Michigan Wine Guy

It has been awhile since my last post, and honestly, this winter was harder than others. It's hard when you sit down to write and your fingers can't produce the words you want. Also, the cold weather has hurt some grape crops that will take a hit on the production of some of our most favorite Michigan wines.

So, I've finally got my writing spirit back, and wanted to give you the 4 wines that have got me through this winter. Some of these are actually good for all year round. Here are the wines:

L. Mawby: Blanc De Blanc: This sparkling wine has been aging for 15 months in the bottle after I bought it. In the champagne style the fermentation process continues to ripen this wine and make it even more delicious. When we had it at my dad's retirement celebration it was the talk of the night. Back when I purchased the bottle, we were at an event that featured the L. Mawby wine selection and Larry Mawby, himself! It was such an amazing encounter; he has so much knowledge about wine, the processes and naming wine too. At my dad's retirement party we basked in the nostalgia of that event which made this party even more special!

Chateau Grand Traverse: 2018 National Cherry Festival Wine: Now you say, this is a summertime wine, yes, you are right. However, if you save your wine for those cold winter months, it'll make you think of those warmer months. This is a one time release that makes it hard to come by, a perfect combination of Cherry Wine and varieties of White Wine. Having a crips acidity will make this wine perfect for BBQ food and that's what my wife and I had it with on one of the colder winter nights.

Chateau Grand Traverse: 2016 Gamay Noir: Yes, another wine from CGT! You don't see the Gamay Noir too often in Michigan but this grape has made a significant impact in my life. I actually got into the Gamay Noir in Canada and was elated when I saw it available in Michigan! The Gamay Noir can hold up to the Northern Michigan climate. This light-bodied, aromatic and fruity red wine has 4 months of barrel aging that reveals layers of tart cherries, red plum and black pepper leading to a silky-smooth finish. The final reason for my love of this wine is that it can pair well with almost anything.

Contessa Winery: Prediletto Blush: The sweet pink wine, I do love my blushes and rosés, and this one being a darker pink means it had a longer skin contact period that also brought out more flavor for this particular wine. The grape used for this wine is Chambourcin. It is quite acidic in the blush form but goes well with those particularly spicy dishes that we like to have!

These 4 wines were the staples that made a major impact on my winter. I had many other Michigan wines but these all made me think of warmer times or nostalgia. These memories can warm the heart which, will always bring warmth to the coldest of days. I'll have more for you all at a later date and if you've liked this post, please share what wines helped you through this wild winter?

Yes, I am back after a small hiatus.  This weekend Aug 17-19 is the annual Howell Melon Festival and to commemorate each year Howell's MainStreet Winery produces the "Melon Fest Wine"  made entirely from cantaloupe melon.  This is a light and refreshing white table wine with notes of melon, kiwi, pear and pineapple, all of the flavors that you love in a summer wine.  Perfect for any summer occasion like BBQ cookouts and picnics.  With a 7% ABV, why not have a few bottles!

Now you ask me, why melon wine?  Why not?  It's the Melon Festival.  In this wine they use locally sourced melon to showcase the Michigan melon growing season.  This has been an attraction in Howell for years and it's always worth a venture to the small city of Howell.

The "Melon Fest" wine can only be purchased at the winery and will cost you around $15 for a bottle.  This wine is part of a limited batch, which means it will be out of stock soon!  This batch is usually released after the first week of August when all of the locals and "Melon Fest" wine faithfuls pick up their stash.  After the Melon Fest weekend it takes probably a week or two to completely sell out.  Get them while they're around!

If you are in town this weekend don't forget the Melon Ice Cream!  This is another staple of Howell.  Check that out on the courthouse lawn.  They also have locally grown melons.  If you are into shopping, the downtown area is full of vendors.

Stop in at Howell's MainStreet Winery to sample some delicious "Melon Fest" wine and many other wines.  You want a pizza?  They have brick oven pizzas available too!  Hope to see you there!

We revisited 45 North Vineyard & Winery on July 1, it was about the same as the first time we visited.  However, this time we had my wife's sister along with us.  Introducing Michigan wine to someone new is always a fun thing and also my mission in life.

This winery is situated on the 45th North Parallel, which is 45º North of the Equator, halfway to the North Pole.  Also that 45 degree line is where some of the most prestigious wine making regions of the world are located.  So there is no doubt that you will be drinking quality wine here.  Navigation has gone the wayside of mere coordinate positioning using North, South, East and West, to now where we have addresses that we can plug into Google Maps and get precise directions to our destinations.

45 North Vineyard & Winery is located at 8980 E. Horn Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 a wonderful place with rolling vineyards and tons of space for weddings and other events like "Yoga in the vineyard."  The Leelanau Peninsula in general is a prime growing region, but some grapes have held up tremendously, for example:  Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Cabernet Franc to name a few.

There is a big outdoor patio area for sipping wine and enjoying the scenery.  Inside you have a large tasting bar, you can sample 5 wines.  Their wine list is quite enormous but they have a big selection of dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet and sweet wine to sample.  So everyone's individual palate can be pleasured to contentment.  Why don't we get into the wine, the best part of course!

