Lake Michigan College Wine & Viticulture Technology program offering summer wine and cider tasting series

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Southwest Michigan is home to one of the country's most celebrated wine regions, yet few who live in and visit the area have had the chance to truly explore what's in their glass. The Lake Michigan College Wine & Viticulture Technology program is changing that with a summer series of expert-led tasting sessions. The workshops are designed to deepen participants' understanding of wines and ciders from around the world and help them connect that knowledge to the vineyards and wineries right outside their door.

The sessions will be held at the College’s Welch Center for Wine and Viticulture Technology located at 2774 E. Empire Ave., Benton Harbor. Participants must be at least 21 years of age. Pre-registration is required as space is limited.

Wines of Austria 
Friday, June 12, 5:30–7 p.m., $40
Register at https://winesofaustria.eventbrite.com

Austria is one of Europe's most exciting wine-producing countries, known for precision, freshness, and distinctive regional character. This guided tasting of six wines explores major Austrian wine regions and the grape varieties that define them, including Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and Blaufränkisch. Attendees will gain practical tools for reading Austrian labels, identifying hallmark flavor profiles, and understanding what makes these wines stand out. Karl Selzer, Adjunct Faculty in Enology at LMC, will lead this approachable introduction to one of Europe's most dynamic wine cultures.

Ciders of the World
Friday, June 26, 5:30–7 p.m., $40
Register at https://cidersoftheworld.eventbrite.com

Cider is experiencing an exciting global revival, and this guided tasting explores its diversity. Styles inspired by English, French, Spanish, and American traditions appear alongside modern craft interpretations, including Grand Lac Cider, produced by LMC students. Tim Godfrey, Director of the Wine & Viticulture Technology Program at LMC and Certified Pommelier through the American Cider Association, will demonstrate how tannin, acidity, sweetness, carbonation, and fermentation choices shape cider structure and style, and how cider compares to wine as a fermented beverage. 

How to Taste Wine Like a Pro
Friday, July 10, 5:30–7 p.m., $40
Register at https://tastelikeapro.eventbrite.com

Tasting wine confidently starts with knowing what's happening in the glass. This workshop delivers a structured, sensory framework for doing exactly that. Karl Selzer, Adjunct Faculty in Enology at LMC, will guide participants through two flights of four wines each to anchor the session. The first flight will isolate key structural elements of acidity, tannin, sugar, and oak. The second will apply those skills across dry white, dry red, dessert, and sparkling styles. Using the 5S tasting method throughout, participants will leave with practical tools for every future glass.

The Wide World of Riesling
Friday, Aug. 7, 5:30–7 p.m., $40
Register at https://wideworldofriesling.eventbrite.com

Riesling is one of the world's most expressive and versatile grape varieties, producing wines ranging from bone dry to lusciously sweet while reflecting the character of wherever it's grown. This guided tasting of six Rieslings from important regions across Europe, North America, and beyond illustrates how climate, soil, and winemaking choices shape style. Jason Forbes, a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, will show participants how to interpret sweetness levels, acidity, and regional expression across classic and emerging Riesling regions.

Wines of Tasmania
Friday, Aug. 21, 5:30–7 p.m., $40
Register at https://winesoftasmania.eventbrite.com

Tasmania is one of the most exciting cool-climate wine regions in the world today, producing elegant and expressive wines shaped by maritime influence and long growing seasons. In this tasting guided by Jason Forbes, a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, participants will explore six wines that showcase the distinctive character of Tasmania and the grape varieties that thrive there. Examples of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines will be featured along with other regional specialties, as participants learn about Tasmania’s geography, climate, and winemaking traditions. 

About the Lake Michigan College Viticulture Program
Lake Michigan College operates the only teaching winery in the Midwest. Nestled in the heart of Southwest Michigan’s wine country along the shores of Lake Michigan, the LMC Viticulture program connects career seekers, hobbyists, and lifelong learners with industry professionals to explore and learn the finer points of creating wines – from vine to glass. In just 18-24 months, students get hands-on, real-world experience with every facet of the wine industry as they work toward their associate degree. More information about the program is available at https://www.lakemichigancollege.edu/academics/culinary-wineviticulture/wine-and-viticulture.