Project IBD

Project IBD is a Joint Venture to address several challenges in today’s wine grape and related markets:

  • evolution to adapt to changing business conditions
  • climate change impact on growing conditions
  • shifting consumer tastes and interests 

Partners in the JV include:

Third Coast Fruit Co.

Owner-CEO Isaiah Wunsch’s family has been growing fruit for over 100 years on the OMP, and is now adding wine grapes to its portfolio. Isaiah’s business leadership includes Michigan Tree Fruit Commission.  Michigan Cherry Committee, Board of Trustees for Peninsula Township, and Michigan Economic Development Corp.

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O'Brien Vineyards LogoO’Brien Vineyards

Barry O’Brien, is a decorated 40+ year wine industry professional, including proprietor of a wine importing and exporting business out of New York City, before moving to Northern Michigan, where he transformed an abandoned cherry orchard into a successful micro-winery and associated tasting room.  A former sommelier, Barry wrote his Dissertation on “Cool Climate Viticulture” for the Institute of the Masters of Wine, London UK. Barry is Vice President, and a member of the Board of Directors, of the Michigan Wine Collaborative.

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Red Pine Enterprises LLC.

Dennis Arouca is a semi-retired senior business executive and attorney in Industrial America. An investor in start-up and early stage companies with Northern Michigan Angels investor group, he also is a former member of the Board of Directors for the Grand Traverse Economic Development Corp, and a former Senior Advisor to ACRE-the Michigan state-wide Agriculture Technology Accelerator.  Dennis is a dual citizen of the USA and Portugal.

Project IBD’s first effort is focused on growing Portuguese grape varietals at ŌBrien Vineyards and Wunsch Farms.  Alvarinho (w) and Touriga Nacional (r) show adaptability to climate change, and are often blended to enhance other varieties.  Portuguese grape varietals have been successfully grown by the flagship and globally-recognized Michigan State University’s Agricultural program.  Project IBD plantings will be the first Commercial Portuguese grape and wine production in Michigan. Northern Michigan shares the 45th parallel viticulture sweet spot with leading wine-producing countries like France, Italy, Portugal, New Zealand.

While the new wine grape vines are maturing, Project IBD will introduce the region to Portuguese culture by debuting a new spirit in the tradition of Portuguese Ginjinha at the 100th Annual National Cherry Festival in July 2026, and the Traverse City Food & Wine Festival in August 2026.

What we Offer

Deep agricultural, viticultural and consumer-focused knowledge and experience, including in cold/cool climates.  Growing mature businesses and start-ups/early stage companies.

What we Seek

Our objectives are to build professional and commercial relationships for long-term collaboration.