2016 Reserve Chardonnay:  Vanilla and coconut with layers of butter and sweet oak on the nose.  The coconut persists on the palate with caramel apple, soft buttery tannins and a bright acidity on the finish.  Pair this wine with buttery seafood dishes, grilled salmon and semi soft cheeses.

2016 Dry Riesling:  Lime peels and green apple with hints of honeycomb on the nose.  The citrus continues on the palate with a light mid-palate that also has a density to it.  The finish is long and the acid balance is mouth-watering.  Get International with this wine/food pairing.  Riesling is very versatile and can show well with a host of food options.  Spicy fare is a go-to but don’t stop there.  Oysters, grilled fish, fowl or vegetables will pair nicely as well.  Experiment with a cheese party to see the reaction of sheep, cow and goat varieties.

2016 Unwooded Chardonnay:  Dried tropical fruits, ripe pineapple and a slight lemon on the nose.  The tropical profile continues on the palate with a juicy middle, finishing with a fruit-filled linger.  Pair with chicken, semi-soft cheese, roasted vegetables.

2016 Sauvignon Blanc:  At first the jalapeno and herbs are dominant on the nose but give way to gooseberry and a host of citrus and...melon?  The oak is present and will continue to evolve on the mid palate for the next several months.  Go Green with foods, herbs and spices with grilled lake fare.  Grab some eggs and asparagus and whip up a nice hollandaise for some brunch as well.

2015 Pinot Gris:  This wine was split three ways and fermented separately in stainless steel, neutral oak, and their concrete egg, then blended post-fermentation.  Aromatic lilies and figs wrapped in a layer of wet stone on the nose work well with the soft mouth feel and fruit flavors.  Pair with roasted fowl or pork seasoned with spices like saffron, clove, or allspice.

2016 Reserve Pinot Gris:  The barrel and concrete work together to create a softer and more rounded mouth feel, while the acid keeps it bright and crisp.  You'll pick up more minerality and stone qualities in this wine, along with more luscious fruit flavors like peach with a side of apple.  This one is more of an enjoyable sipper.

2016 Reserve Riesling:  50% Steel aged and 50% Neutral oak aged.  This Riesling is dry, however it gushes with intense flavors of peach, mango, and ripe tropical juiciness.  Being partially (and delicately) barrel aged, it has a softer mouth feel, and the oak doesn't hit you, it kisses you.  This quickly became a staff favorite and is highly recommended.

2016 Marsanne:  Very tropical.  Melons and pears are lightly outlined in banana aromas with almond undertones on the nose.  The mouthfeel is lush with ripe fruit balanced with round tannins and a lingering finish.  Pair with semi-soft cheese or lighter grilled meats like pork, chicken or lobster.

2016 45 White:  Melon, pineapple, white flowers and preserved lemons on the nose.  The melon persists with more floral notes on the palate and a nice weight.  There is a balanced mouthfeel that makes this wine great for food pairing or just chatting with a friend.  The fruit forwardness of this wine makes it perfect for appetizers.

2016 Chenin Blanc:  Candied mango, papaya, peaches and ripe melon on the nose.  Lush fruit on the palate with a full mouthfeel that lingers fruit on the finish.  The soft acid carries the fruit through the finish.  Pair this wine with summer fare such as grilled fish or pork, goat cheese, roasted corn and flavors of cilantro, ginger or dill.

2016 Select Harvest Riesling:  Fairly tropical nose and flavors of soft lychee fruit and peach.  Slightly floral but sweet with a clean finish.

2016 Rosé Cabernet Franc:  Raspberry, strawberry and blackcurrant with vanilla cream are all supported aromatically by subtle violets.  The red fruit persists on the palate with a subtle tannin outline, and beautiful acidity on the finish.

2016 Red Barn Red:  Merlot & Lemberger.  Spicy oak, ripe berries, cocoa and a hint of leather on the nose.  Sweet, dark fruits on the palate round out the tannins and allow the wine to finish long, like a dry red would.  It is sweet enough for the "sweet red" drinker while being approachable to the "I only drink red wine" crowd.  Pair with roasted dishes of any type.  It will be great with meat, fowl, or roasted veggies.  Enjoy with friends!

Sparkling Peach:  A delicious, bubbly blend of 25% cold-pressed Leelanau peaches and 75% white wine blend.  The perfect beach, boat, or deck wine!

Sparkling Strawberry:  50% Frontenac Gris and 50% Fermented Strawberry juice.  Yum!  Who wouldn't love this wine?

2013 Ice Wine Riesling:  December 10, 2013 · Before sunrise could offer even a glimmer of warmth, they bundled up and headed out on this blustery 9º morning to harvest the frozen grapes.  Immediately they pressed them, expelling the liquid nectar that was gradually cool-fermented to retain the succulent flavors of peaches, apricots, and pears.  A quick stay in oak rounds it out with a kiss of vanilla on the finish.  Delicious!

Cherry Dessert:  Enjoy this fortified cherry wine as a dessert on its own, or with dark chocolate.  Barrel aged for 6 months to help round out the tartness, and add more mouth feel.

Yes they have wine but they also carry hard cider for those non-wine drinkers in your life!

