11
Jul

45 North Vineyards & Winery

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!

6
Jun

Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival 2018 Is Coming!

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!

28
Feb

Fenton Winery & Brewery

Image result for fenton winery and brewery logo

Fenton Winery & Brewery has a pretty interesting history.  Founded by Matt and Ginny Sherrow they started out in a strip mall in 2007 amidst a recession the owners were determined to make it through.  After a few years of success, acquiring the storefronts on either side and gaining popularity, they knew the winery & brewery could be expanded if they had more space.  In 2012 they found a nice 5 acre property, previously a wood shop, just North of town on Long Lake Rd.  The property needed a lot of renovation, fast forward to 2014 they were totally transitioned.  Now at 1370 N. Long Lake Rd., Fenton, MI 48430 they have a store that sells brewing supplies, glasses, growlers, bottles of beer and wine and other cool items.  There is a separate wedding/event room and the brewhouse is onsite.  The taproom where you can indulge in samples, glasses or bottles of their craft wines and beer, the delicious pizzas, appetizers, cheesy ale soup (my favorite!), meat and cheese tray and artisan grilled cheese sandwiches.  On nice days you can take your food and drink outside into the beer and wine garden.  You won't be bored, they also have games like corn hole, board games and much more to help you relax.  If you find yourself on US-23 in-between Hartland and Flint this is your stop.

 

As I have written in the past about my secondary love of beer Fenton Winery & Brewery has something that everyone will love.  Even if you aren't into wine and beer they can serve up your favorite cocktail instead.  You'll be shocked at their selection of wine.  Why don't we explore the amazing wine they have.

 

White Wine:

Orange Label White - Sauvignon Blanc

Classic, semi-dry wine that has an herbaceous nose & subtle hints of lavender.  Excellent with seafood & well-seasoned poultry dishes.

Fenton White - Chardonnay

Fresh, well-balanced with tropical citrus aromas and flavors.  Undimmed by oak, the fruit quality of the grape comes through and the rich, round mouth feel lingers to a long, crisp finish.

Celebrate - Viognier  

Full-bodied & highly aromatic, this fruit-forward wine boasts great floral notes.  Layers of flavor linger on the palate.  Pairs well with spicy foods.  (One of my favorite whites).  See flight picture.

Gazebo White - Riesling

Light, semi-sweet wine that features a delicate, fruity aroma and a fresh, crisp finish.  A versatile wine that pairs well with an array of dishes.

Moonlight - Moscato

Light-bodied, sweet white wine that has a refreshing taste.

 

Blended Wine:
Breeze - Pomegranate Riesling

Semi-sweet Riesling blended with tart pomegranates.

Solo - Blackberry Merlot

This is by far their best seller!  A velvety soft, medium-bodied Merlot mixed with rich, sweet blackberries.  Wonderful with dark chocolate!

Crisp - Green Apple Riesling

A great, refreshing wine that reminds you of biting into a crisp green apple.  A delicious juicy finish follows the apple tartness.

Wild - Wildberry Shiraz

A light, refreshing, fruity blend of wild berries and a robust Shiraz.

Grin - Raspberry White Zinfandel

Blush wine offering succulent, mouth-watering flavors of sweet, ripe raspberries blended gracefully with the refreshing character of a White Zinfandel.

 

Red Wine:
Fenton Red - Merlot

Medium-bodied red wine boasting a fruity flavor & velvety soft finish.  A perfect sipping red.

Summit Red - Pinot Noir

Known for its fruit & berry notes, this medium-bodied red is rich & surprisingly smooth.  Pairs well with sweeter, lightly seasoned dishes. (This was my top wine pick of the week for Feb 23, 2018.  The second wine going left to right in my wine flight picture).

Orange Label Red - Cabernet Sauvignon

Smooth and rich with qualities of warm berries up front.  This is a medium bodied wine that has light tannins in the finish.

Mountain View - Malbec

Medium-bodied red wine with lasting notes of jammy, plum flavors and a dry, warm finish. (Very delicious wine with all those characteristics you love from a Malbec.  Third wine going left to right on my flight picture).

Barrel Aged Red Wine
1545 North - Barolo

An Italian favorite made from the Nebbiolo grape.  This barrel aged version is aromatic & delicious with light tannin undertones. (I love this wine!  This is the second time I've seen this at a Michigan winery.  This is the wine on the right of my wine flight picture).

Crimson Vine - Shiraz

Medium-bodied, spicy on the palate & robust.  Notes of warm berries & black pepper.

Dessert Wines and Specialty Wine:
First Frost Ice Wine - Riesling Ice Wine

Sweet aromas & flavors of pear, honey and sugar drops combine for a real treat.

