I recently spent 21 hours of a Tuesday in Lansing, Michigan. Most of that time was spent swirling, sniffing, sipping and spitting wine as a judge of the Michigan Wine Competition. There were 6 panels of judges, each taking on about 75 wines of all varieties and styles made from Michigan-grown wine grapes and fruit. Over 400 were entered, and a quarter of them earned a Gold medal.

Our panel judged flights of sparkling, Pinot Noir, unoaked Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, red and white blends, hybrid blends, fruit wines and medium sweet rieslings. The top wines of each category went to the Sweeps - where all judges tasted the chosen wines to award the Best of Class. This was the first year the competition added an Ice Wine category. Michigan's climate allows for grapes to be left on the vine past harvest until the grapes freeze and are then harvested, crushed and fermented into lush, decadent, Ice Wine.

One of my fellow panel judges was Scott Harvey. Ever heard of the wine called "Menage a Trois"? He created that style and brand decades ago while making wine at Folie a Deux Winery in Napa, California. It was fantastic to have him on the panel. He not only knew all of the characteristics of the grapes and styles, but the precise chemical action/reaction and wine making method that took place, or failed to do so, when we would taste a wine with a "flaw". As a judge I earned certification to identify those flaws but since I don't make wine, I admire and appreciate the work of someone who does. Scott has his own label and makes amazing wines from Napa and Amador County grapes. Get them if and when you can. www.scottharveywines.com

In the meantime you can find some of these Best of Class Michigan wines on local store shelves or of course on your next trip over the border.

Ice Wine: Chateau Grand Traverse 2016 Riesling Ice Wine

Dessert: St. Julian Winery Solera Cream Sherry

Sparkling: MAWBY Sandpainting

Dry White: Verterra Winery 2017 Dry Riesling

Dry Red: Mari Vineyards 2016 Bel Tramonto

Semi-dry White: Aurora Cellars 2017 Medium Sweet Riesling

Semi-dry Red: Lawton Ridge Winery 2017 AZO Red

Fruit: St. Julian Winery Sweet Nancie Peach

Rosé: Left Foot Charley 2017 Blaufrankisch Rosé