Escanaba, Michigan is a delightful blend of community spirit and natural beauty, offering a perfect setting for those seeking a peaceful yet engaging lifestyle. Situated in the Upper Peninsula along the shimmering shores of Lake Michigan, this city offers a stunning backdrop for both relaxation and adventure.
Outdoor enthusiasts will revel
in Escanaba's plethora of recreational opportunities. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll through the breathtaking Ludington Park, enjoying a day of sailing or fishing on Little Bay de Noc, or hitting the trails for some scenic hiking and skiing, Escanaba makes it easy to stay active and connected to nature.
The heart of Escanaba is its welcoming community. With friendly faces and a strong sense of
4 | HelloEscanaba, Michigan • Spring Issue
Hello Escanaba, Michigan • Spring Issue |5
Discover the Unique Charm of Escanaba,
togetherness, residents here embrace a slower pace without sacrificing vibrancy. Local events, such as the Upper Peninsula State Fair and the Escanaba Farmers Market, serve as hubs for socializing and celebrating local culture.
Additionally, Escanaba boasts a charming downtown filled with unique shops, cozy cafes, and family-owned restaurants that make every visit a delightful exploration. Coupled with its rich history and cultural attractions, living in Escanaba offers a truly fulfilling experience. Whether you seek tranquility, community, or outdoor excitement, Escanaba warmly invites you to join its...
Discover the Unique Charm of Escanaba, Michigan
Escanaba, Michigan is a delightful blend of community spirit and natural beauty, offering a perfect setting for those seeking a peaceful yet engaging lifestyle. Situated in the Upper Peninsula along the shimmering shores of Lake Michigan, this city offers a stunning backdrop for both relaxation and adventure.
Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in Escanaba's plethora of recreational opportunities. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll through the breathtaking Ludington Park, enjoying a day of sailing or fishing on Little Bay de Noc, or hitting the trails for some scenic hiking and skiing, Escanaba makes it easy to stay active and connected to nature.
The heart of Escanaba is its welcoming community. With friendly faces and a strong sense of togetherness, residents here embrace a slower pace without sacrificing vibrancy. Local events, such as the Upper Peninsula State Fair and the Escanaba Farmers Market, serve as hubs for socializing and celebrating local culture.
Additionally, Escanaba boasts a charming downtown filled with unique shops, cozy cafes, and family-owned restaurants that make every visit a delightful exploration. Coupled with its rich history and cultural attractions, living in Escanaba offers a truly fulfilling experience. Whether you seek tranquility, community, or outdoor excitement, Escanaba warmly invites you to join its distinctive journey.
Why Do Wineries Grow Cold-Hardy Grapes
People are often surprised to learn that wine grapes are grown in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Long winters, heavy snowfall, and a short growing season do not match the image most people have of wine country. Yet vineyards near Escanaba continue to produce wines with depth, structure, and character,
thanks to one key factor, cold-hardy grapes.Cold-hardy grapes are varieties specifically developed to survive extreme winter temperatures and limited summer heat. Many of these grapes were created through research programs at the University of Minnesota, where plant breeders focused on resilience
6 | HelloEscanaba, Michigan • Spring Issue
Why Do Wineries Grow Cold-Hardy Grapes
People are often surprised to learn that wine grapes are grown in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Long winters, heavy snowfall, and a short growing season do not match the image most people have of wine country. Yet vineyards near Escanaba continue to produce wines with depth, structure, and character, thanks to one key factor, cold-hardy grapes. Cold-hardy grapes are varieties specifically developed to survive extreme winter temperatures and limited summer heat. Many of these grapes were created through research programs at the University of Minnesota, where plant breeders focused on resilience without sacrificing flavor. These grapes can withstand temperatures far below zero while still ripening properly during a short growing window. Growing grapes in northern climates like Michigan requires a different mindset than traditional wine regions. Instead of forcing familiar European varieties into unsuitable conditions, northern wineries select grapes built for their environment. This approach reduces vine damage, improves consistency from year to year, and supports long-term vineyard health. Cold-hardy grapes make it possible to grow wine that truly reflects the Upper Peninsula climate rather than fighting against it. In the Upper Peninsula, winter survival is only part of the challenge. Spring arrives late, and fall can come quickly, leaving little margin for error. Cold-hardy grapes bud later than traditional varieties, reducing the risk of frost damage. They also ripen earlier, allowing harvest before cold weather returns. These grapes do more than survive, they produce wines with surprising intensity. Cold-hardy wine grapes often deliver bold aromas, bright acidity, and complex fruit character. The natural acidity developed in cooler temperatures gives the wines freshness and balance, even in richer styles. Wine lovers unfamiliar with northern wines often expect thin or simple flavors. Instead, they find wines with strong varietal identity and structure. Reds can show deep color and spice, while whites offer crisp citrus and floral notes. These characteristics come directly from the climate and the grapes designed to thrive in it. For wineries in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, cold-hardy grapes are not a compromise. They are a deliberate choice that allows winemakers to express a true sense of place. Each vintage reflects local weather patterns, soil conditions, and the rhythm of the northern growing season. This focus on place is what makes Upper Peninsula wines distinctive. Rather than copying styles from warmer regions, wineries embrace what the land provides. Cold-hardy grapes respond well to local soils and lake-influenced weather, producing wines that could not exist anywhere else. As interest in regional and climate-driven wines grows, cold-hardy grapes are gaining attention beyond northern states. They represent a practical and thoughtful response to challenging environments. In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, they are the foundation of a growing wine culture that continues to surprise and impress. Cold-hardy grapes show that great wine does not depend on latitude alone. It depends on choosing the right grapes for the land and letting them tell their story.
