Michigan Wine Guy

This Sparkling Demi-Sec is a great rendition, because it takes a usually sweeter type of wine and when you add the bubbles it transforms the taste into a more semi-sweet complexion.

Here is the description off of the Tabor Hill Winery website, "We’ve taken our best selling wine and added some fun – aka bubbles! Both sweet and dry wine drinkers love this complex white sparkling wine. This wine is fruity with aromas of apple, pear and citrus. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness. This new addition to Tabor Hill will be sure to please those who have loved the Demi-Sec for years. Make any day a celebration with the NEW sparkling Demi-Sec!"

This description couldn't be more true! I personally love dry wines, but this has a great flavor profile that made me enjoy it! My wife and I had this wine to celebrate me successfully completing my training examination!

Tabor Hill Winery is located in Southwest Michigan, more specifically in Buchanan. Every time I am out that way it seems to be the day that they are closed, but I hope to be able to visit them soon.

If you are curious about getting this delicious Sparkling Dami-Sec or any of their other wines, they offer the ability to order their wine on their website. You can also find select wine from Tabor Hill Winery in your local grocery store or wine shop. If they don't have what you are looking for some places are really good about ordering the wine for you.

This wine is best served chilled! A perfect Memorial Weekend, summer or any celebration wine! Because celebrations are better with bubbles!

As always, please drink responsibly!

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We are on the verge of planning our Easter festivities, with main dishes being pondered, trying to figure out who will bring what side dishes, and you can't forget about dessert. But, here is something that you may not have readily thought about, the wine; if it will pair well with your meal and if the people who you invite would enjoy it.

That's where these 2 Sparkling Wines will do the job.

1. Sparkling de Chaunac Rosé from L. Mawby this sparkling wine is a perfect compliment to any dish you may serve; whether you are having a ham or turkey. Having a deeper pink, almost red colored rosé meaning that the red wine drinkers would love it, and the wine is light enough to please a white wine drinker's palate. With the de Chaunac grape it gives you that richness of flavor with the fizziness of your favorite sparkling wine. This wine is a Tribute to Boskydel Vineyards, the first vineyard in the Traverse City area. If you ask your local wine shop, they should be able to order this for you. It is early enough, I think you may be able to purchase the bottle from the L. Mawby website too.
2. Sweet Nancie from St. Julian: This wine is a Sparkling Traminette that is sweet, bubbly and full of personality! You can have this with dessert or it can add flavor and excitement to your meal. Either way you decide to have this sparkling white wine, I hope you share it with others. In comparison to the first wine, this wine is also a tribute, but instead of being to a vineyard it is to a person, to Nancie Corum-Oxley Michigan's first professional female winemaker. You can ask your local wine shop to order you this bottle of wonderful sweet bubbles or you can probably order it off of St. Julian's website.

Either wine you select, you won't go wrong. However, if I was in charge, I would get both, because each has a unique story and they are bound to please everyone.

Now, when you finalize all of your Easter plans, don't forget the wine! You will be the savior of the day and everyone will thank you.

Also, if you need additional help selecting the right wine for you and your meal, leave a comment or send me an email! I would be glad to help you out!

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?

It's getting close to the holiday season and we are thinking about all of the gifts to get for our family and friends.  With impending gatherings we want to be gracious with our offerings.  If you aren't asked to make or bring a dish, wine would be a great gift.

We all see those wine gift baskets with the California wines, the Italian prosecco or that wine with the Christmas tree label and think those are pretty cool, but what if you brought something more local and more unique?  How about a Michigan wine?  Michigan makes some award-winning wine that can go toe to toe with many of the quality wines of other regions in the world.

How do you make the wine selection for that perfect gift?

Typically you think red for the longevity and the ability to go well with hearty meals, or you choose a Chardonnay, not everyone is a fan, but someone will drink it?  A sparkling wine is safe, but how do you know if it's going to be good?  Why don't you try to take your host or recipient's taste in mind?  The type of wine you chose will be well received and more likely to be enjoyed with others.

Red Wine:

If you know your recipient loves red wine or the meal you are attending will be hearty, a red wine will be your best bet.  How do you pick a red wine?

