Many people don't know that there's a beautiful wine country growing in Michigan. I know. I've experienced it this past week. The vineyards of Northwest lower Michigan's Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas are surrounded by water on three sides. The land is hilly and picturesque with farms and trees and long distance views of big water - Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. The landscape is beautiful and the people who grow the wine are passionate about their craft. They're very down to earth and interested in having you experience their prize wines. They worry and wonder about who will come, who will know all that they have been doing to create a prize winning "terrior", an area which produces fine wine. It's taken a while for this wine region to develop. Lee Lutes is the winemaker at Black Star Farms, one of the largest wineries in the area. "The reason our vineyards are now ready to blossom is that we've been a work in progress for a long time. Now our vineyards are reaching their maturity. We have some winemakers here that are committed to their craft and are staying here no matter what. That makes all of the difference."
Shawn Walters is a handsome young wizard known as the "bad boy" of the wine scene on the Leelanau Peninsula. Walter is the official wine maker at the new 45 North winery in Lake Leelanau and has been around the "wine block". He started at Leelanau Wine Cellars and studied under Lee Lutes at Black Star Farms. He's innovative, creative and has produced 16 gold medal winning wines. He knows the potential for Michigan wines and wants to be "at the table" as the Northern Michigan wineries mature. During the past year he has worked with area wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula to send some of the best juice - 5 tons of Leelanau Peninsula Reisling - to California to be bottled under the "Janna" name which is in the family of prestigious "Scott Harvey" wines. Michigan wines are now poised to be recognized by national consumers as exceptional boutique wines.
Many of the Michigan wines produced sell out before the season is over. If you want to experience some of the best wines Michigan has to offer, you'll have to be there as they are released for sale this spring and summer. Some of the best red wines from the 2007 growing season will be offered as well as the favored whites that have been making the mark for some time. According to Michigan vintners spring, summer and fall 2007 offered superb weather conditions better than any season that the Michigan vintners have seen and the reds sold this summer will be among the best ever. With the maturity of the vineyards now in their fifteenth year, this year looks better than ever before for Michigan wines.
Look for the Gills Pier 2007 Cabernet Franc Merlot available in July by bottle ($30), liters and magnums under a special commemorative label. It will only be sold out of their Northport tasting room location. Try Black Star Farm's Arturos 2007 Pinot Noir for a red that is smooth and memorable. In whites, look for the dry Reislings from any of the Leelanau Peninsula wineries. Black Star Farm's Arturos label Dry Reisling and the Dry Reisling from Chateau Fontaine are both rich and fruity with lasting presence in each sip.
Most of all I recommend a spring, summer or fall wine tour. Make that multiple wine tours of the Michigan wineries on the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas.
There's a lot more to talk about in the Northern region of lower Michigan. Both Leelanau and Old Mission are developing. However, we hope they will stay farm quaint and picturesque largely due to the efforts of their main industry - wine.
Suggested Itineries:
On the Leelanau Peninsula visit seventeen different wineries: Most open daily beginning in May. See Leelanau Penisula Wineries for a wine trail map of the area.
For Luxury
Includes full gourmet breakfast, complimentary bottle of Red House Wine, Special Reserve Tasting in Tasting Room, Hospitality hour with wine and hors d'oeuvres, 10% off wine
Dinner at Black Star Farms available weekends with gourmet entrees, appetizer, salad and dessert in an intimate setting.
For Comfort
Korner Kottage in Sutton's Bay
Includes breakfast made with locally grown ingredients.
Restaurants:
La Becasse a French Country Restaurant hosted by French Chef
Trattoria Funistrada Excellent Italian Cuisine
On the Old Mission Peninsula visit seven wineries: Most open daily. See Wineries of Old Mission for a wine trail map of the area.
For Luxury
Luxury condo resort on the Grand Traverse Bay
Fancy upscale bed & breakfast
For Comfort
In the Chateau Chantal winery on the Old Mission Peninsula
Restaurants:
Trattoria Stella Italian Gourmet Restaurant with award winning wine list
Red Ginger Trendy Asian Fusion in Downtown Traverse City
Labels: Michigan winery tours, Michigan wines, Northern Michigan vacations
posted by Great Food and Travel.com at
3:49 PM
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