Hard Cider:  Made with fresh-pressed organic antique apple varieties and fermented to dryness.  Some juice is added back to give this cider just the right amount of sweetness.

Fresh Coast:  Dry Cider: This cider is dry, full, and round on the palate with a refreshing, crisp finish.

Singletrack:  Citra-Hopped Cider:  This cider is dry-hopped for bright, IPA-like aromas and a delicious dry cider taste.

Oakayzie:  Barrel-Aged Cider:  This cider is aged in oak barrels for subtle notes of oak and the full flavors of aged apple.

45 RPM:  Semi-Sweet Cider:  This cider is lush with a sweet finish to balance a natural acidity, suitable for all cider drinkers.

(All descriptions are brought to you by 45 North's Website).  I also added some comments as well for those wines that I thoroughly enjoyed!

Reading down this list you ask me, where can I buy these wines?  You can order from the winery's website or I'm sure if you ask your local wine shop, the person in charge of ordering will probably love to carry their wine.  Price points are higher than other wineries in the area, but you know you are getting quality wine and that is enough to make the prices higher.  However, any selection from here is a great decision.  Stick to what you like or try something new, it's all up to you.

If you are looking for a cool, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole stop for amazing world-class wine then 45 North Vineyard & Winery is your spot!

This wine is made exclusively for the National Cherry Festival.  Chateau Grand Traverse is the winery that makes this delicious commemorative cherry wine.

For 22 years, Chateau Grand Traverse has been exclusively producing this summertime favorite to celebrate the National Cherry Festival.  This wine is a special blend of Northern Michigan Cherry Wine blended with Riesling and other premium white varietal wines.  Made in a semi-sweet style, it displays fresh and fruity flavors with crisp acidity to match perfectly with most summertime cuisine.

My wife stumbled upon this wine while up north when we first started dating and told me that I had to try it.  Ever since, we started going up north to the cherry festival, we'd always try to get a few bottles for the year.  Me not being the biggest fan of cherry flavored things, this wine has a great balance of cherry and crisp grape varietals and making it a tradition, it is always good to compare from year to year.

You really can't get more Michigan than this wine!  Also, the National Cherry Festival is always a great place to go.  Held in Traverse City on the first week of July each year it draws thousands of people each day with cherry everything, vendors, carnival rides, food trucks, an airshow and much more!  Oh, yeah, did I forget to mention the vineyards and wineries in the area are super close by and tours start right out of downtown Traverse City!

You can order this wine from the Chateau Grand Traverse website, ask your local wine shop to grab some for you or visit the National Cherry Festival.  This wine is in limited production and they can only ship this wine within Michigan so order up before this wine is out of stock until 2019.

I am excited to try this wine with my wife very soon!  You will not be let down by this commemorative vino.

So you remember when I said they have not yet created a blue wine, my wife reminded me that there is Blueberry Wine!

I haven't had a blueberry wine that I didn't like.

If you are in Michigan or any place where they grow blueberries there is probably a winery that has created Blueberry Wine.  Some places make wine out of 100% blueberries and others use a grape/blueberry combination.  Full flavors of ripe blueberries is indeed what you will taste!  There are additional health benefits from blueberries and wine, so why not combine them!

Next time you visit a Michigan winery, vineyard, fruit farm or tasting room look for Blueberry Wine.  You'll be surprised at the taste.  It is a great alternative flavor that you can indulge in if you are sick of other fruit wine.

Blueberry wine is the quintessential "blue" wine for your Independence Day celebration.  Now you have red, white and blue wine.  So be that American hero at your 4th Of July festivities this year with the entire spectrum of wine.

I didn't choose a specific Blueberry Wine because it is very hard to tell the difference between the 100% blueberry deliciousness.  Now you know there is a "blue" wine!  Have an awesome holiday!

Fresh back from the 13th annual Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival at the Warren Dunes State Park in Southwest Michigan.  It being my first wine fest, I didn't know exactly what to expect.  Arriving in the early afternoon we were in a line up of cars three rows wide with license plates mostly from Indiana surprisingly enough.  After about 20 minutes in line we checked in and drove up to the main parking lot in-between the dunes and beach.  It was around 88 degrees with a UV index of 9 out of 10 at the dunes.  We decided to walk down to the water before heading over to the will call tent.

Knowing we were hungry we stopped at one of the food trucks to grab a quesadilla and water to fill our bellies before sampling wine.  It is important to have food in your stomach, especially when sampling different styles of wine.

Approaching the huge wine tent we had to pick up our wristbands and wine glasses from the will call tent and purchase tickets for samples.  I was surprised that most of the tastes were two tickets compared to one.  One ticket is $1 so that means most of the samples were $2.  Some of the wineries have the samples based on popularity and quality.  You can get a glass full of wine, beer or cider for 6 to 10 tickets.

There were a few other vendors in the roped off section that had different dips, chocolate, other products and wine slushies!  Unfortunately by the time we arrived they were all out of the wine slushies.

We wanted to taste wine from wineries and vineyards we have not had time to visit when traveling through Michigan.  These included Gravity, Fenn Valley, Cogdal, Contessa, and Vintner's.  It was almost too hot to try the red wine, but some of them were actually quite light and surprisingly went well with the hot conditions.  After almost getting overheated in the tent we ventured out to regroup.