Winter Warmth - Cherry Chocolate Dessert Wine

Sweet and rich with flavors reminiscent of a chocolate covered cherry, this wine is a perfect after dinner sipper.

Opulence Ruby - Fortified Port

Double medal winning port recipe that takes almost 2 years to create as it is aged and fortified with French Barrel Aged Brandy.  It has incredible flavor balance with notes of banana and elderberries throughout.

Cocoa - Chocolate Merlot

Medium bodied Merlot blended with rich dark cocoa.  This is not a sweet wine, it has decadent flavors throughout that create a subtle sweetness and sophisticated experience. (This wine is dessert in a glass no doubt).

(Descriptions brought to you by the Fenton Winery & Brewery's website).  Personal accounts are made in parentheses after each description.

 

Left to right:
Celebrate, Summit Red, Mountain View, 1545 North.

 

Not on the list is the "Mango Wine," which is one I'll have to go back for.  My wife and I really loved it. The mango taste wasn't over powering but made for a unique tasting experience.  I hope it sticks around for awhile.

 

The winery & brewery is a great place to get together with family and friends.  My wife and I went this past Thursday, Feb 22, 2018 to meet up with her sister and husband, who live in Fenton and discovered it.  We sampled both wine and beer.  You can mix up your flights to have wine and beer on them.  The flight is the way to go and with 4 pours for $7 you can't go wrong!  We ordered pizza and a cheesy ale soup made from their amber ale, absolutely delicious!  On top of that, the staff is super friendly and attentive making sure our glasses didn't run dry.  We can't wait to go back.

 

I've never heard of the Fenton Winery & Brewery before last week, so I was excited to try it out.  I suggest that you check it out too!

7
Feb

Fieldstone Winery & Hard Cider - A must if you are in Rochester

Image result for fieldstone winery rochester mi

Fieldstone Winery & Hard Cider is your Southeast Michigan spot to get wine and hard cider.  In the heart of downtown Rochester at 223 S Main St, Rochester, MI 48307.... Wait...what? you mean there's a winery in Southeast Michigan?  You thought it was only for the west side of the state.  Nope, it's common for towns to have a winery.

 

I heard about this winery while I was training at Leader Dog.  One of the instructors told me about it and I just had to try it.  Shannan came up to visit on my day off and we headed into town.  After an amazing lunch at Penn Station Subs we walked across the street into the winery and were in love with the selection!  We got to know the staff.  Professing our love of Pumpkin Cider I had to buy a growler!  Discovering fruit infused wine, many delicious traditional reds and whites along with some unique dessert delights.

 

Close to the campus of Oakland University it is a fantastic spot to grab a growler of cider and/or bottles of wine.  Wine is an amazing choice for Valentine's Day.  One week away peeps!  Maybe a Fieldstone Winery wine would be perfect for that special day.  They have so many different wines along with some cheese plates, chocolates and other goodies.  Want to try multiple wine?  Try a wine flight or two!

 

Now it's time to get hot and heavy with this diverse wine list!

 

If Wine isn't your thing and none of the combinations sound good let's check out the cider.

 

(Lists taken from Fieldstone Winery & Cider website.  NOTE: Certain wines may not be available all year round).

 

Yum, don't try to taste them all in one sitting you'll have a killer stomachache.  Enough wine and cider to keep you coming back to try the varietals you missed.

 

The best specialty wine for summer that tastes more like a cocktail than a wine is "Coconut Yuzu."  If you dig the cider and love everything pumpkin in the fall they have a Pumpkin Hard Cider that is definitely worth a trip to downtown Rochester.

 

If you want to make a day of it there are many different coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, and other shops in downtown.  Take a look and enjoy the scenery.  It's well worth a trip to Rochester around the holiday season all of the storefronts are lit with lights.  I know it's early but not too early to plan ahead.  You may be reading this in June or September for all I know.  Ha!

 

If you visit the Fieldstone Winery please let me know and tell me what wine and/or hard cider is your favorite, or you are like me and love them all!  Until Friday!

 

If you've been reading since the beginning or you are a new reader please share with me your favorite Michigan wine.

24
Jan

White Pine Winery

 

Image result for White pine winery logo

White Pine Winery is a great find located at 317 State St, St Joseph, MI 49085.  In the heart of downtown Saint Joseph this winery has a tasting room with a great ambiance and plenty of wine to select from.

