The Heart of Man: Grape Growing and Winemaking in the Great Lakes | North Coast Chronicles

August 26, 2021

Explore the forgotten history of Great Lakes wine culture!

Join Helen as she talks with Lorri Hathaway, award-winning co-author of The History of Winemaking in Michigan about 150 years of winemaking in the Great Lakes, along with Edward Heineman and his son Dustin from Heineman's Winery -  one of the oldest operating family-owned wineries!  First launched in the 1800s by savvy businessmen as well as immigrants from German wine country, winemaking began with the use of native grapes such as Concord, Delaware and Niagara.  Nineteenth century vintners around the southern Great Lakes enjoyed the good life until the temperance movement heats up and forces many out of business while others survive selling grape juice. Listen as we learn about the simple, sweet wines of yore, the growth of sophisticated palate wines, and why the Great Lakes are the perfect location for grape growing!

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Helen Brohl

Helen Brohl is a Great Lakes gal, having grown up on the south shore of Lake Erie and a lifetime of summers on Middle Bass Island. Helen understands the Great Lakes as a valuable resource with a Master's Degree from The Ohio State University in Great Lakes Land and Water Use Policy and as an economic engine for the nation with almost 40 years of experience in maritime transportation and trade development. Helen previously worked as professional staff on the U.S. Congressional House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, with NOAA's Office of Coast Management, did trade development for the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, was the Director of Marketing for the Port of Chicago, the Executive Director of the U.S. Great Lakes Shipping Association, and retired in January 2023 after almost 17 years as the Executive Director of the U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System in Washington, DC. Follow along as Helen shares the nature, folk lore, and charm of the Great Lakes!