Introducing Poetson Winery

My name is Alex McNeely, and I make Poetson Wine. The name Poetson is derived from my last name, McNeely, which means son of the poet.

I was someone who was always drawn to creative pursuits. I wrote avidly as a younger person. I studied music. But I would say that I never was ultimately drawn to make any of the creative pursuits that I have entertained to—kind of be my, my, my main show or my main gig.

It wasn't until I started to speak through the lens of soil and sun and what happens in a growing season that I really sort of found my voice.

Wine is unique in that, aside from physically being in a place at a moment in time, wine is one of the best vehicles to transport you to somewhere—somewhere.

So I found in wine everything that I was looking for in poetry, in the written word, in music.

Founded in 2023, Poetson Wine is the work of winemaker Alex McNeely. After a decade as a Beverage Director and Sommelier in New York City, McNeely returned to his Southwest Michigan roots to craft wines that speak of place and tradition. As a one-person operation, Poetson represents McNeely’s winemaking philosophy and dedication to craft.

Based in Buchanan, Michigan, Poetson focuses on expressing Michigan terroir through minimal-intervention winemaking. Working with vineyards along Lake Michigan’s shore—from the Lake Michigan Shore AVA and north to the Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula AVAs—McNeely builds relationships with growers who share his commitment to quality and sustainability.

The winemaking approach centers on transparency by using native yeasts and striving to work without additions. By using native yeasts and working without additions beyond what’s in the grape itself, each wine reflects its origins. The portfolio features Michigan-grown Vinifera varieties, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Grüner Veltliner.

Subscribe to Ask a Winemaker for hundreds more wine videos: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_c...

Have a question for a winemaker? Post it in the comments and we will try to answer it for you.

Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/askawinemake...

Ask your question on Twitter: www.twitter.com/askawinemaker @askawinemaker.

www.askawinemaker.com