 

Saint Joseph has been a frequent family spot for years.  Silver Beach, the massive dunes, lighthouse, beautiful sunsets on Lake Michigan and a vibrant downtown scene.  On our mini-honeymoon we decided to stop in and visit while on our way to Lazy Ballerina Winery a couple doors down.  I've heard of this winery before but never knew exactly where it was.  After getting out of the car Bogey took me too close to the curb and I ended up tripping over the planter and landing on my right forearm.  It hurt alittle at first but as we were sitting down to taste at the winery I noticed my arm was bleeding pretty bad.  Very calmly I asked the host if they had a first-aid kit.  Fortunately they had one with all of the bandages and gauss.  My wife patched me up and wrapped the bandage tight to ensure security.  After the short medical break we finished our wine tasting.  Definitely an experience I'll never forget.  We ended up buying about 6 bottles from them and left the server a great tip.

 

The experience went much smoother than expected.  The wine at White Pine Winery was absolutely delicious.  So why don't we dive into the wine and where it comes from because obviously you can't have a vineyard in the middle of downtown.  There are four vineyards and farms that the winery gets their grapes from.  Sophie's Vineyard, Herman Farms, Arrowhead Vineyard and Oxley Farms are the sources for White Pine Winery.  Sophie's Vineyard grows Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Regent.  Herman Farms grows Pinot Grigio, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Arrowhead Vineyard grows Riesling, White hybrids and Vidal Blanc.  Oxley Farms grows Foch, DeChaunac and Chancellor.  Now you know where some of the grapes are sourced from; let's check out what wines they offer, tasting notes and if they offer food pairings, I'll include those as well.

 

Traminette:  A white wine cross with Gewurztraminer, Traminette shows off with intense aromas of apricot, orange zest, honeysuckle and rose like its well known parent. The flavors pop with a hint of sweetness that leads to a satisfyingly long finish. Perfect for any occasion, Traminette pairs well with salads, mild cheeses and curries. (One of my favorites from our tasting).

Ice Wine:  The classic dessert wine.  Intense aromas and flavors of honey, pineapple and apricot dance in an amber liquid more like nectar than wine.  Dessert in a glass to savor sip by sip.

Reserve Riesling:  White wine, peaches, mango and honeysuckle define this wine.  Aromas leap from the glass and are followed by juicy flavors supported by crisp acidity and a hint of minerals.  Great with on its own or with spicy foods, Asian and fusion cuisine.  (Another delicious find at the winery).

Reserve Merlot:  The classic red grape as expressed by our wonderful Southwest Michigan climate.  Rich aromas of dark cherries, brambleberries and allspice are followed by a velvety soft, rich palate.  Aging in oak barrels for 12 months integrates and softens the wine.  Sip it by itself to experience all its subtleties or enjoy with a wide variety of rich sauces and hearty fare. (Very Smooth and packed with flavor.  Certain flavors can be brought out depending on what you eat with it).

Reserve Serendipity:  A classic blend of the world-famous Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes, Serendipity shows the potential of Southwest Michigan's climate and soil to produce a truly world-class red wine.  Brambleberry and dark cherry aromas lead with hints of vanilla, chocolate and cedar.  The palate is rich and bursting with dark fruits supported by firm tannins and just enough acidity for balance and has the potential to age.  Enjoy with beef, lamb or a special occasion.  (This is a fantastic red blend that we decided to drink right away and it was amazingly smooth).

Dry Riesling:  Granny Smith apples, peaches  and pear aromas and flavors with a hint of lime zest.  This drier style of the classic Riesling wine compliments just about any kind of light dishes. (Super dry but super delicious, for me the drier the better).

Pinot Grigio:  The crisp acidity of this white supports a palate of honeydew melon and apple, with a hint of lilac blossom.  This is the perfect wine for sipping ice-cold on the deck or by the warmth of a fire on a chilly autumn night.  Try with seafood, salads or poultry.

White Expression:  This white has lovely aromas of peach, melon and honeysuckle.  Delicate flavors of apple, pear, and mango are supported by crisp acidity  leading to a long, satisfying finish that begs for another sip.  White Expression is excellent with traditional cuisine, spicy Asian dishes and fusion food.  (Wonderful all around wine a great buy).

Dune Shadow Red:  Intense dark cherry, brambleberry and plum aromas are followed by a mosaic of flavors.  Hints of chocolate and cedar interplay with the bright cherry and berry flavors supported by soft tannins and acidity.  Try with hearty food like roasts, burgers and tomato-based sauces. (Perfect wine for a sophisticated picnic).

Red Expression:  The perfect wine for any occasion.  Intense aromas of raspberries, dark cherries and plums.  Silky smooth highlighting the bright fruit flavors.  Pair with everyday foods like pasta, chili or grilled foods.  (We bought a bottle of this wine because it is so smooth, it would be the best for a wedding or any special event).

(Thanks to the White Pine Winery's wine guide for descriptions and I added some personal touches to wines I've enjoyed).

