The Evolution of Modern Craft
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At Modern Craft, we don’t just make wine - we rewrite the rules of winemaking. But like all great stories, ours had humble beginnings. Picture this: a garage, a few buckets of grapes, a spark of curiosity, and the audacity to think, What if we did wine... differently?
Where It All Began: A Garage and a Dream
Our story starts not in a sprawling vineyard, but in a garage that smelled faintly of crushed fruit and wild ideas. Traditionalists might call it "unconventional"; we call it "the spark of innovation." While others were mastering the art of oak barrels and tannins, we were busy asking the big questions:
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“Why does wine have to be so... serious?”
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“What if wine could be fun, mixable, and fit into everyday life?”
Armed with little more than a DIY spirit and a refusal to follow the rules, our founder began crafting fruit-infused wines that didn’t fit neatly into any box. And that was the point.
The Early Days: Experiments, Wins, and a Few "Oops" Moments
Let’s be honest—there were some less-than-perfect batches along the way. We still shudder at the thought of the first batch of plum wine made in a plastic bucket from the over abundance of plums on the neighbor’s tree we just couldn’t stand the thought of going to waste. Boy that stuff was full of..... anyways. But every "oops" was a step closer to discovering the bold, fruit-forward flavors that define Modern Craft today.
Friends and family became our first taste-testers (and occasional guinea pigs). Their feedback? “This doesn’t taste like wine—it tastes better!” That’s when we knew we were onto something.
Breaking Into Michigan's Wine Scene
Michigan's wine scene has its roots in tradition—elegant Rieslings, rich Cabernets, and sprawling vineyards that tell a story of craftsmanship. And here we come, a little winery from Au Gres, mixing apples and cherries, daring to make wines you can blend into cocktails.
At first, the idea raised a few eyebrows. "Mixable wine? What does that even mean?" But Michigan embraced us, quirks and all. (Except the Leelanau vintner at our first wine show that told us we’re ruining the industry ?? we swore he said “running” but he did not) Why? Because Modern Craft isn’t just about wine—it’s about creating experiences. It’s about grabbing a bottle of Cabin Cider or Cranberry Glacier, pouring it over ice, and mixing it with ginger ale.
Modern Craft wasn’t here to replace tradition; we were here to remix it. And give an opportunity to those who thought wine was never an option to reconsider.
The Challenges: Paving Our Own Path
Breaking the mold isn’t easy. There were moments when we wondered if people would "get" what we were doing. Would wine lovers appreciate our bold flavors? Would cocktail enthusiasts give wine a second look?
But we stayed true to our vision: wine for the rule-breakers, the cocktail shakers, and the “wine is too stuffy” thinkers. Slowly but surely, the word spread. Wine tastings became mini-events, customers became lifelong fans, and our bottles started popping up in homes, celebrations, and Instagram feeds across Michigan and beyond.
Where We Are Now: More Than Just a Winery
Today, Modern Craft is more than just a winery—it’s a movement. We’ve grown from those garage days into a brand that’s redefining what wine can be. We’ve opened tasting rooms. Our flavors have become staples at parties, picnics, and quiet nights by the fire.
From sweet fruit wines like Apple to mixable creations like Blackberry, Modern Craft has something for everyone—and we’re just getting started.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Fun, Mixable Wine
As we look to the future, one thing remains clear: we’ll never stop breaking the rules. Because wine shouldn’t be intimidating—it should be fun, approachable, and yours to enjoy however you want.
So here’s to the garage experiments that started it all, the Michigan community that believed in us, and to you—our customers, fans, and partners in this wild wine adventure. Raise your glass (or cocktail shaker), and let’s keep mixing it up!
Join the Modern Craft Movement
Ready to try wine that dares to be different? Explore our flavors and find your new favorite at ModernCraftWinery.com. Cheers to creating something unforgettable—together.
