In Icy Michigan, Fennville AVA Is a Grape-Growing Goldilocks
The influence of bodies of water on viticultural regions can be dramatic, often serving as the key environmental factor behind the unique terroir and wine styles of various regions. Lakes, in particular, play a foundational role in tempering climates, such as the regions of Finger Lakes AVA , Austria’s Neusiedlersee and the shores of Lake Michigan , which cradles Fennville AVA, the United States’ fourth-oldest AVA. Nestled within the southwest corridor of Michigan, Fennville AVA enjoys an advantageous position along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan’s widest point. Though the state is known for its brisk winters and ample snowfalls, Fennville’s specific location means it benefits from what’s referred to as the “lake effect,” which plays a pivotal role in moderating local climate, often by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. This natural phenomenon, courtesy of Lake Michigan’s vast and cold post-winter waters, delays bud-break typically until May, thus protecting the vines from frost. Conver