 

In 1999 they established Sophie's Vineyard in Lawton after the owner's daughter.  After a four year wait for the vines to produce enough quality grapes for production.  They had many successful years and are planning to open a tasting room in 2019 at the vineyard in Lawton.  Check out their website and in the meantime the tasting room in Saint Joseph.

 

Unfortunately, you may not be able to find these wines in the grocery store or local wine shop.  Ask the person in charge of ordering wine at your store if they could order it for you.  I am looking forward to going back this summer to taste more wine and hang out on the beach.

 

 

17
Jan

St. Julian Winery

Image result for st. julian winery mi

St. Julian Winery located in Paw Paw is a wonderful place for checking out a variety of wine from the wonderful state of Michigan.  They have some unique wines and everyone can find a wine here that they would enjoy.  The sweet drinkers, dry drinkers and everyone in-between will enjoy the wine from here.

 

The winery is located right off of I-94 at 716 S Kalamazoo St, Paw Paw, MI 49079.  You can taste this wine in house, order off their website or find in select wine shops and grocery stores near you.  You can host your events there, they host various events, offer gift baskets, and other products that you can find on their online store or at the tasting room.

 

Let's check out St. Julian's wine:

 

Sparkling Wine:

BR Blanc De Blanc - Dry, lively, lemon acidity, citrus and Bartlett pear flavors.

BR Blanc De Noir - Dry white sparkler made from 100% Michigan red grapes.

Michigan Brut Champagne - Dry, with a semi-dry finish.

Sparkling Michcato - Sweet, a succulently sweet sparkling with flavors of tropical peach and citrus.

Sweet Nancie - Semi-sweet, a sparking Traminette with flavors of peach, pineapple, and lemon zest.

Sweet Nancie Cranberry - Sweet, tart cranberry and cherry aromas follow through on a medium-bodied palate with frothy carbonation.

Sweet Nancie Peach - Sweet, tropical passion fruit and peach juices are blended to create this bubbly, full of exotic aromas and packed with flavor.

White Wine:

Blue Heron - Semi-sweet, flavors of pear and mango overlay a crisp acid structure that focuses the wine and leads to a long, satisfying finish.  One of the more popular whites for the price.

BR Albarino - Dry, Inviting aromas of orange blossoms, mango and apricots lead to a tangy Meyer lemon, green apple and grassy finish. The tart acidity is well balanced with a lush finish.  Great for a summer picnic.

BR Late Harvest Vignoles - Sweet, accented by flavors of pineapple chutney and honeyed lychee, the silky-sweet, lush, full body dessert wine finishes with a caramelized pear accented.

BR LH Vidal Blanc - Sweet, tangy caramelized apple and apricot notes lead into a long mineral accent that fade nicely on the palate.

BR Mountain Road Riesling - Semi-dry, yet impeccably balanced, this wine bursts with flavors
of passion fruit, honeyed peach and tangy citrus fruits.

BR Pinot Gris - Dry, vibrant aromas of pineapple, fresh lime and citrus peel. Flavors come in layers of white peach, mango and nectarine fruit.

BR Riesling - Dry, this gently floral wine leads with vibrant aromas of Mangos, fresh lime and citrus peel. Flavors come in layers of white peach, pineapple, & nectarine fruit.

BR Sauvignon Blanc - Dry, aromas bursting of lemons and limes. The crisp acidity on the palate is accompanied by flavors jam-packed with mangos, white peaches and tropical fruits with a lingering hint of fresh cut grass.

BR Traminette - Semi-dry, exotic mango and lemon zest aromas with flavors of white peach and apricot.

Cluster Flick - Semi-sweet, pear, mango and lychee overlay with crisp acid and leads to a long, satisfying finish.

Envy - Sweet, hints of citrus with flavors of juicy peach and ripe apricots and mango. (The first St. Julian wine I tried).

Forbidden Fruit White Sangria - Sweet, passion fruit and peach flavors with a touch of citrus.

Founder's White - Dry, honey and peach aromas lead to apricot, green apple and citrus finish

Frankenmuth May Wine - Sweet, pineapple, tropical fruit and woodruff aromas with a subtle accent.

Ice Wine Vidal Blanc - Sweet jam-packed with tangy and juicy apricot, citrus marmalade and honey.  A delicious, richy flavorful wine that is simply dessert in a glass.

Michcato White - Semi-sweet, moscato-like characteristics with flavors of exotic fruit and crisp acidity.

Niagara - Sweet, fresh grape taste and a lightly sweet finish.

Peach Wine - Sweet, candied peach flavors followed by ripe fruit peach flavors.

Sauterne - Sweet, beautifully balanced carmelized pineapple and honeysuckle flavors. (Probably one of my most favorite whites by them).

Simply White - Semi-dry, a balance of ripe concentrated peach, citrus, honey and melon.

