modales, his side hustle Backlin Wine Consulting, the thriving Michigan wine scene, and what the future holds. Let's uncork some juicy details and toast to what's to come! You can reach Andrew at backlinwineconsulting.com.

Today, Jayme and I have the pleasure of sampling three exquisite Michigan sparkling wines. First up is "Bedazzled," a crisp and dry bubbly white wine from Black Star Farms. Next, we have "Cows on the Beach," a 2022 bubbly Muscat from Chateau Fontaine nestled in the picturesque Leelanau Peninsula. And last but certainly not least, we'll be sipping on "Sparkling White" from Chill Hill winery right here in the Lake Michigan Shore. Make sure to mark your calendars and tune in to our podcast in two weeks, where we'll be delving into the fascinating world of sparkling wine production. Cheers to bubbly adventures ahead! Blackstarfarms.com; chateaufontaine.com; chillhill.net

Dan Nitz is my guest today. Dan owns Arrowhead Vineyards and has started the Nitz Family Vineyards wine label. Arguably the largest wine-grape grower east of the Rocky Mountains, Dan cultivates hundreds of acres of vinifera, hybrids as well as a few acres of juice grapes. nitzwines.com

Jayme and I go full-geek and talk about anthocyanins and Brettanomyces. There's no doubt the science of wine is truly fascinating. Today we share some things we've learned - and some opinions - about these two very different topics. DISCLAIMER: Be sure to do your own research on topics we discuss, particularly when we talk about perceived medical benefits. Enjoy!!

Cody Kresta Winery is making great wine thanks to owner/winemaker David Butkovich and grower/assistant winemaker Robert West. Today we’ll talk about how both of these great winemakers came into the business, discuss their fabulous wines, and some of the secrets behind them. codykrestawinery.com

Jayme and I are tasting three Lake Michigan Shore Merlot. We have one each from Dablon, Karma Vista (now Filkins Vineyards), and Lawton Ridge. We thought they were, respectively, bold, elegant and vibrant. At the end of this episode is a short segment on my experience with decanting. Pop open a bottle of Michigan wine and follow along. dablon.com, filkinsvineyards.com, lawtonridgewinery.com

Matt Goodell and Emily Goodell are the brother – sister team responsible for much of the operation at Amoritas Vineyards located in the Leelanau Peninsula. amoritasvineyards.com

Jayme and I discuss all of the reasons that Lake Michigan makes it possible for Michigan to be such a fantastic region for growing vinifera and therefore making fantastic wines. Pop open a bottle and listen along.