Project IBD

Project IBD  is a Joint Venture for the first commercial development of Portuguese grape varietals in Michigan-USA, on the Old Mission Peninsula AVA [certified American Viticultural Area] “OMP”.  Partners in the JV include:

Third Coast Fruit Co.

Isaiah Wunsch is Owner/CEO of Third Coast Fruit Co. and Wunsch Farms, which has been growing cherries, other stone fruit, and apples for over 100 years on the OMP, and now adding grapes for wine 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.

LinkedIn Profile:  Click Here

O’Brien Vineyards

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

Barry is the Vice President of the Michigan Wine Collaborative. (Click Here)

Red Pine Enterprises LLC.

Dennis Arouca is a semi-retired senior business executive  and attorney.  Dennis is an investor in start-up and early stage  companies, a former member of the Board of Directors for the Grand Traverse Economic Development Corp., for the Northern Michigan Angels Investor Group, 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 is focused on growing Portuguese grape varietials—both red and white– on the OMP AVA – at O’Brien Vineyards and Wunsch Farms.   A number of 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.  To prepare the market, Project IBD also is developing a new spirit in the tradition of Portuguese Ginjinha for debut at the 100th Annual National Cherry Festival in July 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 ties with Portugal’s grape and wine sector, and build long-term collaboration pathways that support Portuguese producers and grape varieties.