Senator McManus offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 37.

            A resolution commemorating April 2007 as Wine Month in Michigan.

            Whereas, Michigan’s excellent wines are an important part of the state’s agricultural diversity; and

            Whereas, Michigan’s grape-growing industry began in the southwestern part of Michigan in the mid-nineteenth century, and today has grown to include 45 wineries and 16 tasting rooms located throughout the state; and

            Whereas, Michigan’s vineyards and wineries are an important component of the state’s agricultural tourism industry; and

            Whereas, Michigan’s four federally-recognized viticultural areas--Fennville, the Lake Michigan Shore, the Leelanau Peninsula, and the Old Mission Peninsula--are the result of the moderating influences of Lake Michigan, excellent drainage, and light soil conditions which are similar to conditions in the fine wine regions in Europe; and

            Whereas, Michigan vintners have cultivated a wide variety of grapes which allows them to produce a wide selection of quality wines, many of which have received national and international awards, including reds, whites, blushes, and sparkling and nonalcoholic juices; and

            Whereas, Michigan vintners are supportive of the "wine in moderation" concept and promote the health aspect of wine, as well as the idea that wine is a food and should be enjoyed and complemented with other foods; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby commemorate April 2007 as Wine Month in Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council as a token of our highest esteem.