New Ownership for Michigan by the Bottle Wine Retail Locations

News Summary

The owners of several well-known wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula have taken over Michigan by the Bottle locations in Metro Detroit. This transition comes with plans to enhance the tasting experience and promote Michigan wines. The new partnership aims to spotlight selected wineries, revamp tasting rooms, and expand access to local wines, boosting the state’s wine industry significantly.

Detroit, Michigan – The families behind several renowned wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula have acquired the Michigan by the Bottle retail and tasting room locations in Metro Detroit, signaling a new chapter for Michigan’s wine industry. This partnership includes the owners of Aurora Cellars, Good Harbor Vineyards (Sam and Taylor Simpson), and Verterra Winery (Paul and Geoff Hamelin). The transition follows the previous ownership of co-founders Shannan and Cortney Casey, who opened the first Michigan by the Bottle location in Shelby Township in 2012.

The newly appointed owners have expressed a strong commitment to expanding awareness and appreciation of Michigan wines across the state. By enhancing the tasting experience, they aim to establish Michigan by the Bottle as a leading destination for wine enthusiasts. The tasting rooms, currently showcasing curated selections from approximately 30 wineries, will streamline their offerings to feature wines from 15 specifically chosen wineries, which includes well-established names like Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery, Bonobo Winery, Blustone Vineyards, Rove Winery, and Modales Wines.

This consolidation represents a proactive strategy aimed at spotlighting Michigan’s unique wines, which collectively draw 1.7 million visitors annually, contributing more than $330 million to the state’s tourism revenue. As Michigan boasts over 240 wineries, the local wine industry plays a pivotal role in the state’s economy, generating nearly $9 billion in annual revenue and ranking Michigan among the top six wine-producing states in the U.S.

Both Sam and Taylor Simpson come from a lineage of agricultural backgrounds, being third-generation farmers on the Leelanau Peninsula. Their company, Simpson Family Estates, includes their wineries and Harbor Hill Fruit Farms, which provides custom-crush wine-making and bottling services. Meanwhile, the Hamelins, who began planting grapevines in the area in 2006, operate successful tasting rooms located in Leland and near Northport.

The new ownership group plans to revamp Michigan by the Bottle locations to enhance their “tasting room” ambiance and better tell the stories of the featured wineries. The planned improvements will include redesigning the interiors to create a more inviting atmosphere and will offer limited tasting sessions led by owners and winemakers, offering firsthand knowledge and personal insights into the wines being served.

Additionally, the partnership has plans to open a fourth Michigan by the Bottle location in Lake Orion, alongside aspirations for further expansion throughout Michigan. By investing in these retail sites, the new owners aim to increase access to Michigan wines within the state’s largest market, thereby continuing the legacy established by the Caseys.

Shannan and Cortney Casey, the previous owners, initially began their journey with a blog, MichiganByTheBottle.com, which aimed at promoting Michigan’s wines. Their venture swiftly grew and expanded into the concept of retail locations. The new ownership aims to take the business to the next level, enhancing the brand’s presence and visibility in Metro Detroit while ensuring that the locality’s wines receive the recognition they deserve.

The Hamelins and Simpsons bring considerable experience in the wine industry, coupled with a profound passion for promoting local wines. Their vision for Michigan by the Bottle includes a refined selection approach, focusing on elevating specific wineries that encapsulate the artistry and talent found within Michigan’s thriving wine community.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• The Detroit News
• Awesome Mitten: Traverse City Wineries
• MLive: Leelanau Peninsula’s New Wine
• The New York Times: Michigan Road Trip
• MLive: Hunt for the Reds
• Wikipedia: Wine in the United States
• Google Search: Leelanau Peninsula Wineries
• Google Scholar: Michigan Wineries
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wine
• Google News: Michigan Wineries