Legislation Looks To Expand Wine And Grape Council To Include Craft Beer

Controversy is bubbling up within the state’s alcohol beverage industry as legislation ferments in Lansing to expand the state’s Grape and Wine Industry Council.

The measure would give craft brewers, craft distillers and hop and barley growers a seat on the council. Scott Graham, executive director of the Michigan Brewers Guild, says that would open up research opportunities on the agricultural side – something the council provided to the once fledgling grape growing industry.

However Gordon Wenk, chairman of the council, says expanding it without adding more money will just dilute the work their doing.

He says the council can barely fund research and marketing for all of the wineries in the state right now.

Bills to expand the council have been introduced in both the Michigan House and Senate. No hearings have been held.