Michigan 101

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Wine lovers, it's time to broaden your horizons with an online adventure – a comprehensive course dedicated to the cool climate hero of the mid-west - Michigan! Surrounded by the Great Lakes, and a wine history going back 300 years, this beautiful state is cool in both senses of the word.

For the Adventurous Explorer:

Expand your palate by diving into a variety of new and unique wines from around the world. Discover hidden gems, from emerging wine regions to lesser-known varieties, and embark on a sensory journey with every sip.

For the Cool Climate Aficionado:

Delve into the world of cool climate wines that boast lower alcohol content and a fresher style. Explore European-like wines with vibrant acidity and nuanced flavors, perfect for those who appreciate elegance and finesse in their glass.

For the Travelling Outdoors Enthusiast:

Plan your next adventure to Michigan's stunning natural landscapes, where you can immerse yourself in the state's diverse wine scene. Experience the beauty of Michigan's vineyards and taste wines that reflect the unique terroir and climate of this captivating region.

For the Wine Nerd:

Stay ahead of the curve and uncover the next big thing in the wine world. As a passionate sommelier or wine maven, you'll discover up-and-coming wine regions, innovative winemaking techniques, and the latest trends to share with your fellow wine enthusiasts and friends.

Plunge into 6 comprehensive sections of Michigan wine country education, then master a 50-question quiz to earn your certificate, perfect for sharing on your social networks.

History With a winemaking history going back 300 years to the first French explorers, Michigan has a deep-rooted winemaking tradition that was influenced by Cadillac.

Grapes Michigan is celebrated for its cool climate varietals such as Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, showcasing over 50 unique wine varieties that thrive in the region's diverse microclimates.

Terroir Learn how Michigan’s glacial soils and Great Lakes influence create special conditions that result in distinct wine characteristics that you can see and taste in the glass.

Region Explore the five key AVAs (American Viticulture Areas) of Michigan, including the Leelanau Peninsula, Old Mission Peninsula, and Lake Michigan Shore. Discover what makes each wine region unique and what wines excel in each area.

Buying Advice Learn to expertly navigate Michigan's wines and vintages and find alternatives to some of the better know grape varieties.

Tasting Experience the diversity of Michigan as Master of Wine, Christine Marsiglio, tastes through 6 different wines from this cool-climate state.

While some prior wine experience would be helpful, it is also not required.

You don’t need wines for this course, but, in the wines section, Christine tastes 6 different wines. We’ll give you the information regarding these wines with a QR code so you can follow along.

At the end of each section, there will be a quiz to challenge your learning, and, at the end of the course, there is a 50 multiple choice question exam. You must achieve 80% in order to pass.

You’ll then be issued a certificate upon completion, which you can share on LinkedIn.

Should you ever want to review your knowledge, you have access to this course for life, so feel free to come back to top up your knowledge.

What You'll Learn

6 Knowledge Packed Sections:

1) History

1) History

With a winemaking history going back 300 years to the first French explorers, Michigan has a deep-rooted winemaking tradition that was influenced by Cadillac.
2) Grapes

2) Grapes

Michigan is celebrated for its cool climate varietals such as Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, showcasing over 50 unique wine varieties that thrive in the region's diverse microclimates.
3) Terroir

3) Terroir

Learn how Michigan’s glacial soils and Great Lakes influence create special conditions that result in distinct wine characteristics that you can see and taste in the glass.
4) Region

4) Region

Explore the five key AVAs (American Viticulture Areas) of Michigan, including the Leelanau Peninsula, Old Mission Peninsula, and Lake Michigan Shore. Discover what makes each wine region unique and what wines excel in each area.
5) Buying Advice

5) Buying Advice

Buying Advice Learn to expertly navigate Michigan's wines and vintages and find alternatives to some of the better know grape varieties.
6) Tasting

6) Tasting

Experience the diversity of Michigan as Master of Wine, Christine Marsiglio, tastes through 6 different wines from this cool-climate state.
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course wines

Get to Know Michigan's Wines

Taste through 6 different wines from this cool-climate state.

Riesling

Riesling

Riesling, Michigan's most planted grape, thrives in its cool climate and withstands harsh winters, benefiting from the Lake Effect and extended autumn to develop complex flavors and maintain high acidity.
Chardonnay

Chardonnay

Chardonnay ranks as Michigan's second most prevalent grape, flourishing in its cool climate to produce both oaked and unoaked wines, as well as sparkling wines.
Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio

Michigan's third most planted grape variety excels in the state's cooler climates, mirroring the conditions of its Northern Italian and Alsatian origins.
Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir

Michigan's leading red grape, Pinot Noir, exemplifies the state's ability to produce red wines marked by complexity and elegance.
Marquette/Hybrids

Marquette/Hybrids

Hybrids make up 30% of the total plantings in Michigan and are a key part of the winemaking tradition here.

Get Schooled by a Real-Deal Master of Wine

Meet Christine Marsiglio, our Director of Education and a Bollinger award-winning Master of Wine—yeah, she’s one of only 35 in the world with that accolade!

Prior to joining Wine Folly, Christine played a pivotal role as a WSET Diploma Educator in London and was instrumental in contributing to the latest global Diploma materials. And get this, she was also a Tastings Exec at Decanter, running panels and even organizing the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Let’s just say, when it comes to wine, Christine’s got some serious game.

Sip Smarter with Madeline Puckette

Get to know Madeline Puckette, the co-founder who turned Wine Folly into your ultimate wine cheat sheet since 2011.

She's not just any wine guru; she's racked up major accolades like Wine Blogger of the Year and Wine Communicator of the Year from the International Wine & Spirits Competition, plus she’s also a James Beard Award-winning and New York Times best selling author!

Trust us, her must-read articles, eye-popping infographics, and can't-miss videos make wine know-how as easy as uncork, pour, sip. She's the real deal.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The videos are pre-recorded so that you can watch at your own pace and timezone.

Wines are not required for this course, but if you want you’ll learn the skills to source your own delicious wines should you wish.

We recommend at least 2-3 hours of learning, which is best split over a day or two, but you can go at your own pace and finish earlier or take more time should you wish.

While some prior wine experience would be helpful, it is also not required.

You don’t need wines for this course, but, in the wines section, Christine tastes 6 different wines. We’ll give you the information regarding these wines with a QR code so you can follow along.

No. We’ll teach you tools that will allow you to go out and taste, buy, and enjoy wines in a more confident way.

Upon purchase you will be invited to join our courses learning platform to start the course whenever you wish. You can access the course at any time and from any device. Start and stop whenever you desire. Take your time or zoom through it.

100% satisfaction guarantee, within 30 days of purchase.

Yes! Upon completion (you have to score 80% or higher) of the certificate challenge you will get a unique, encoded digital certificate that you can also share on LinkedIn.