Pour Decisions
A podcast about craft beverages from an insiders point of view. Our primary focus is on wine made in the Midwest, but topics include other craft beverages and products. Basically, anything you can pour is fair game. The podcast is hosted by Brian Lesperance, a 14 year veteran of the Michigan wine industry. Brian currently leads Fenn Valley Vineyards, a winery in Fennville, Michigan started in 1973. He also serves on several industry boards, including the Michigan Wine Collaborative and Michigan Wine Producers Association. Pour Decisions is presented by Fenn Valley Consulting Services with IT provided by Carrier Signal. Music provided by Domestic Problems.
Episodes
In this special episode we explore the origin of Muscat...O, a new wine produced by Fenn Valley modeled after the famous Italian dessert wine Moscato d'Asti. The product was the vision of Matthew Jannette, who joins us to tell the story.
We specifically dive deep on how Moscato d'Asti is made, and some of the differences between the traditional wines from Italy and the Fenn Valley take. We also cover some thoughts on food pairings w...
In the first episode of 2026 we interview one of the most experienced sparkling wine experts around. Tony Jacobson is the Principal Consultant at EnoCraft and Founder of Loose Cannon Wines in Traverse City, Michigan.
We cover some of the challenges and opportunities available in the sparkling category, including not being afraid of acidity. We also delve into how different production techniques offer very different approaches to wi...
With the fog of harvest lifting, Matthew Jannette and Andrew Backlin reflect on the growing year. We go from bud break through harvest discussing how the slow start evolved into one of the driest seasons on record. They talked about what they are most looking forward to in terms of upcoming wines as well as some lessons learned.
We also tried several wines on the episode, including a 2025 Sauvignon Blanc from Modales and a Pét-Nat ...
Harvest is rapidly wrapping up! During the harvest season we will provide periodic (~weekly) updates on how things are going in Fennville as the fruit comes in.
In this episode we cover a brief history of Traminette, a hybrid grape developed in the 1960's and brought to market by Cornell University in 1996. Traminette has a very famous parent, Gewurtztraminer, that contributes to its spicy, floral flavors—notes of lychee, rose, and ...
Harvest continues! During the harvest season we will provide periodic (~weekly) updates on how things are going in Fennville as the fruit comes in.
In this episode we cover a brief history of Sauvignon Blanc, a sometimes misunderstood grape with a very long history. We delve into how Sauvignon Blanc can present itself very differently based on ripeness and its lineage as a parent of another famous wine grape.
Harvest continues! During the harvest season we will provide periodic (~weekly) updates on how things are going in Fennville as the fruit comes in.
This short episode also goes over a little history and use of the Riesling grape, originally used for winemaking in the 15th century! We discuss how this famous grape is among the most versatile in the wine world, being used for everything from dry sparkling wine to true late harvests.
No...
Harvest continues! During the harvest season we will provide periodic (~weekly) updates on how things are going in Fennville as the fruit comes in.
We also go through a little history on the Cayuga White grape, the first hybrid wine grape released by Cornell University in 1972. We wrap the episode with an overview of the different methods of harvest and the rationale behind hand versus machine picking.
Note: this episode is audio onl...
Harvest has started! We are going to try something new for the harvest season and provide a periodic (~weekly) update on how things are going in Fennville as the fruit comes in.
We also go through a little history on the Chardonnay grape, one of the most popular varieties grown around the world. And we wrap the episode with an overview of what goes into deciding when to harvest each block.
Note: this episode is audio only. We will pr...
In this episode we talk to Matthew Jannette, Head of Winemaking at Fenn Valley Vineyards. Matt and Brian literally sit next to each other at work, so needless to say they dove right into a myriad of topics.
Like many episodes, we start by going through Matt's journey through the craft beverage world - which included stops at some of the worlds' largest and smallest wineries. He also spent time selling wine which gives him a lot of s...
In this Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode we dive into the different ways sparkling wine can be produced. We cover the three main methods, Méthode Champenoise, Charmat Method, and Carbonation Method in detail. We also touch on a couple others, such as Pét-Nat.
Pour Decisions approaches the topic from two points of view. First, we try to highlight the considerations of each method, including time, equipment, and winemaking strategy. And...
We are joined in this episode by Scott Graham, the Executive Director of the Michigan Brewers Guild. Scott has been part of the craft scene for over 30 years including brewing and selling some of the worlds most iconic brands and some of the most niche. In his role as Executive Director Scott advocates for the Michigan Craft Beer industry on a daily basis.
We leveraged Scott's experience to discuss beer trends, both current and past...
In this Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode we cover all things Rose! The category of Rose wine is incredibly broad, and often misunderstood. We delve into the main ways rose wine is produced and how those production decisions may impact the wine in your glass - including color, flavor, and intensity. We also cover considerations around wine and food pairing and conclude with some thoughts on knowing if a Rose is starting to go over the ...
We are joined in this episode by James Lester, the Founder, President, and Winemaker at Wyncroft Wines. Working alongside his wife Daun, James is directly involved in every aspect of this intentionally small winery nestled along the lakeshore in Pullman, Michigan.
The majority of this discussion revolved around Wyncroft's at times tumultuous history, as James recalls nearly losing his winery on at least one occasion. His story is a...
We are joined in this episode by Fred Bueltmann from the Red Horse Center for Collaborative Leadership. It is safe to say Fred is among the founders of the Michigan craft beer and spirits industry having served in leadership roles during the early years of two of the most iconic breweries in Michigan - Bell's Brewery and New Holland Brewing.
We really leaned into Fred's breath and depth of experience to delve into the long arc of th...
In our first ever Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode we cover questions we received following a recent spring break trip onboard the Disney Fantasy cruise ship. Specifically we provide an overview of fermented beverages in the Caribbean, unique challenges and idiosyncrasies of cruise ship beverage service, and some of the unique aspects of the Disney cruise itself.
Have questions you would like to submit for an upcoming AMA? Contact us ...
We are joined in this episode with Andrew Backlin from Modales Wines. Andrew grew up outside Napa county and brought his love of wine to Michigan several years ago as Modales was starting up. As the head of production and winemaking Andrew focuses on low intervention wines and has been doing so before it was popular.
We cover a wide variety of topics on this episode, including the use of Non-Saccharomyces yeast, native fermentations...
In the premier of Pour Decisions we sit down with Brian Lillie with Chateau Chantal. Brian is a legend in the Michigan wine industry and has an incredibly broad perspective on wine and the craft beverage market. In addition to his day job at Chateau Chantal, Brian is the President of the Michigan Wine Collaborative, has a WSET Level 3 wine certification, and is the owner of Brian Lillie and Company.
Specifically we delve into topic...
This is the trailer for the Pour Decisions podcast! Learn more at www.craftpourdecisions.com.
Pour Decisions is a podcast about craft beverages from an insiders point of view. Our primary focus is on wine made in the Midwest, but topics include other craft beverages and products. Basically, anything you can pour is fair game.
The podcast is hosted by Brian Lesperance, a 13 year veteran of the Michigan wine industry. Brian currently l...
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