The most widely loved red wine from Michigan is a Pinot Noir.  These Pinot Noirs are versatile and can go with meals like Turkey, Ham and Roast Beef.

If you wanted to go a more traditional direction select a Merlot.  Most people recognise the name and they know the flavor.  It is a safe bet for those red wine lovers in your life.  Michigan Merlot has a more fruit forward taste than other regions and will fit well with most meals.

You could go with a more Michigan unique grape like Marquette for those true red wine enthusiasts in your life.  It can still pair well with those hearty meals and can potentially age for two more years depending on the vintage.

White Wine:

When you are thinking white wine, Chardonnay comes to the top of your mind, right?  However, there are those people who LOVE it and there are those who can't stand it!  If you know your gift recipient loves it, a Michigan Chardonnay would be an awesome new twist and taste for them.  Perhaps, if you don't know, try an unoaked Chardonnay.  Unoaked reduces all of those woody characteristics that an Oaked Chardonnay gives you.

The second most popular white wine is Pinot Grigio.  A Pinot Grigio is the best bet for those white wine lovers in your life.  No wood and more fruit makes for perfect Turkey and Ham pairings.  This is a lighter wine that is widely available in Michigan.  This wine will be a safe bet.

If you are looking to really impress your host or recipient a Michigan Riesling will be a hit!  Rieslings come in Dry, Semi-Dry, Semi-Sweet, Late Harvest, Sweeter and Iced Wine, which is super sweet.  A taste for everyone, this is one of the best and most award-winning white wines in Michigan.  Compare a German Riesling with a Michigan Riesling and see which is better.  This wine holds up to practically every dish and if you love spicy food like me, it will help cut the burn. Sometimes a sweeter wine will help settle your stomach from all of the festive cuisine.

If you want to be unique and bring something different, Michigan white blends can actually fit well and bring a cool story to the table.  I personally love the white blends, which usually have unique names.  They also usually have a fun story behind the wine too!  When wine tasting I always ask how they came up with the name and most times, the stories are quite compeling!  Share the story with your guests to instil a more personal connection to the wine they are drinking.

Rosé Wine:

If you can't decide between white or red and you want something that goes well with everything, why don't you try a rosé?  Rosé is delicious and will bring some additional color to your meal.  Michigan Rosé is a great addition to any meal but not a great gift.  The only gift-worthy rosé would be a sparkling rosé.

Sparkling Wine:

We think of Sparkling Wine as a New Year's Eve thing, but a good bubbly can make a significant impact at any holiday meal and make a perfect gift.  These wines come in an array of flavors and tastes, dry traditional sparkling wine, semi-dry, semi-sweet, and even sweet sparklers!  If you are gifting a bubbly, a dry to semi-dry will be a perfect gift.  If you know your recipient loves sweeter wine, try one of those!  Your best bet for sparkling wine in Michigan is L. Mawby where they specialise in everything sparkling wine.  Many other wineries in Michigan use L. Mawby as a model for their sparklers.  A sparkling wine would be perfect for toasting a meal or holiday party.  It is a tradition in some cultures to only toast with a sparkling wine.  Until recently, I didn't think that a bubbly goes well with dessert, but It is actually very complimentary to the sweetness of your last portion!

If you need help finding a great gifting wine or wine for your holiday event, please reach out to me at mark@michiganwineguy.com and I can be the hero or your holiday!

Enjoy the season's festivities and be on the lookout for more Michigan wine related articles.

The "wine in the blue bottle" known as "Winter White" also comes in a Champagne-like style.  The bottle isn't blue, but the wine tastes practically similar just with bubbles.  The "Winter White Bubbly" from Leelanau Cellars is Crisp, fruity, light and bubbly with all of the flavors you love from "Winter White."

While visiting the winery in Northport we found out the only way to get this style of "Winter White" is to purchase it from the winery.  This wine was running low on selection when we visited on July 1.  This winery is quite remote, situated on Suttons Bay and Lake Michigan they make a wide spectrum of world-class wine.  Everything is sourced from their vineyards and they have a wine for anyone.