After comparing the wines we sampled, we decided to sample some more wine from places we have been to use the rest of our tickets.  Hitting Round Barn, Fenn Valley again, Baroda Founders and 12 Corners, we were all out!  It was a fun experience, but very loud, me being a quiet guy made it hard for the pourers to hear me and all of the noise from other people and the live music made it hard for me to hear what they were saying.  Also, you couldn't really get a good look at the bottle you were tasting, the pace was much faster than when you would be tasting at the winery itself.  The pace was really fast so it was hard for me to actually remember what wine I had tried.

However, being my first Lake Michigan Shore Wine Fest, I had a great time!  The weather was hot and sunny, the best kind of weather and everyone seemed to be having a great time!  I mean who isn't in a great mood when there is great Michigan wine for them to try?  I really liked the Warren Dunes location and I hope it stays there.  The Warren Dunes brings back memories from when I was a kid running up and down the sand dunes all the way to the water and back!

Now we can enjoy great wine and fun each year at the dunes!  Be on the lookout for my favorite wine from the wine fest on "Mark's Top Wine Pick of the Week" this Friday.  Keep on enjoying that Michigan wine!  Yum and cheers!

On Saturday, June 16 at the Warren Dunes State Park located at 12032 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer, MI 49125, right off of I-94, will be hosting the 13th annual Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival 2018.  This is an awesome event with 20+ wineries, 5 food trucks, live music and of course the Warren Dunes and Lake Michigan as your backdrop.  This is their first year for hosting the Wine Fest at the dunes because of the popularity in previous years the vendors needed a bigger spot to convene.

Nearby hotels are offering special rates for Wine Fest attendees along with shuttles back and forth from the festival.  The festival itself is $10 in advance and $15 at the ticket window.  Your ticket includes admission and a souvenir wine glass.  Parking is free for anyone with a Michigan State Park Passport, attached to your license plate.  If you do not have this pass they charge the regular park fee at the entrance per vehicle, so it is a good idea to carpool with friends or family.

As stated above, tickets are $15 at the event, and additional tickets need to be purchased for tastings usually 1 sample is 1 ticket, which equals $1.  Now, sometimes the winery may charge you 2-5 tickets for one sample depending on how strong it is or if it cost more to make.  Usually your Ice Wine, Ports, Sherries, liquors or hard to find wine take more than 1 ticket.  There you have it 1 ticket equals $1.  I suggest buying a lot of tickets!  For more information go here!

Of course, as always pace yourself and drink responsibly.  Festivities start at 1pm and last until 9pm or sunset, whichever happens first.  The food trucks are there to help you sober up and tantalise your palate, along with the dunes and beach you can take a long hike and end up chillin' in the sand for a while or take a dip in the temperate blue waters of Lake Michigan.  Make sure to bring lots of water to stay properly hydrated during this event.  Temperatures will peak around 87 with the heat index reaching low to mid 90s.  Also, with the sun out and almost directly overhead the UV index is going to be at a 9, which is very high, this means sunscreen is a must!

I hope to see you there on June 16!

You'll miss this winery if you are not careful.  There are 3 other wineries very close to Chateau Fontaine and you can easily get confused on which drive you take.  Located at 2290 S. French Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 you'll arrive at this wood cabin tasting room.  The vineyard is on site along with cherry trees for their fruit wines.  This is a hidden gem of the Leelanau Peninsula.

This is definitely the winery to visit on a guided wine tour or if you find yourself in the Leelanau Peninsula area.  Many of these start in Traverse City and follow a set route and arriving at the winery you'll feel like you are in an entirely different world.  Tastings consist of 5 pours.  They have a limited selection of wine, but some unique ones you may not see at other wineries near by.

Why don't we see what types of wine they have?

Red Wine:

Pinot Noir:  This fragrant red wine has a garnet hue and aromas of leather, cherry, and clove.  Their vineyards are planted with several different clones of Pinot Noir, and the resulting wine is aged 10 months in French Oak to produce a wine with spice notes and flavor of black cherry and currant.  Pair with braised meats, including rack of lamb or hearty salmon.

Woodland Red:  The Woodland Red is a delectable red blend with the smooth taste of lush raspberry, blackberry, and black pepper accented with soft tannins.  Made from a blend of Syrah, Merlot, and 40% each Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is the perfect steak pairing wine.  Multi-gold award winner.

Big Paw Red:  This hearty blend of reds utilizes three hybrid grapes to yield an easy-drinking table wine that is not too dry, but not too sweet. It is perfectly paired with spaghetti, pizza, and BBQ.

White Wine:

Chardonnay:  A fruit-forward Chardonnay with luscious flavors of light citrus, ripe figs and spice.  A rich, almost creamy texture accented by a light touch of grapefruit and crisp finish.

Pinot Gris:  Crisp, clean flavors of apples and spice with hints of oak and vanilla, fragrance of wildflowers and freshly mowed hay, all rounded into a dry finish.  Classic with local fish such as whitefish, light dishes and chicken.

