Wine, fruit and cheese go together like ... well, like wine, fruit and cheese. They're a natural combination, literally and figuratively.
Since northern Michigan is known for all three, a state House bill by state Rep. Goeff Hansen, R-Hart, makes perfect sense. It would allow the Liquor Control Commission to issue permits for vendors to sell wine and offer tastings at farmers markets across the state. The permits would cost $25 a day, up to 20 days a year.
Wine could be sold at the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market in Traverse City under such a proposal if the growers are also the vendors, said Rob Bacigalupi, acting executive director of the city's Downtown Development Authority.
This should be a no-brainer for area lawmakers to support. While the Grand Traverse area's wine industry is well established, new and smaller wineries would love the chance to show off their products locally.
Those who produce cheese, fruit and bread, all closely linked to wine, would likely jump at the chance to cross-promote their products with winemakers.
It would be a challenge to find more space for wineries at the Traverse City market and ensure they don't squeeze out existing vendors. But there's little doubt vendors and patrons alike would welcome new arrivals.
