Lake Michigan Shore AVA

Lake Michigan Shore AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in southwest Michigan. Located in the state's traditional "fruit belt", Lake Michigan Shore AVA is the oldest modern commercial grape region of the state and home to a majority of Michigan vineyards and half of the state wine grape production. Vineyards in the region date back to 1867.

Lake Michigan Shore AVA
Wine region
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established1983, amended in 1987[1]
CountryUnited States
Part ofMichigan
Sub-regionsFennville AVA
Climate regionContinental
Total area1,280,000 acres (5,180 km2)[2]
Grapes producedCabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chancellor, Chardonnay, Chelois, De Chaunac, Gewurztraminer, Lemberger, Malbec, Marsanne, Merlot, Müller-Thurgau, Petit Verdot, Pinot gris, Pinot noir, Riesling, Roussanne, Seyval blanc, St. Vincent, Syrah, Traminette, Vidal blanc, Vignoles, Viognier[3]
Lake Michigan Shore AVA

Climate and geography

The AVA boundaries include the smaller Fennville AVA and extend as far as 45 miles (72 km) inland from the lakeshore; however, the climate and glacial moraine soils are relatively similar throughout. The "lake effect" off of Lake Michigan tempers the northern climate. Lake Michigan Shore AVA has a warmer growing season, as much as two weeks longer than the only other Michigan AVAs, Leelanau Peninsula AVA, and Old Mission Peninsula AVA, both of which are in Northern Michigan. The hardiness zone is 6a except near enough to Lake Michigan in Berrien County where it is 6b.

References
  1. Code of Federal Regulations. "§ 9.79 Lake Michigan Shore." Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas. Retrieved 2008-10-08.
  2. Wine Institute (2008). "American Viticultural Areas by State" Archived 2008-01-27 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2008.
  3. Appellation America (2007). "Lake Michigan Shore (AVA): Appellation Description". Retrieved Jan. 22, 2008.

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