Three Northern Michigan partners are introducing two new Michigan Crafted™ cherry spirits during the 2026 Festival Season, which includes the 100th National Cherry Festival July 4-11 celebrating both Michigan’s rich cherry heritage and agricultural innovation, and the Traverse City Food & Wine Festival August 19-23. Michigan Crafted refers to a consumer-facing Brand campaign launched by the Michigan Craft Beverage Council, to promote Michigan’s thriving craft beverage industry. The collaboration brings together Wunsch Farms / Third Coast Fruits, ŌBrien Vineyards, and Red Pine Enterprises LLC in a project that demonstrates how growers, winemakers, entrepreneurs and craft beverage producers can work together… Read More »

Purpose of this Backgrounder This backgrounder is intended to provide context beyond the Media Release. While the Media Release announces the news, the Backgrounder explains the story behind the collaboration, the inspiration for the project, and its broader significance. Building on Michigan’s Cherry Heritage For more than a century, cherries have helped define Northern Michigan’s identity, economy and culture. The 100th National Cherry Festival provides an ideal opportunity not only to celebrate that remarkable history, but also to look thoughtfully toward the future. The collaboration among Wunsch Farms / Third Coast Fruits, ŌBrien Vineyards, and Red Pine Enterprises LLC was… Read More »