Mike Laing didn’t set out to lead one of Michigan’s most iconic sparkling wine houses, but the vineyard his parents planted in Lake Leelanau in 2002 quietly set the stage. After leaving teaching in Chicago, he joined MAWBY in 2007, just as the winery was doubling down on its sparkling focus. Today, Mike and his brother Peter carry forward MAWBY’s 50-year legacy while pushing boundaries with nonalcoholic bubbly, irreverent branding, and a second label rooted in memory: bigLITTLE. From the philosophy of MAWBYness to the story behind Safe Sex, Mike shares how personal history, customer feedback, and a refusal to be stuffy shape everything they do. Sparkling wine, he insists, should be fun, and Michigan’s wine story is just getting started. Learn more at mawby.wine and biglittlewines.com Contact: info@mawby.wine

Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/

Episode 108 features an in-depth conversation with the new owners of Free Run Cellars, Tricia Slevin and Prashanth Pais. Drawing inspiration from the Sanskrit phrase “Atithidevo Bhav,” meaning "a guest is akin to God," they’ve crafted Free Run into a place of intentional hospitality and emotional sanctuary. Tune in for a deep dive into the philosophy, design, and quiet excellence that shape this unique Southwest Michigan destination. Learn more at freeruncellars.com or connect directly via contact@frcwine.com and 269-815-6885. Resources referenced in the episode:

https://www.berkshirepublishing.com/title/tggp-2023/

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/most-consumers-will-spend-more-at-businesses-with-clean-restrooms-300815601.html

Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here:https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/

Joe Herman, longtime steward of Karma Vista Vineyards, is back on the show. Since selling the property, Joe has embraced a more relaxed pace while diving into regenerative agriculture and the future of sustainable viticulture. Tune in to hear his insights, reflections, and a dose of Michigan vineyard wisdom. Contact Joe at joeherman@mac.com.

Books and other resources:

The Devil's Element by Dan Egan

www.amazon.com/Devils-Element-Phosphorus-World-Balance/dp/1324002666

Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown

www.chelseagreen.com/product/dirt-to-soil

Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake

www.merlinsheldrake.com/entangled-life

Growing a Revolution by David R. Montgomery

www.amazon.com/Growing-Revolution-Bringing-Soil-Back/dp/0393608328

The Art of Balancing Soil Nutrients by William McKibben

bookstore.acresusa.com/products/the-art-of-balancing-soil-nutrients

Hands-On Agronomy by Neal Kinsey & Charles Walters

bookstore.acresusa.com/products/hands-on-agronomy

Common Ground (Prime Video)

www.amazon.com/Common-Ground-Joshua-Tickell/dp/B0DSQ7LC5W

Kiss the Ground (Prime Video)

www.amazon.com/Kiss-Ground-Woody-Harrelson/dp/B08KZCL4X2

Elaine Ingham (YouTube)

www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdh7A7CwJ_djfIG1ecN8mCeOG4MsqcY4e

Regenerative Agriculture Podcast by John Kempf

open.spotify.com/show/14s0owdUUxjTYUeNXpWnv8

Michigan Governor’s Cup awards can be found here: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/04/2025-taste-michigan-governors-cup-results/