DETROIT, MI -- Are plans ripening for a winery on Belle Isle?

Gov. Rick Snyder gave the proposal a mild boost at the 2012 Mackinac Policy Conference when he mentioned in a keynote speech that the idea had crossed his desk. The governor seemed intrigued by the idea, which means something as the state prepares to take control of the 982-acre park under the consent agreement signed with the city of Detroit.

The idea of a winery was planted last year by Blake Kownacki and John Burtka, partners in the company Detroit City Cellars. It got backing from Detroit's business community, but failed to get off the ground with city and Belle Isle officials. Opponents' concerns included the grapes being an invasive species, the vineyard jeopardizing the island's historical status and the operation not fitting with the park's recreational use.

State intervention on Belle Isle could revive plans for the 10-acre vineyard near the island's lighthouse. Kownacki recently took MLive on a tour of the prairie where he hopes to plant rows of grapes that would become the first urban winery in the United States.

"As a winemaker, where I'm making the wine, I'm represeting the terre haute or region. I don't want to make wine here in Mcihigan with grapes grown in California. I want to make wine in Michigan from Michigan fruit specifically. On top of that I want to make Detroit wine with Detroit-produced fruit."

The land, now, is unmowed grass that stretches about waist high. Aside from a trail leading out to the lighthouse, the space is unused.

Kownacki lays out a vision of the grass being cut and the land planted with European vintage grapes. The vineyard would be open to the public and access to the lighthouse would be maintained. Aside from the plants, he said, the only equipment needed on site would be a tractor, which would be locked up when not in use. As for the threat of vandalism or theft, Kownacki said the rows and rows of grapes would allow for people to pull fruit without any significant impact on the crop.

The urban vineyard would be the first of its kind in the U.S., he said.

Along with vineyard, Kownacki said the business plan includes taking over the Belle Isle casino building and turning it into a wine tasting space. He would offset revenue the building brings in now to the city for weddings and events, and cover utility costs. He also envisions a neighborhood growing operation that would train residents how to grow grapes in abandoned lots and then sell them back to Detroit City Cellars for winemaking.

While Kownacki's vision has yet to take root, he has support from some city leaders.

"I think we should have a vineyard and winery on Belle Isle. I supported that proposal," City Council President Charles Pugh told Mlive. "We've got a putt-putt golf course on Belle Isle, all of these stupid things, that we could have soemthing that would be an attraction to Belle Isle, something unique about Detroit, an urban vineyard and winery."

Pugh said he was disappointed Kownacki has not gotten a better reception from the city. He's also open to exploring the idea, saying he thought it was a good thing the governor showed interest in the idea.

"I'm angry, actually, at all of the trouble, and obstacles, that were thrown in that man's way," Pugh said. "This man has wine that has been drunk by Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey and we won't even entertain his proposal in the city of Detroit? I think it begs another look."

For his part, a spokesperson for Snyder said the winery is one of many ideas his office has received for Belle Isle.

"I think the Governor was just conveying the feedback and ideas we've gotten to date," said Snyder Spokesperson Sara Wuerfel, "which is a lot, and which we feel is absolutely great and demonstrates how interested Detroiters and Michiganders are in preserving and enhancing this gem."

A little frustration ekes into Kownacki's voice as he discusses opposition to the winery. Standing in an empty field of grass, he intones: "Look how beautiful this area is and no one is out here. And look, the grass is unmowed. Why would you want to come out here?"

"Why we've met so much opposition, I don't know," he said. "It doesn't make sense to me. It doesn't make sense to anyone outside of the inner machinations of the city."

As for how serious the business side of the operation is, Kownacki said they're ready to move dirt, plant vines and start the lengthy process needed to create mature grapes for winemaking.

"This is a pretty noninvasive way to make this a little better place to live," he said. "As soon as they pull the trigger, I'm ready to move myself, my wife and my soon into the city so we can really make a go of this."

"I'd love to work here every day. I've worked at some of the most beautiful vineyards in the world and this one would be, by far, the most beautiful."