by Carol Thompson

Sometimes it takes an unconventional idea to make classic styles of wine. That is the philosophy behind Villa Mari Vineyards, where father and son team Marty and Alex Lagina blend their Italian heritage with their northern Michigan home.

It started with hoop houses, built 10 years ago to shelter the delicate European grape varieties that wind up the vineyard's trellises. Northern Michigan rests at a similar latitude as some of Europe's famed grape growing regions, but has colder temperatures and more snow. Alex Lagina estimates the hoop houses give grapes an extra month of ripening time.

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Source: http://www.record-eagle.com/