SJ Unoaked Chardonnay - Dry, refreshing and crisp flavors of yellow delicious apples.

St. Julian Reserve Late Harvest Riesling - Sweet, flavors of apricot, tangerine, and cream, along with a slight mineral edge.

St. Julian Reserve Pinot Grigio - Dry, delicate aromas of Honeydew melon and Anjou pear lead to a medium-bodied palate with Honeycrisp apple flavors.

St. Julian Reserve Riesling - Semi-dry, crisp and light, yet packs intense flavors of super ripe peach, mango, lemon zest and mineral.

White Heron - Semi-sweet, mango and apricot with a lingering after taste of tropical fruit.

 

Rosé Wine:

BR Serious Rosé - Dry, this Rosé style captures the bright berry flavors of summer. Bursting with aromas of fresh, ripe cherries and strawberries it is the perfect wine for sipping on the patio.

Catawba - Sweet, a mild berry, fresh fruit taste with just the right amount of the famous spicy Catawba grape sweetness.

Frankenmuth Rosé - Sweet, strawberry-cherry aromas and very fruity flavors.

Lust - Semi-sweet with flavors of berries and juicy fruit.  (One of my favorites and you can usually find it at Meijer).  Right now on sale for $6.99!

Simply Pink - Semi-dry, a fruity, light wine with flavors of ripe strawberries, cherries, raspberries, peaches and tropical fruit. (Another one of my favorites).  On sale for $5.99!

 

Red Wine:

BR Cabernet Franc - Dry, plum, raspberry and exotic spice aromas. Creamy vanilla-scented oak, currant and brambleberry flavors.

BR Chambourcin - Dry-yet-fruity full body of ripe blackberry, Bing cherry and boysenberry flavors.

BR Chancellor Noir - Dry, chocolate covered espresso beans, sweet cherries and vanilla aromas. Ripe currant, black raspberry and Bing cherry flavor. Aged 100% in Michigan Oak.

Sweet Revenge - Sweet, fresh grape with aromas of cherries and berries are complimented by the well-integrated acidity.

BR Meconi - Sweet, this iced Frontenac wine is a great new addition to our dessert wine portfolio! Bursting with aromas of strawberry jam and raisin it follows through with flavors of black raspberry, strawberry and boysenberry.

Concord Wine - Sweet, snappy, grapey accents echo fresh Concord grape juice.

Forbidden Fruit Sangria - Sweet, fresh berry and citrus flavors. Delicious and refreshing!

Founder's Red - Dry, this is a fresh and fruit-filled offering with pleasant cherry fruit, soft tannins and tart acidity.

Head Games - Sweet, spiced, deliciously sweet red, nicely balanced with luring flavors cinnamon, plums and clove. Perfect for fall and winter.  Try it heated up to bring out the spiced aromas.

High Maintenance - Sweet, full-bodied sweet red wine with an easy finish. Filled with aromas of blackberry, cherry and dried cranberries followed by flavors of mulberries, plums and raspberries.

Michcato Sunset Red - Semi-sweet, refreshing flavors of grapes and berries balanced with the perfect amount of sweetness.  Makes for a perfect chilled summer wine.

Nouveau - Dry, the freshest wine of the season; the essence of farm to table, a young wine bursting with flavor and body.

Red Heron - Semi-sweet, captures the essence of classic American grapes.

Scandal - Semi-sweet, easy on the eyes sweet on the lips, Scandal is the perfect way to indulge all of your cravings.  Deliciously refreshing, this fruity medium body red is the perfect Scandal.

Sholom - Sweet, a Kosher; traditional Concord wine.

Simply Red - Semi-dry, layers of dark cherries, wild berries, raspberries and with a bit of plum.

(Thanks to St. Julian Winery's website for some descriptions of the above wine).

 

In addition to the wine listed above they have fruit wine in blackberry, blueberry, cherry and dessert wines.  St. Julian Winery also has cider, spirits like gin, sherry, creme liquors, plus their widely known "Grey Heron" vodka and even non-alcoholic sparkling fruit juices.

 

I invite you to check out their winery in Paw Paw or pick up a bottle in your local grocery store or wine cellar.  Not all of these wines are available in your local store so make sure to ask if you want it ordered.

 

 

10
Jan

Black Star Farms

 

Image result for black star farms logo

Black Star Farms is more than a winery, they also have an inn, a farm to table restaurant, culinary classes, equestrian facilities and you can even have your wedding hosted there.  Located at 10844 E Revold Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and tucked back in the valley you arrive at the main building, which is a beautiful southern style farmhouse.  You truly feel like you are in an entirely different state.  Producing award winning wine in a cooler climate than other vineyards on the 45th parallel.  The Black Star Farms location is on the same line as many of the worlds premiere wine regions.