Woodland White:  Made with the obscure varietal Auxerrois, this wine starts with crisp apple on the palate, midway, Honeydew melon, and finishes of white peach.  Pairs with seafood, shellfish or sushi.

Pinot Blanc:  Michigan Wine Competition Best of Class for a dry white in 2012 and 2013.  Crisp lemongrass and tropical flavors, with notes of banana, pineapple, and grapefruit.

Dry White Riesling:  Delicious Riesling characteristics of pear and peach in a fully dry, traken style wine with a crisp bracing finish.  These grapes are picked three weeks earlier than the Semi-Sweet Riesling.  The Dry White Riesling from Chateau Fontaine recieved the John Rose Award for best Riesling in 2012 at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition; this award is given to the Riesling wine considered best in the world.

Gewurztraminer:  A spicy, floral grape, this wine is a great pairing to your Thanksgiving dinner and works well with Pad Thai and Curry.  Starts with a lovely rose petal nose, opening to apple, pear, peach and apricot on the palate, with spice notes of pepper, clove and black licorice.

Semi-Sweet White Riesling:  Mother nature sweetens the grapes with an additional 3 weeks on the vine from when the dry Riesling grapes are picked.  This wine is full and racy with apricots and peaches on the palate, flowery with haunting mineral in the background, delicate sweetness balanced with firm acidity creating a harmonious experience for the senses.  The Semi-Sweet White Riesling won the John Rose Award at the International Finger Lakes Wine Competition in 2013 for Best Riesling.

Rosé:

Laughing Waters Dry Rosé:  Ahh…Just imagine yourselves…A hot summer day, a few friends, and a picnic. Out for a cruise in a vintage wooden boat, cutting through the waves, making the water laugh!  Enhance the experience with a bottle of this dry Rosé made with Pinot Noir grapes. Delightful notes of crisp strawberry, raspberry and cherry. Serve chilled, and enjoy!

Fruit Wine:

Cherry Wine:  Made from a blend of local tart and sweet cherries, they offer a truly rich, dark cherry wine that tantalize the senses with its natural cherry flavor.  Hailed by many of their customers as their “favorite cherry wine” in Northern Michigan, it pairs perfectly with dark chocolate.

Cherryshine:  Cherryshine is a port-style fortified cherry wine that makes a delicious after dinner liquor.  Made using only fresh local cherries.

New Varietals:

Viognier:  An ancient grape varietal, Viognier was nearly extinct in 1965 when its production had dwindled to only 8 acres in Northern Rhone. Today it has garnered increased popularity around the world, producing a wine with a strong floral nose, and nice crisp fruit on the palate.  Notes of peach, pear, and apple.

Grüner Veltliner:  This wine is a relatively new varietal to Northern Michigan, which is primarily grown in Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.  This varietal produces a food friendly wine with citrus and peach characteristics, as well as occasional spicy notes.  One of the few wines that pairs with Asparagus.  Very limited current production.

(Wine descriptions brought to you by Chateau Fontaine's website).

The wine from Chateau Fontaine cannot be found in stores, but you can order it from the winery directly.  They will not ship out-of-state, however, the best way to get their wine is to visit the winery and indulge in the beauty of the great state of Michigan.

My wife and I stumbled upon this winery 2 years ago and are planning to go back on our next trip up north!

Arriving in the tiny downtown of Baroda is Baroda Founders Wine Cellar with a spacious tasting room that feels more modern than you would think from the outside.  Here their wine list is pretty extensive and they have a wine for all different tasting preferences.

Our last visit to this winery was on April 2, but we were previously there back at the end of August after our wedding.  The same bartender was there the previous time we were in.  The tasting experience is really awesome and this last time we were running out of time but wanted to try a new wine they had, the Traminette, which was very good.  The bartender gave us a taste for free since he knew us from before and knows we are going to buy a few bottles.  Baroda Founders Wine Cellar has some of my wife and I's favorite wine the "Cuvee Rosé," along with my dad's favorite the "Oh Hell Yeah! Red" and "Luce Del Sole."

Located at 8963 Hills Road, Baroda, MI 49101 you should take a trip to  visit for a tasting!  The wine is amazing and pours are generous.  The Lake Michigan Shore AVA is on of the world's greatest wine growing region.  If you are in town for lunch or dinner, just a few doors down is Round Barn Brewery & Winery's restaurant that you should check out too.

Without further adieu, why don't we check out these awesome wines:

Lake Michigan Shore Series:

Dry White Wine:

2016 Pinot Gris:  Just about the perfect acid, sugar and pH balance when harvested.  A hearty, full-bodied and flavorful rich, dry white.  Created to more closely resemble a French Pinot Gris rather than an Italian one.

2016 Dry Riesling:  A crisp dry wine with hints of apple and grapefruit flavors.  Perfect for a warm summer day.

2016 Traminette:  This classic wine is a spicy hybrid of Gewurztraminer.  The pineapple and grapefruit floral flavors have been captured for your enjoyment by their wine master, Leonard R. Olson.

2016 Chardonnay:  A smooth crisp Chardonnay, this wine has a smoky vanilla bouquet mixed with apples and honey overtones with a creamy, refreshing touch of acid for a clean finish.

