CELEBRATION OF THE GRAPE

A Q&A WITH DEBORAH AND DAVID BURGDORF OF BURGDORF’S WINERY IN HASLETT

BY CHRISTOPHER NAGY

It’s important to us to source fruit from Michigan to call ourselves a true Michigan winery. When you go to a winery, the expectation is that the fruit is grown locally, and the wine is produced by that winery. This is not always the case. We are planning to launch, in the near future, a designation called “Truly Michigan,” which would designate wineries that produce their own wine from 100% Michigan-sourced fruit.

Your wines have won numerous awards. Does one stand out for you?

It’s tough to pick just one wine. Of course, we’re proud of the ones that win gold medals. To list a few: We have dry, red wines named after our grandchildren, FAYE, Finlay and Fischer; a dry Un-Oaked Chardonnay; a bourbon barreled dry red, Chambourcin grape we call Spartan Reserve; and a blend of fruit wines called Berried Treasure.

How do you separate yourself from others in your industry?

For one, we have a female winemaker, or vintner, and owner. Also, as stated before, we pride ourselves in making unique wines. … All of our wines are Truly Michigan, produced on site at our winery from 100% Michigan-grown fruit. We also pride ourselves in great customer service.

What is the most-common comment you hear from your customers?

“We love coming to your place and love all your wines.” “There wasn’t one wine we didn’t enjoy.” “Your winery is very welcoming, comfortable and relaxing.” … We also get great compliments on our staff. We wouldn’t be a successful winery without our employees’ help and dedication.