 

In addition Black Star Farms has a separate tasting room on the Old Mission Peninsula just north of Traverse City.  This is the location we stopped at the following day after we found out the Suttons Bay location was closed for the evening.  There is another location where you can try Black Star Farms wine that is located down state in Ann Arbor at the VinBar.  The VinBar is located at 111 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 they open at 3pm every day.  You can taste most of Black Star Farm's wines, ciders, fruit wines, dessert wines and even spirits.  I may post a sub-review after I visit their establishment.

 

Let's talk about their huge variety of wine, vintage, non-vintage, sparkling, red, white, fruit, cider, dessert.  The name Black Star Farms is known much farther than the Great Lakes.  You can order off of their online store or find their wine at your local grocery and wine store in about every city in Michigan even Albion, Fowlerville, Pinckney, other large and small towns alike.

 

From "Arcturos" to "A Capella," "Leorie Vineyard" to "Red House" and "Black Star Farms" labels they all represent a distinction in the winemaking process and hold a certain integrity.

 

White Wine:

Arcturos Pinot Gris

Arcturos Sauvignon Blanc

Arcturos Pinot Blanc

Arcturos Grüner Veltliner

Arcturos Sur Lie Chardonnay

Arcturos Barrel Aged Chardonnay

Arcturos Dry Riesling

Arcturos Late Harvest Riesling (One of the best fall wines).

Arcturos Semi-Dry Riesling

Red House White

Isidor's Choice Pinot Grigio

Arcturos Gewurztraminer

Arcturos Chardonnay

 

Red Wine:

Arcturos Pinot Noir (One of my favorites especially when it is cold outside).

Arcturos Merlot

Arcturos Cabernet Franc

Vintners Select (Blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Noir).

Leorie Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Franc

Red House Red (A very delicious red blend goes with almost anything)

Artisan Red

Black Star Farms Pinot Noir

 

Rosé Wine:

Black Star Farms Red House Rosé (A great delicious value and perfect on it's own or with any grilled food).

Arcturos Pinot Noir Rosé (One of my favorites).

Arcturos Cabernet Franc Rosé (Another great choice unfortunately sold out).

 

Sparkling Wine:

Brut Cuvée (Dry blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio formed in the traditional French Champagne style).

BeDazzled (Versatile bubbly that can be enjoyed at any celebration and can pair with most foods and appetizers).

Delighted (A perfect date, this bubbly made from Frontenac Gris can be enjoyed at any occasion or celebration.  Sweet berry flavor forward notes that make it perfect for grilled food and desserts.

Blushed (Off-dry bubbly rosé made from 100% Pinot Noir and perfect for any occasion.  Enjoy with salads, appetizers, desert and even by itself.

Bubbly Nouveau (Young sparkling wine usually made in small batches from the same year).

 

Fruit Wine/Hard Cider:

Black Star Farms Hard Apple Cider

Black Star Farms Hard Apple Cherry Cider

Black Star Farms Pear Wine

Black Star Farms Cherry Wine

 

Dessert Wine:

Arcturos Winter Harvest Riesling

Sirius Cherry Dessert Wine

Sirius Raspberry Dessert Wine

Sirius Red Dessert Wine

Sirius Maple Dessert Wine

A Capella Ice Wine (Riesling).

Sirius White Dessert Wine

 

In Addition to wine they have spirits, which you can check out on their website or at their tasting rooms.

 

There is much more to do at Black Star Farms.  Indulge in some of their package deals and see what catches your eye.  I have yet to stay there but it's on my radar.

 

I should be visiting the VinBar in Ann Arbor soon.  Be on the lookout for a review.

 

Be on the lookout for my next post that will feature a Black Star Farms wine.  If you have tried any of their wines please let me know which ones you enjoyed.

27
Dec

Howell's MainStreet Winery

Image result for Howell Mainstreet winery

Howell's MainStreet Winery is a great place to stop in, enjoy a glass of wine, grab a delicious pizza and watch the hustle and bustle of Grand River Ave out of their window or on their outdoor seating area when the weather permits.

 

Located at 201 West Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 right across from the historic Howell Opera House.  They offer almost every type of wine you could ask for from full-bodied reds to light-bodied reds, all of the whites from dry to sweet, fruit wines to delight along with a white, rose and red ice wine!  They aim to please everyone's taste, they even have beer for the non wine drinker in your life.

