The good life: three Michiana examples.

• Author: David, Amanda

Because of its beauty and freshwater beaches, Southwest Michigan has long been considered a regional tourist destination--especially for Chicago. But over the past six years, with the inception of the Southwest Michigan Wine Trial, Michiana has seen a spark in tourism numbers from those who thirst for more than fresh water beaches they come for the wine.

The Southwest Michigan Wine Trail stretches from the Indiana state line north to Saugatuck, Michigan and from the lakeshore east to the vineyards beyond Paw Paw, Michigan. With more than 10,000 acres of grapes, the area is known for its light, beach-like fertile soil, rolling terrain and lake effect climate, which designates it as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) called the "Lake Michigan Shore"--similar to "Napa Valley" or "Sonoma Valley" regions of California.

Joe Herman, owner of Karma Vista Vineyards located in Coloma, Michigan, notes, "Southwest Michigan is like no other area in the Midwest. We are close to an enormous body of water, have great sandy soils and rolling hills that help circulate air and water drainage for the grapes." The Wine Trail prints and distributes 80,000 maps a year to show where each winery is located. Karma Vista estimates about 30,000 visitors to their winery each year and just experienced their busiest summer yet.

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"Our wines have been winning awards internationally since 2003," says Dr. Dave Miller, vice president of wine making and viticulture of St. Julian Winery in Paw Paw. "The awards tell the world that our soils and climate produce world-class wines and that builds credibility for our industry, sells wine and draws investors."

Miller also points out that wine sales have tripled since he started 12 harvests ago in 1997. "I think we are at a 'tipping point' where we are going to see more investors buying land for grapes and wineries. Businesses like restaurants, B&Bs, spas and the like sprout like mushrooms in Napa and Sonoma."

For more information visit the Southwest Michigan Wine Trail's Web site, www.miwinetrail.com.

HARBOR SHORES MIXED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Along the Lake Michigan shores in Southwest Michigan is the home of Harbor Shores. With a prime location nested along Lake Michigan, the St. Joseph River and the Paw Paw River, Harbor Shores is a proposed, mixed-development slated to revitalize approximately 530 acres in parts of Benton Harbor, St. Joseph and Benton Charter Township. The proposed land uses include...