Transivit

A new liquor license is making it possible for new artisan distilleries in Michigan to not only produce products onsite, but also sell and allow visitors to sample their products.  With the objective of moving to the Traverse City area and opening a business, and no knowledge about wine making, or cherry picking, for that matter, I see this as an exciting niche which could lead to a fulfilling business-hobby.

There are currently less than a dozen artisan distilleries across Michigan, and few, if any that I’m aware of produce grappa, fruit brandies, or other spirits of any great acclaim.  Certainly the output – whether it be a brandy or a eau de vie, is enjoyed by a select segment of the population, but the excitement comes from pursuing a craft to perfection.

Supposedly, the license is only $100 per year, and eliminates or reduces minimum quotas which prevented small companies from selling their product to restaurants and other stores.

Rep. Barb Byrum, D-Onondaga, of the State Legislature introduced the bill that passed into law in 2008 (PUBLIC ACT 218 ).  The new law should help the development of agri-tourism.