 

You can taste 4 free samples and each additional sample is $1.  If you just want a glass you can get that too.  If you really like that wine you can buy at bottle or case.  If you buy a bottle you can have a glass out of the bottle and the wonderful staff can re-cork the bottle for you to take home for later.  It's a good way to save money and wine!  If you want your own batch of wine, a batch is 28 bottles, the staff can set you up to make your own batch by starting the fermentation process waiting while the wine forms, bottling your creation and you can create custom labels for yourself or a special event like a wedding, anniversary or an office gala.  I am hoping to do this soon, it is on my bucket list for 2018.  Let's get into the different wines they make!

 

Wines Offered

As stated earlier Howell's MainStreet Winery has a wide variety of wines to please anyone's pallet.

White Wines:

City of Light - Piesporter                                 $12.99 bottle / $190 batch
A soft, easy drinking wine with delicate aromas of apple, pear, honey & elderflower.  Serve with salads or a light lunch.

Beethoven's Finest - Gewurztraminer      $14.99 bottle / $240 batch
A very distinctive wine with exotic, spicy almost perfumed characteristics.  Serve with spicy foods.

201 MainStreet - Chardonnay              $13.99 bottle / $225 batch
Big, ripe tropical fruit flavors with a rich, buttery - vanilla finish. Serve with salmon, grilled chicken or pasta in a cheese sauce.

Bella - Pinot Grigio                                $13.99 bottle/$225 batch
A crisp white with notes of citrus, almond & spice. Serve with pesto and salmon.

Spe Salvi - Sauvignon Blanc                        $14.99 bottle / $230 batch
Complex with aromas of herbs, pink grapefruit, fresh-cut grass, lime and passion fruit.  Serve with seafood, chicken or pork.

House White - Blend                                          $14.99 bottle / $230 batch
A rich, butttery bouquet with flavors of tropical fruit, vanilla and oak.  Serve with seafood with a butter sauce or pasta in a rich cream sauce.

Other whites are released seasonally like the Bianco which is a light Italian summery blend best with the hot days and warm humid evenings.

They also offer rieslings from dry, semi-dry and late harvest that are not shown on their website.

Red Wines:

MainStreet Rosay - White Merlot             $10.99 bottle / $185 batch
Fresh strawberries burst from this off-dry wine.  Serve with cheeseburgers, spicy food or picnic lunches.

Jazzy Red - Blend                                        $12.99 bottle / $215 batch
An easy drinking red, with plenty of character and charm.  Serve with barbequed red meats or pasta.

Village Cellar Red - Pinot Noir                     $18.99 bottle / $275 batch
Elegant and complex with aromas of cherries, smokey oak and spice.  Serve with vegetarian dishes.

Luna Rossa Italian Blend                         $13.99 bottle/ $235 batch
Big, bold and bountiful with loads of rich black fruits and oak, plenty of tannin and structure.  Serve with red meats or a hearty stew, also great with assorted meats and strong cheeses with bread & olive oil.

Opera House Select - Cabernet                       $16.99 bottle / $260 batch
Hearty and complex with flavors of black currants, cherry, oak, pepper and spice.  Serve with a grilled steak, lamb or grilled portobello mushrooms.

Amarone - Blend                                                     $18.99 bottle / $275 batch
A house favorite!  Deep ruby red with a spicy-earthy bittersweet finish, that lengthens on indefinitely from the huge volume of tannins.  Serve with a hearty roast or pasta with a rich meat sauce, also great with dark chocolate.

Currently for fall and winter they have a Thanksgiving Red which is almost like a beaujolais nouveau with a sweet lingering flavor to it.  Of course this wine is perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal.  In addition to Thanksgiving Red, they also have a White Pinot Noir, as you may know pinot noir is a red grape so how can they make it white?  The grapes are taken out before the wine turns a gold color.  if you let it sit too long the wine will turn pink and become a rose.  Let that sit even longer and you have the classic red pinot noir.  The White Pinot Noir is much lighter and is a must for any stir-fry or spicy dish.  I particularly like it with snapper or Lake Superior Whitefish.

Sweet Fruit Wines:

First Sin - Apple Riesling                                         $12.99 bottle / $175 batch
A fresh and exciting with accented with notes of fresh apples.  Great with cheddar cheese.

That's Amore - Black Raspberry Merlot           $12.99 bottle / $175 batch
Merlot's fruit forward style accented by luscious black raspberries.

Very Blueberry - Blueberry Pinot Noir            $12.99 bottle / $175 batch
Juicy fruity flavors of blueberry dance on your palate.

VuDu - Pomegranate Red Zin                                  $12.99 bottle/ $175 batch
Sweet & earthy aromas of fresh, ripe pomegranate.

Summer seasonal fruit wine staple is the Melon Fest wine, made with melons it tastes like summer in a bottle.  Every August Howell hosts the Melon Festival, which draws people from all around to historic downtown Howell to enjoy melon everything, shopping, and even a carnival.  It is definitely a must do in the summer.  In August I'll feature the Melon Fest wine as my top pick of the week!