I haven't tried, but you may be able to order wine they only sell in-house by calling them.  Leelanau Cellars is a very beautiful place to see.  Tastings are fun and informative.  I will be updating the post on Leelanau Cellars for next week.  If you get a chance to visit Northwest Michigan it will totally be worth a visit to this fantastic winery.

In the meantime keep drinking amazing Michigan Wine and if you have any wines you want reviewed please make a comment below!

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!

With just a week to go before Independence Day I wanted to showcase some wines that would pair perfectly with the festivities.

First off, you don't normally think of having wine with this holiday, however it has grown in popularity as of late.  Rosé being one of those popular summer wines.  Rosé can spread the spectrum from being dry all the way to sweet and have a light pink color to an almost ruby-red hue.  With the variation in styles this wine can go with any dish, whether it be hamburgers, hotdogs, barbecue, grilled fish, salads or all by itself.  So head on into your local store and see if you can grab a nice bottle of Rosé.  Oh, take a look and you may find a Michigan Rosé, even better!  Yum!

Rosé not your wine of choice for fireworks?  Then how about a sparkling wine?  Sparklers are always a great selection for the 4th because of the POP or BOOM!  Depending on how you open the bottle!  There are plenty of wineries in Michigan who have perfected the sparkling wine style and none better than L. Mawby.  What celebration of our independence wouldn't be complete without a wine that crackles and bubbles?  Their wine will compliment the fireworks show and much more.

Oh wow, I'm sorry, it would be rude not to include Red and White wine now wouldn't it?  After all those are the two main colors in our flag.  So here we go!

A great Red wine to include would be a nice Zinfandel or Pinot Noir, both lighter they will pair well with any barbecue or grilled meats.  Depending on the heat of the day reds may only be recommended for pairing purposes only.  However, to each their own, I don't mind a full-bodied dark red even when it is 100 outside!

I hope you want to complete the colors, without a blue wine we are now on to the Whites!  Hmmm, you really can't go wrong here, a good semi-dry to semi-sweet wine would be ideal.  Always chilled and always delicious, it'll pair with most dishes and hold up on its own.  Michigan is notorious for this style of wine and wherever you select your White from you won't be let down.

Some of this may be alittle vague but this is the case with these holidays, everyone celebrates differently.  If you need more clarification or want me to help you pick out an awesome wine for your 4th Of July festivities leave a comment and I'll totally get back to you with some fantastic selections.

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!

Get your Valentine's Day plans "on point" with "On Point Pink Bubbly" from Lazy Ballerina Winery.  The perfect love potion.  After tasting you'll immediately fall in love with the wine.  The sweetness that delivers with the bubbles that tantalize your taste buds.

Some people say that red is the color of love and the romantic wine.  Well... move over classic red, the pinks are taking over as the new champion of love.  Rosé is the ultimate love wine with the perfect compromise on color and flavor.  Pink wines can be super dry to dessert sweet.  If you don't fall in love with your date, you'll fall in love with "On Point Pink Bubbly."

Hmmm.... What should you pair it with?  Chocolate covered strawberries, spicy dishes, grilled seafood, chicken and even good enough to hold up to on it's own.  At the price of $19.99 it is well worth the investment, especially if it's for Valentine's Day or any special occasion.  You can only get this bubbly from the winery in Saint Joseph or their new tasting room in Bridgman.  If you want to inquire about an order you can call 269-363-6218.

As stated above Lazy Ballerina Winery has 2 locations.  The main winery is at 315 State St. Saint Joseph, MI 49085.  A cozy cafe feel when you enter.  You can taste 5 wines, have a complementary chocolate from Patricia's Chocolate, and get a stemless wine glass to take home all for $8.  I mean, who wouldn't want to taste world-class wine and cider and get a wine glass for $8?  Totally worth a trip to Saint Joseph.  While you are there don't forget try the other wineries within a block.  Finish off your adventure at Silver Beach watching the sunset.   Ooh, spontaneous Valentine's Day trip to the Lake?  Yes please!

It may still be cold out there but it'll be hot wherever you are with "On Point."  Next post on Valentine's Day is going to be a hoot!  I'll spread the love to all of my followers with a sweet post!

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.