Michigan Wine Collaborative Partners with Travel Retailer Hudson to Launch MI Wine Bar & Book Store at GRR Airport
July 11, 2024 – The Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC) is pleased to announce the official launch of the Ink by Hudson store at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), featuring the Michigan Wine Collaborative wine bar inside the iconic bookstore chain.
This unique and exciting project has been years in the making, and its doors are finally open to visitors from across the state, country and world to sample wines from Michigan Wine Collaborative member wineries. The GRR Ink by Hudson bookstore offers travelers the opportunity to relax and unwind, enjoying a taste of Michigan right in the heart of the terminal. Part contemporary bookstore and part self-service wine bar, the hybrid concept brings a sense of place to the airport and an experience worth arriving early for. Here, visitors and locals alike are invited to escape the hustle and bustle of travel by pouring a glass of wine—offered on taps activated by an RFID wristband—and browsing shelves featuring a carefully curated collection of books for all ages and interests.
“Hudson is dedicated to tailoring airport retail and dining to travelers’ unique tastes, offering them additional exploration and discovery throughout their journey,” said Brian Quinn, Director of North American Retail Operations for Avolta. “Our partnership with the Michigan Wine Collaborative celebrates the state’s rich cultural heritage and local flavors, telling an engaging story and cultivating a sense of place. Hudson is excited about this distinctive addition to the Ink brand and the continued opportunity we see to make the journey as exciting as the destination for travelers by creating unique, hybrid retail and food and beverage experiences.”
“Partnering with Hudson on their innovative Ink wine bar concept is a testament to our commitment to showcasing the exceptional quality of Michigan wines. This collaboration not only elevates our local wine industry by providing exposure to national and global travelers through GRR daily, but also provides an exciting platform for consumers to discover and enjoy the unique flavors and diversity of our region’s offerings,” said Brian Lillie, president of the Michigan Wine Collaborative.
“Ink by Hudson is an innovative concept that blends literature with local flavors, showcasing Michigan’s culinary scene through a collaboration with the Michigan Wine Collaborative. We are grateful to our partners at Avolta for their commitment to incorporating local touches into the airport environment to further elevate the guest experience,” said Maria Kim, Chief Financial Officer, Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority.
Hudson, part of Avolta AG (SIX: AVOL), one of North America’s largest and most recognized travel retailers, is dedicated to enhancing the travel experience for everyday travelers in the United States and Canada. Hudson operates more than 1,000 travel convenience, specialty retail, duty free and food and beverage stores in nearly 90 travel locations, including airports, transportation hubs, landmarks and resort destinations.
The Michigan Wine Collaborative is the voice of the Michigan wine industry. Our mission is to increase the sustainability and profitability of Michigan’s wine industry by supporting wineries, growers, and other businesses and individuals connected to the industry – today and for generations to come.