Since it is winter they have a cranberry wine, which is absolutely delicious and perfect for dessert.

Dessert Wine:

Sweet Decadence                                          $21.99 bottle
Rich and warm with flavors of fig and plum makes this a bold, distinctive dessert wine.  Serve with blue cheese and walnuts or cheesecake.

Frost Bite                                                       $21.99 bottle
An impressive dessert wine with notes of peach, honey and marmalade.  Served chilled with fresh fruit or creme brulee.

Red Frost                                                       $21.99 bottle
Intensely flavorful, sweet and rich, entices with irresistible aromas and flavors of ripe currants, notes of spice, honey, strawberry, tart rhubarb and cranberry.  Excellent paired with dark chocolate.

Thanks to Howell's MainStreet Winery's wine list page for descriptions of wines.  A description can get your mouth watering but you really have to go in and try out their fine selection of wine.

 

Visit The Winery

You can reach the winery by taking exit 137 on Interstate 96, drive north on D-19/Michigan Ave then turn left onto W. Grand River Ave, go one block and it's on the southwest corner of W. Grand River Ave and Walnut.  Come drop in and enjoy some wine and a handmade, brick oven pizza.  You may see me there, just look for the red hair or my golden retriever Bogey.

 

13
Dec

Why A Blog About Michigan Wine?

If you read my "About" section you'll learn that I was introduced to Michigan wine on a college glacial geology expedition along the Lake Michigan shoreline.  After this expedition I went on a pursuit of the best wine in Michigan.  I graduated college and moved home to Ann Arbor where I discovered many different wines at my local Plum Market.  Each week I would sample various wines from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Canada, South Africa, South America, California, Oregon, Washington and of course Michigan.  Wines from Michigan are comparable to other regions around the world.

Learning about all kinds of wine is one of my passions.  My older brother met a French woman in New York and they got married in a chateau outside of Paris where my appreciation for big bold red wine and rose took root.  Spending one week with a full indulgence in the French culture I learned that wine is extremely important and a must at any dinner party.  I quickly adopted this mentality as my own.  Giving various wines as gifts and aging wine for my guests to enjoy.

My true appreciation for Michigan wine came in the summer of 2016 when my now wife and I were looking at vineyards for our wedding venue.  We took a week and traveled to the southwest side of the state and worked our way up to the Leelanau Peninsula, Suttons Bay, Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City and back down through the heart of Michigan.  Our trip had us talking with estate owners, the wine and event staff, sharing our love of wine and the state of Michigan and also getting into personal stories about our dogs, bad storms, hot summers and cold snowy winters.  By the end of our trip we had hundreds of business cards and hard decisions to make.  We couldn't pick just one venue because each vineyard was so unique we wanted certain aspects of each all in one.  We compromised on having all Michigan wine and beer at our wedding and saved on cost by hosting it in Howell at the Howell Opera House.  Not a vineyard but right next-door to the Main Street Winery.

Michigan's climate supports grape growth for wine production.  Fertile soil, the warm to hot summers increase the quality of wines.  The hotter, dryer and sunnier summers produce quality red wine grapes and dryer white wine grapes.  An early frost, freeze or hailstorms can damage a crop.  There are different harvesting times for each grape.  If you want a sweeter wine you wait later to create a late harvest, which usually means sweeter wine.  If you want an iced wine you will wait until the grapes freeze on the vine and then pick to produce a delicious dessert wine, very sweet almost syrupy in consistency and flavor.

In Michigan your town may have a winery.  In Howell they have the Main Street Winery and if you drive along I-94, I-96, I-69, US-23, I-75, US-127 or US-131 you will see signs for various vineyards and wineries within a few miles.  The wine industry in Michigan is massive, in addition to tourism Michigan has a booming economy because there is a wine for everyone.  The variety in grapes grown in Michigan is huge.  Michigan has a relatively short grape growing season compared to other regions but many times that is what really makes our wines so unique.  You may not find an iced wine in Sonoma.  People travel from all around the world to sample Michigan wine.  Wine brings people together and there are great stories shared when sitting down to sample at a tasting room.  There's something relaxing about enjoying a nice glass of rose on a porch overlooking the vineyard, lake, or in a wine garden.

In this blog you'll learn about vineyards, wineries, cider mills and fruit farms that grow grapes for wine production.  Each week I'll feature a new vineyard along with my top wine pick of the week.  Occasionally I'll suggest food pairings for my wine pick.  My goal is to give you facts, exclusive interviews, personal encounters, wine list, descriptions and get you to visit in person and/or sample some of their wine.

Join the Michigan Wine Guy for a tour of Michigan wine.

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