Luce Del Sole:  Made in the French Vouvray style.  The slightly sweet, fruity taste is complemented by a crisp finish that is clean and refreshing.  It is similar to the wine created by their founder in his early career that was served by President Gerald Ford in the White House.

Sweet White Wine: 

2011 Vidal Blanc Select Sweet Harvest:  This wine is harvested late in the year and has high residual sugars, creating a sweet, rich white wine.  It has a complex bouquet with honey and pear flavors.  It is overwhelmingly graceful.

Dry Red Wine:

2013 Pinot Noir:  A bolder, more robust Pinot Noir with a rich red hue and pronounced oak flavors.

2016 Chambourcin:  A ruby color and full rich berry flavors are complemented with vanilla oak over tones.

2011 Cabernet Franc:  Aged in French oak for 24 months, this full body wine has complex flavors of berries and smoky oak.  Tastes great now or perfect for aging for several years.

2011 Married In The Vineyard:  A marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, it is truly a French Bordeaux-styled wine.  Aged in French oak for 24 months and then in the bottle for a year, it has a nice balance of ripe berries, tannins and acids, which complement this medium-bodied wine.

Too Fun To Fit In A Series:

Oh Hell Yeah! Red - Semi-Sweet Red:  A sweet red wine with a supple berry, full mouth feel and soft finish.  Named after a fishing friend (Red), who exclaimed “Oh Hell Yeah!” after drinking this wine.  This wine is far too fun to fit in any one Wine Series, and instead, deserved its very own!

Cuvee Rosé:  An off-dry Rosé with a robust cherry and fresh fruit flavor.  This delightful Rosé pairs well with any occasion.  Perfectly balanced at 1.5 residual sugar.

Baroda Antique Series:

Peach - Fruit Wine:  A grape wine with peach flavors infused.  Reminiscent of the days of when your grandfather made fruit wine.

Cranberry - Fruit Wine:  A sweet delectable wine infused with flavor of cranberry.  Reminiscent of the days of when your grandfather made fruit wine.

Green Apple - Fruit Wine:  This Riesling-based wine is full of green-apple flavor.

Delightful Dessert Series:

First Kiss - Dessert Wine:  A full-bodied red wine blend with Merlot characteristics and a rich dark chocolate-red raspberry bouquet.  It has a full mouth feel that gives way to light tannins and a dark chocolate sweetness.  Fun in a glass!

Smorleaux - Dessert Wine:  A subtle milk chocolate flavor touched with a hint of marshmallow leads into full-bodied, slightly sweet Merlot characteristics.

(Thanks to Baroda Founders Wine Cellar's website for wine descriptions).

Besides the main winery in Baroda, you can also check out their tasting room in St. Joseph on State St.  You can easily get their wine if you can't make it to the winery for a tasting by ordering off their website.  On the west side of the state you can find their wine in many stores.  The farther east you go it may be harder to find their wine but ask your local wine shop and they should be able to get your favorite wine on the shelves.  With prices mostly in the teens, they are comparable to similar wines from Michigan.

Baroda Founders Wine Cellar is pretty cool, you'll love it!

Finally here!  Famously known for their "Winter White" wine in the blue bottle.  Leelanau Cellars is located on the extreme northwest tip, or pinky finger of Michigan, right on the shore of Lake Michigan.  The winery's address is 7161 N West Bay Shore Dr, Northport, MI 49670.  It is a Leelanau Peninsula must.  I plan on visiting the winery this summer and I'll have an update to this post once I go.

Leelanau Cellars is quite famous, with their wines winning awards every year.  You can also find their wine in pretty much every grocery store, wine shop, party store and gas station in the state.  Their wine comes at very attractive prices, many times anywhere from $6 to $13 depending on what style you get.  With the abundance of wine distributed you may have heard of Leelanau Cellars.  

What other wines do they have besides "Winter White?"  Let's check it out!

Apricot:  A smooth and sweet wine full of apricot flavor that is ideally served chilled.

Autumn Harvest:  Light to medium-bodied blended table wine, full of ripe berry flavors including raspberries and tart cherries. It is an easy-to-drink everyday red with a slight earth finish that lingers on the palate.  This wine is great for gatherings that include guests who prefer a dry red wine.
Pairings: Tomato based pasta sauces, pork chops, pizza, lasagna, grilled vegetables, and chili.

Back Noir Rosé:  Aromas of candied plums, strawberries, and wildflowers will tantalize your nose while flavors of fresh tart cherries, raspberries, and cranberries will enliven your palate.  This rosé has a distinctly acidic quality.  The wine’s low alcohol content makes it a great wine for summer enjoyment.
Pairings: When served chilled, this wine will be a perfect complement with artisan cheeses, seafood, spicy Asian foods, and salads.

Blueberry:  100% blueberry wine is ruby red and sweet, reminiscent of the fruit picked fresh from the patch with a subtle lingering hint of spices and nuts.
Pairings: Pairs well with Brie cheese & cherry chicken salad, as well as desserts like cheesecake, lemon bars, and fresh fruit.

