In this episode, I sit down with Olivia Anguilm and Nick Allen of WaterFire, longtime friends who found themselves running a winery almost by surprise. Nick’s agricultural roots and Olivia’s business and hospitality skills are guiding their vision for a sustainable, cozy vineyard experience. We talk about their plans for Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Blaufränkisch, and more, as well as their hopes for micro weddings, rentals among the vines, and keeping the quaint aesthetic alive. Learn more about WaterFire at waterfirewine.com or reach them at info@waterfirewine.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

In Episode 124 of If Vines Could Talk, we sit down with sustainability consultant Winnie Guerra to explore the roots and realities of organic winegrowing. From regenerative practices to the business case for sustainability, Winnie shares insights that matter for growers, winemakers, and wine lovers alike. Follow her on Instagram @winnie.g or reach her at winnieguerra18@gmail.com.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Bob Utter of Flying Otter Vineyard joins us to talk about growing grapes in Southeast Michigan. With an engineering background and a deep dive into viticulture, Bob shares how cold-hardy varieties like Marquette, Petite Pearl, and Frontenac Blanc thrive in Michigan’s climate. He explains why Blaufränkisch didn’t work, how Geneva Double Curtain and single highwire lateral cordon training support growth, and why he prefers the term “cold-hardy” over “hybrid.” Whether you’re a grower, winemaker, or enthusiast, this episode offers practical insight into crafting wine from the ground up. Learn more at flyingotter.com or reach out at info@flyingotter.com.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

In Episode 122, we sit down with Michael Wells of Black Fire Winery, located near Tecumseh in Southeast Michigan. Michael is Michigan’s first Black winemaker and brewer, and his journey is as bold as the wines he crafts. We talk about his inspiration, his process, and what it means to break new ground in Michigan’s wine scene. Visit blackfirewinery.com or call the tasting room at 517-424-9232 to learn more.

In Episode 121, we meet Lauren Burns of Tending Tilth, a contract grazier restoring prairie and grasslands across Southwest Michigan. Lauren shares her experience working with the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, grazing at Stranger’s Vineyard, and launching her new business focused on meat and hides. Learn how she met Maxx and Sidney through a shepherd in Buchanan, and how her work blends ecology, agriculture, and community. Visit tendingtilth.com or contact Lauren at tendingtilth@gmail.com or 269-888-3945. Follow her new venture on Instagram: @grasssaltandtallow.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Anna Rafalski of Granor Farm joins us to talk about Granor Farm, a bold new venture in Michigan’s beverage scene. As General Manager and Beverage Director, Anna curates a wine list featuring Stranger, Mawby, and bigLITTLE, alongside their own spirits: gin, vermouth, rye, and bourbon. We discuss the vision of owners Rob Buono and Liz Cichelli, and how Granor is redefining agritourism through hospitality and craft. For event inquiries, visit granorfarm.com or email events@granorfarm.com. Questions for Anna? anna@granorfarm.com.

© Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved. Photo of Anna Rafalski credited to EE Berger, decolorized by Steve Salisbury.

In Episode 119, Lauren Kniebes joins to explore three standout Pinot Noirs from Dreihart, Poetson and Stranger Wine Co. The conversation highlights Old Shore Vineyard’s southeast and southwest-facing slopes, which contribute to optimal ripening and freshness. © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.

Drew Perry of Simpson Family Estates shares his disciplined approach to vinifera-only winemaking across Aurora Cellars and Good Harbor Vineyards. We discuss production strategy, varietal integrity, and the legacy of Michigan wine. simpsonfamilyestates.com auroracellars.com goodharbor.com drew@simpsonfamilyestates.com © Steve Salisbury. Produced by Steve Salisbury. All rights reserved.