October 22, 2026 (Grand Rapids, MI) — The Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC) and Taste Michigan are bringing an expanded celebration of Michigan wine to the 19th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, November 20–21, 2026, at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids.
Anchored by the 2026 Taste MI Governor’s Cup Award Ceremony, this year’s Michigan wine programming will feature a dedicated Michigan Wine District, opportunities to taste award-winning wines, guided educational tasting sessions, and culinary experiences showcasing the versatility and quality of wines produced from Michigan-grown fruit.
The expanded presence will bring together Michigan wineries, wine enthusiasts, hospitality professionals, and industry partners for a weekend dedicated to discovering and celebrating the state’s growing wine industry.
Celebrating Michigan’s Best: 2026 Taste MI Governor’s Cup Award Ceremony
The official 2026 Taste MI Governor’s Cup Award Ceremony will take place Friday, November 20, from 3–4 p.m., immediately following the festival’s dedicated trade tasting hours. The ceremony will recognize the exceptional achievements of Michigan wineries and winemakers in the fourth annual Taste MI Governor’s Cup Competition, which featured 214 wine entries from 44 Michigan wineries, professionally evaluated in partnership with the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest).
This year’s highest honor went to French Valley Vineyard, whose 2024 Dessert Riesling earned 97 points and captured the prestigious Governor’s Cup trophy.
The competition also introduced two new statewide distinctions recognizing exceptional winery and winemaker performance:
- 2026 Winery of the Year: Stoney Ridge Vineyards
- 2026 Winemaker of the Year: Blake Lougheed, Harmony Estates (Bel Lago, French Valley Vineyard, Dune Bird Winery)
The 2026 Taste MI Governor’s Cup Award Ceremony will bring together leaders from Michigan’s wine industry, government, and hospitality community to celebrate the achievements of the state’s outstanding wineries and winemakers. The program will feature representatives from Michigan Wine Collaborative leadership, the Michigan Craft Beverage Council, the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest), and Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand, who will help welcome Michigan’s wine industry to the city for this statewide celebration and present awards to the top scoring wineries from the competition. Additional special guests and presenters will be announced as the ceremony approaches.
“The Governor’s Cup is about celebrating the people, creativity, vineyards, and businesses behind Michigan’s award-winning wines. This celebration creates opportunities for consumers and industry professionals alike to discover what Michigan wine has to offer and experience its unique ability to bring people together,” said Emily Dockery, Executive Director of the Michigan Wine Collaborative. “Bringing the celebration back to Grand Rapids, alongside an expanded Michigan wine experience, combines well-deserved recognition with meaningful opportunities to taste, explore, connect, and support Michigan wineries.”
Discover Michigan Wine in a Dedicated Festival District: A major highlight of this year’s festival will be the expanded Michigan Wine District, bringing Michigan wineries together in a dedicated area of the festival floor. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to explore wines from producers across the state, meet the people and artists behind the bottles, and experience the diversity of Michigan’s wine-growing regions, grape varieties, and winemaking styles.
The district will also feature the Taste Michigan Governor’s Cup Showcase, where guests can sample a selection of the competition’s highest-rated wines and discover firsthand why Michigan wines continue to earn recognition for their quality and distinctive character. From crisp cool-climate whites and expressive rosés to bold reds, sparkling wines, and distinctive dessert wines, the Michigan Wine District will offer opportunities for both longtime enthusiasts and curious newcomers to explore Michigan wine.
Connecting Michigan Wineries with the Beverage Trade: In addition to consumer programming, the festival provides opportunities to strengthen connections between Michigan wineries and the restaurant, retail, hospitality, and distribution professionals who bring Michigan wines to market.
On Friday, November 20, from 1–3 p.m., eligible industry guests representing MLCC-licensed businesses are invited to explore the festival’s exhibiting beverages during dedicated trade hours at no cost.
The industry tasting immediately precedes the Governor’s Cup Award Ceremony, creating an opportunity for wine buyers and hospitality professionals to discover award-winning Michigan wines, connect with producers, and explore new partnerships ahead of the holiday season and 2027. The Michigan Wine Collaborative encourages industry professionals from across the state to participate in both the trade tasting and award ceremony.
Experience Taste Michigan at the Festival: The Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival returns to DeVos Place November 20–21, bringing together beverages from around the world, regional culinary talent, and specialty tasting experiences.
Festival Hours:
- Friday, November 20: 4–9 p.m.
- Saturday, November 21: 2–9 p.m.
Taste MI Governor’s Cup Award Ceremony: Friday, November 20, 3–4 p.m.
Industry Tasting Hours: Friday, November 20, 1–3 p.m.
Location: DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI
For festival admission, tasting experiences, and additional event information, visit www.GRWineFestival.com.
For information about the Taste Michigan Governor’s Cup, Michigan Wine Collaborative, and participating Michigan wineries, visit www.TasteMichigan.org.
About the Michigan Wine Collaborative
The Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC) unites wineries, growers, suppliers, educators, and industry partners to strengthen Michigan’s wine industry through advocacy, education, networking, and shared resources. Its mission is to enhance the sustainability and profitability of the Michigan wine community now and for generations to come.
About Taste Michigan
Taste Michigan is a statewide initiative developed by the Michigan Wine Collaborative to increase awareness and demand for wines produced from Michigan-grown grapes. Through consumer events, trade engagement, educational programming, and collaborative marketing campaigns, Taste Michigan highlights the diversity, quality, and regional identity of Michigan wine while strengthening connections between wineries, restaurants, retailers, and consumers.
For more information, contact us by reaching out to info@michiganwinecollaborative.com or send us a message on social media.