Cabernet Franc:  The nose of this Cabernet Franc is full of violets with a slight herbaceous quality and has slight tannins and a medium body.  Dark fruit flavors including fresh black currants, plums and sweet cherries are abundant and palate pleasing.
Pairings: Grilled red meats, pot roasts, beef stroganoff, and roasted tomato sauces.

Chardonnay:  Barrel-aged estate grown Chardonnay grapes make up this well balanced Chardonnay which is medium in body and weight and full of caramel and vanilla nuances that will linger on your palate.  The defined oak nuances and crisp acidity are reminiscent of traditional French Burgundy or cool climate Chardonnay.
Pairings: Creamy Alfredo sauces, cheesy polenta, grilled chicken, salmon, crab cakes, pork, duck and veal.

Cherry:  Made from Northern Michigan Montmorecy tart cherries, this 100% pure cherry wine has a tangy character and has been recognized for providing beneficial antioxidants.  Enjoy this wine served ice cold or mixed with seltzer and a lemon wedge to make a refreshing summer spritzer.
Pairings: Recommended using this wine in sauces over poultry or pork.

Cranberry:  This wine is full of intense cranberry flavor and delicious served cold, or you can also use it in your homemade sangria, spritzers and cocktails.

Dry Riesling:  Light in body and crisp on the palate, this award winning wine is loaded with flavors and aromas of fresh lemon, crisp green apples and pears.  Subtle underlying minerality and a crisp lively acidity lends this Riesling to a multitude of foods.
Pairings: Seared sea scallops, grilled shrimp, mild fish dishes, salads and light appetizers.

Great Lakes Red:  Award winning 100% Concord grape wine is perfect for picnics, tailgating and entertaining.  It is semi-sweet and quite refreshing when served chilled… like your favorite grape juice with an extra special kick.
Pairings: Cheese and sausage trays, BBQ and picnic fare or simply on its own.

Late Harvest Riesling:  A sweeter version of Riesling harvested after the grapes freeze on the vine.  Pairs best with desserts.

Late Harvest Vidal:  A sweeter version of Vidal harvested after the grapes freeze on the vine.  Pairs best with desserts.

Meritage:  This Meritage is a blend of estate-grown Cabernet Sauvigon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes.  Full-bodied with refined tannins from aging in French oak barrels the texture and feel is silky, smooth and elegant.  Aromas of red violets and dark purple flowers are distinct to the nose and robust dark fruit flavors are abundant on the finish.
Pairings: Grilled steaks or any red meat, pork roasts, sharp cheeses, mushrooms, and grilled vegetables.

Merlot:  This Estate grown merlot has spent over a year in American Oak.  This full-bodied wine with refined tannins is full of cassis and black currant aromas.  The palate is intense with ripe tart cherry and red berry flavors to be enjoyed with robust foods.
Pairings: Grilled meats, Italian sausage, pork roasts, and wild game.

Pear:  They use local pears to make this 100% pear fruit wine, sure to remind you of autumn in Northern Michigan whether you have visited or not.
Pairings: Perfect on its own, chilled if you prefer or reduced to a sauce over ice cream and cobbler.

Pinot Noir:  This delicate, light-bodied wine has an abundance of red berry aromas and flavors which include red currant, tart cherry, and red raspberry.  The subtle spiciness that is present on the palate is reminiscent of the delicacy of white pepper.  The somewhat acidic nature of this wine makes it a perfect accompaniment to a meal.  This wine will help cleanse your palate while maintaining the bright fruit flavors and slight floral aromas that are sure to linger well beyond your last sip.
Pairings: Grilled salmon, swordfish, duck, chicken, pork, pheasant and quail as well as grilled mushrooms, roasted squash and creamy risotto.

Raspberry:  Their highly-in-demand 100% raspberry wine will fill your palate with mouthwatering intensity and is sure to enliven your senses.  Serve chilled on its own or as a refreshing spritzer mixed with seltzer over ice.
Pairings: Dark chocolate, cheesecake or fresh fruit.

Red Sangria:  This is a semi-sweet wine that is blended with natural citrus flavors and secret spices.  This refreshing drink is a great choice when entertaining and should be served chilled over ice with an assortment of chopped fresh fruit.
Pairings: Perfect compliment to slightly spicy foods such as Mexican, Spanish and South American cuisine.

Renaissance:  If you enjoy semi-dry wines with your meals, this wine is a perfect accompaniment to fish or chicken.  It is a medium-bodied blend of our finest wines in the cellar. It is full of tropical fruit flavors, yet dry on the finish.

Reserve Chardonnay:  This 100% estate grown Chardonnay is made from grapes that have been barrel aged for over a year.  This wine has an extremely smooth texture and a luscious full mouth feel.  Flavors of vanilla, crème brulee and butterscotch are abundant.
Pairings: Salmon, lobster, crème based sauces, and bisques.

Tall Ship Riesling:  This semi-sweet Riesling is layered with ripe fruit flavors including fresh peaches, apricots, baked apples and pears.  It is perfect when enjoyed on its own but it nicely accompanies most entrees and desserts.
Pairings: Sharp cheeses, smoked fish, and assorted fresh fruit.

