Detroit Vineyards Brings Locally-Sourced Wine Back to City
Blake Kownacki and Thomas Roberes visit WDET to talk about their grape expectations for vineyards in the city.
When you think about vineyards, maybe you picture the rolling hills of northern California’s wine country in Napa Valley, or maybe you even think about Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula or Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City. I’m guessing one of the last places in your mind is the urban environment of Detroit.
But they’re here!
Last month, Detroit Vineyards opened a tasting room in the former Stroh’s Ice Cream factory on Gratiot Avenue near Eastern Market. The development was a major milestone for the company. While most of the grapes used by the company come from the west side of the state, they are also currently cultivating vineyards right here in the city. This is Detroit’s first winery in 60 years, and two of the men behind the venture join Jake Neher to talk about their project.
Blake Kownacki, Detroit Vineyards Co-Founder, Winemaker & Vineyard Manager.
Thomas Roberes, community affairs coordinator for Detroit Vineyards.
