We are joined in this episode by James Lester, the Founder, President, and Winemaker at Wyncroft Wines. Working alongside his wife Daun, James is directly involved in every aspect of this intentionally small winery nestled along the lakeshore in Pullman, Michigan.

The majority of this discussion revolved around Wyncroft's at times tumultuous history, as James recalls nearly losing his winery on at least one occasion. His story is a testament to the grit and determination it takes to make it in our industry.

We also delve into some of the tactics Wyncroft employs to produce among the most revered wines in the Midwest, and lay the foundation for future episodes around James' favorite grape - Pinot Noir.

Some links to things covered...

• https://www.wyncroftwine.com/
• https://www.diewithzerobook.com/welcome

Sponsors

• Fenn Valley Vineyards, Inc
• Carrier Signal
• Interested in being a sponsor? Click here.

Show Links

• https://craftpourdecisions.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/craftpourdecisions
• https://www.instagram.com/craftpourdecisions/

Music is provided by Domestic Problems.

We are joined in this episode by Fred Bueltmann from the Red Horse Center for Collaborative Leadership. It is safe to say Fred is among the founders of the Michigan craft beer and spirits industry having served in leadership roles during the early years of two of the most iconic breweries in Michigan - Bell's Brewery and New Holland Brewing.

We really leaned into Fred's breath and depth of experience to delve into the long arc of the craft scene in Michigan. We used Fred's two published books, "A Rising Tide - Stories from the Michigan Brewers Guild" and "Beervangelist's Guide to the Galaxy" to help ground our wide ranging discussion.

We specifically covered some of the challenges the industry faced at inception, how beer and spirits differ in terms of the market and how to write a cookbook. We also tasted through a couple very unique spirits - a whiskey made from local honey and a pineapple rum.

Some links to things covered...

• https://redhorse.red/
• https://twojames.com/our-spirits/pineapple-doctor-bird-rum/
• https://www.ethanologydistillation.com/store/p872/Mel%C2%AE_Vocatus.html#/
• https://www.mibeer.com/
• https://www.thefarmhousedeli.com/

Sponsors

• Fenn Valley Vineyards, Inc
• Carrier Signal
• Interested in being a sponsor? Click here.

Show Links

• https://craftpourdecisions.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/craftpourdecisions
• https://www.instagram.com/craftpourdecisions/

Music is provided by Domestic Problems.

In our first ever Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode we cover questions we received following a recent spring break trip onboard the Disney Fantasy cruise ship. Specifically we provide an overview of fermented beverages in the Caribbean, unique challenges and idiosyncrasies of cruise ship beverage service, and some of the unique aspects of the Disney cruise itself.

Have questions you would like to submit for an upcoming AMA? Contact us today!

Some links to things covered...

• https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/
• https://accademia.gaggia.com/

Sponsors

• Fenn Valley Vineyards, Inc
• Carrier Signal
• Interested in being a sponsor? Click here.

Show Links

• https://craftpourdecisions.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/craftpourdecisions
• https://www.instagram.com/craftpourdecisions/

Music is provided by Domestic Problems.

We are joined in this episode with Andrew Backlin from Modales Wines. Andrew grew up outside Napa county and brought his love of wine to Michigan several years ago as Modales was starting up. As the head of production and winemaking Andrew focuses on low intervention wines and has been doing so before it was popular.

We cover a wide variety of topics on this episode, including the use of Non-Saccharomyces yeast, native fermentations, organic farming, and market trends. We also dive pretty deep into Andrew's favorite grape, Riesling!

Some links to things covered...

• https://modaleswines.com/
• https://scottlab.com/harnessing-the-unique-powers-of-non-saccharomyces-yeasts

Sponsors

• Fenn Valley Vineyards, Inc
• Carrier Signal
• Interested in being a sponsor? Click here.

Show Links

• https://craftpourdecisions.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/craftpourdecisions
• https://www.instagram.com/craftpourdecisions/

Music is provided by Domestic Problems.

In the premier of Pour Decisions we sit down with Brian Lillie with Chateau Chantal. Brian is a legend in the Michigan wine industry and has an incredibly broad perspective on wine and the craft beverage market. In addition to his day job at Chateau Chantal, Brian is the President of the Michigan Wine Collaborative, has a WSET Level 3 wine certification, and is the owner of Brian Lillie and Company.

Specifically we delve into topics including wine aging, the impact of soil on flavors and aromatics, the state of the wine consumer, and so much more.

Some links to Brian's organizations...

• https://www.chateauchantal.com/
• https://brianlillieandcompany.com/
• https://michiganwinecollaborative.com/

Other links to things discussed...

• https://libbyapp.com/interview/welcome#doYouHaveACard

Sponsors

• Fenn Valley Vineyards, Inc
• Carrier Signal
• Interested in being a sponsor? Click here.

Show Links

• https://craftpourdecisions.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/craftpourdecisions
• https://www.instagram.com/craftpourdecisions/

Music is provided by Domestic Problems.

This is the trailer for the Pour Decisions podcast! Learn more at www.craftpourdecisions.com.

Pour Decisions is a podcast about craft beverages from an insiders point of view. Our primary focus is on wine made in the Midwest, but topics include other craft beverages and products. Basically, anything you can pour is fair game.

The podcast is hosted by Brian Lesperance, a 13 year veteran of the Michigan wine industry. Brian currently leads Fenn Valley Vineyards, a winery in Fennville, Michigan started in 1973. He also serves on several industry boards, including the Michigan Wine Collaborative and Michigan Wine Producers Association.

Pour Decisions is presented by Fenn Valley Consulting Services with IT provided by Carrier Signal. Music provided by Domestic Problems.