Jonathan Bovard
without sacrificing flavor. These grapes can withstand temperatures far below zero while still ripening properly during a short growing window.Growing grapes in northern climates like Michigan requires a different mindset than traditional wine regions. Instead of forcing familiar European varieties into unsuitable
conditions, northern wineries select grapes built for their environment. This approach reduces vine damage, improves consistency from year to year, and supports long-term vineyard health.Cold-hardy grapes make it possible to grow wine that truly reflects the Upper Peninsula climate rather than fighting against it.In the Upper Peninsula, winter survival is only part of the challenge. Spring arrives late, and fall can come quickly, leaving little margin for error. Cold-hardy grapes bud later than traditional varieties, reducing the risk of frost damage. They also ripen earlier, allowing harvest before cold weather returns....
Cold-hardy grapes make it possible to grow wine that truly reflects the Upper Peninsula climate rather than fighting against it.
About the Author
Jonathan Bovard is the Vineyard Manager and Winemaker at Northern Sun Winery, overseeing both grape growing and wine production. With a hands-on approach in the vineyard and cellar, he focuses on cold-climate varietals, careful harvest timing, and craftsmanship. His work reflects a deep respect for the land, the growing season, and the character each vintage brings.
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Escanaba
8 | HelloEscanaba, Michigan • Spring Issue
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Where Innovation Meets Community Spirit
Escanaba, Michigan, might be small in size, but it is mighty in entrepreneurial spirit. This delightful city, known for its
picturesque Great Lakes shoreline, is fast becoming a hub for innovative minds ready to redefine the ways in which business is done. The zest for creating something new and meaningful is palpable among Escanaba's entrepreneurs and developers, an energetic group that has been steadily transforming the local economy while retaining a deep respect for the community's cherished small-town charm.
Local talent here is on the rise, with business accelerators and co-working spaces laying the groundwork for groundbreaking ideas. In Escanaba, you'll find tech-savvy developers enjoying an inspiring backdrop to build the future, alongside artisans and craftsmen breathing new life into traditional industries. Whether it’s a quirky boutique springing up on Ludington Street or a tech startup aiming to leverage the latest software to solve everyday problems, Escanaba's entrepreneurial endeavors reflect a shared dedication to progress and sustainability.
Beyond business, there is a true synergy between personal passion and professional pursuits, promoting an enriching quality of life for all its residents. Escanaba is not just a place for commercial growth; it's a thriving community where possibilities are endless, driven by innovation, collaboration, and the unique spirit of its people.
Escanaba
Escanaba: Where Innovation Meets Community Spirit
Escanaba, Michigan, might be small in size, but it is mighty in entrepreneurial spirit. This delightful city, known for its picturesque Great Lakes shoreline, is fast becoming a hub for innovative minds ready to redefine the ways in which business is done. The zest for creating something new and meaningful is palpable among Escanaba's entrepreneurs and developers, an energetic group that has been steadily transforming the local economy while retaining a deep respect for the community's cherished small-town charm.
Local talent here is on the rise, with business accelerators and co-working spaces laying the groundwork for groundbreaking ideas. In Escanaba, you'll find tech-savvy developers enjoying an inspiring backdrop to build the future, alongside artisans and craftsmen breathing new life into traditional industries. Whether it’s a quirky boutique springing up on Ludington Street or a tech startup aiming to leverage the latest software to solve everyday problems, Escanaba's entrepreneurial endeavors reflect a shared dedication to progress and sustainability.
Beyond business, there is a true synergy between personal passion and professional pursuits, promoting an enriching quality of life for all its residents. Escanaba is not just a place for commercial growth; it's a thriving community where possibilities are endless, driven by innovation, collaboration, and the unique spirit of its people.