Semi-Dry Riesling:  This is very versatile and can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere.  Stainless steel fermentation allows the delicate characteristics of the Riesling grape to exist unadulterated. It is off-dry with plenty of ripe citrus aromas and flavors and is crisp to the palate and a great choice to drink with slightly spicy dishes.
Pairings: Pairs well with foods that are difficult to compliment including aromatic Indian curries and spicy Asian cuisine.

Sleeping Bear Red:  This wine is a Burgundy-style blend of five different grapes.  This wine contains Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Baco Noir, and Pinot Noir.  This wine is light-to-medium bodied with definite tart cherry and red currant flavors throughout.  The addition of Cabernet gives this wine a bit of backbone and structure.
Pairings: Tomato sauces, pork roasts, rotisserie chicken, quail, and duck.

Spiced:  A blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and other natural spices, this wine is a crowd pleaser.  Perfect for entertaining, this wine will explode with intense flavor when served warm but can also be served chilled as an ingredient in sangria.

Spring Splendor:  Their delightful semi-dry table wine is full of lush fruit flavors and is a perfect accompaniment to a meal, an afternoon picnic or can simply be enjoyed on its own.  (This wine will make you think of spring time regardless of your current season).
Pairings: A great wine to pair with brunch foods including crepes, and bagels and lox or light chicken and fish entrees.

Summer Sunset:  Their semi-dry blush wine will fill your palate with flavors of fresh strawberry, honeydew melon and ripe cantaloupe.  Perfect for a picnic or simply enjoying the Leelanau sunset from any vantage.  (The best end to any summer evening).
Pairings: Assorted fruits and cheeses.

Sweet Red:  This all-occasion table wine is an easy choice to serve when entertaining.  Great for summer BBQ’s, picnics and any large festivities our semi-dry red is easy to drink and quite refreshing when served chilled.
Pairings: BBQ chicken, pulled pork, chili, pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, and ribs.

Tall Ship Chardonnay:  Their Classic Chardonnay has a medium body, is ever-so-slightly off dry, and quite crisp.  Plenty of citrus flavors and tropical aromas including fresh pineapple, ripe mango and star fruit are present.
Pairings: Pairs well with a wide variety of foods including chicken, seafood, grilled vegetables, whitefish, walleye, salmon, and pork.

Tall Ship Moscato:  This is a sweet and crisp wine with notes of peach, apricot and citrus.
Pairings: Assorted fruits and fish.

Tall Ship Pinot Grigio:  A bright, light to medium bodied wine that is full of sharp flavors of white grapefruit, fresh lemon and green apple and has a distinct nose full of lemongrass and cilantro.  This Pinot Grigio is perfect as an aperitif before a meal or as an accompaniment to many meals.
Pairings: Crisp summer salads, chilled shrimp cocktail or fresh calamari, and chicken or vegetarian dishes.

Tall Ship Red:  A favorite of visitors to the winery.  This merlot and syrah blend is medium bodies, smooth and loaded with red and black berry flavors.

White Sangria:  A blend of premium white grapes mixed with natural fruit juices, this summertime favorite has luscious, slightly spiced undertones and a medley of delicate tropical flavors as well as fresh ripe peaches, ripe honeydew melon and edible flowers.
Pairings: Recommend serving this sangria chilled over ice with assorted chopped seasonal fruit and fresh, sliced citrus rounds.

White Port:  Fortified white, goes well with most desserts.

Witches Brew:  It is our secret wine blend enhanced with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and other natural spices that makes this a crowd pleaser and favorite of Leelanau Cellars’ fans.  Perfect for entertaining, this wine will explode with intense flavor when served warm but can also be served chilled as an ingredient in sangria.  Witches Brew is perfect for campfires, tailgating, or any gathering (large or small) on a chilly evening.

Winter Green Apple Chill:  Green Apple flavors blend impeccably with their classic Winter White wine creating the mildest of the three new fruit chills.  So deliciously smooth that it just may become your new favorite wine.

Winter White:  Their ever-popular table wine also known as “the wine in the blue bottle” is very similar to a Piesporter in style and is light-bodied and semi-sweet.  Empty blue bottles of winter white have been used in many craft and design projects or simply converted to a lovely flower vase.
Pairings: Serve with appetizers, including cheese and crackers or pair it with chicken or fish for a meal.

Winter White Cherry Chill:  Cherry flavor infused with the Winter White wine.

Winter White Mixed Berry:  Wild Berry flavors are blended seamlessly with their classic Winter White wine to create a brand new, refreshing, light and semi-sweet white wine that is best served chilled and enjoyed anytime.

Winter White Peach Chill:  Luscious Red Peach flavors brim from your glass after being seamlessly blended with their classic Winter White wine to create a brand new, refreshingly light, semi-sweet white wine that is best served chilled and enjoyed anytime.  (My wife's favorite!  Also, perfect on those hot summer days).

*Wine descriptions are brought to you by the Leelanau Cellars website.  Anything in parentheses are my own remarks on the wine.

The options are endless at their winery.  You can order their wine if you can't find the particular wine you want in your local store.  If you want the tasting room experience they are open all year round, you can head up north where the tastings are free.  You'll leave with a couple of bottles or a case, I can guarantee that.

Let me know what your favorite wine from Leelanau Cellars is?  Cheers!