Yes, Grand Rapids has a winery. Yes, they make the wine on site. Yes, you should stop by and try it. I have been repeating this mantra to almost everyone since I visited Cascade Winery a few weeks ago.
Situated in Kentwood, just outside Grand Rapids, in an industrial building off a busy road, Cascade Winery has given "Urban Winery" a new meaning.
Once you step inside, you know you are in the right place. The tasting room looks like the sixty other tasting rooms in Michigan with wine racks, accessories, and medals surrounding the room. There is even a grape vine mural on the wall behind the tasting counter.
Cascade Winery owner Bob Bonga started making wine as a hobby 15 years ago, and developed it into a business in 2003. They moved into their current building in June of 2008 and are working hard to fill it with wine. They estimate production of 3000 cases this year.
Bob's son Roger is the winemaker and in my estimation is doing a great job. They are building the business little by little and are expanding as necessary.
Bob has organized several recurring events at the winery to encourage new customers. They host a Friday night pasta night, a Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate event the last Saturday of the month, and even cooling classes with local chef Jason Van Dam.
All of the white wines are made from grapes from Michigan. The reds include Michigan grapes and grapes from across the country. The Cabernet Franc is made with 100% Michigan grapes.
Most of the wines run from $10 to $15. "I feel strongly about giving value," Bob proudly shares. The Ice Wines run closer to $30, still a bargain for Ice Wine.
As usual, my favorite part of the visit was the tasting. Here are some of my favorites:
- 2008 Cabernet Franc - the fruit really comes through on this and makes it an easy drinker.
- 2007 LaSeyval - a dry, crisp white that would pair well with a salad.
- 2008 Cascade White - a little fruitier and sweeter, but a good all around white.
Other interesting wines offered:
- 2008 Deleware - this is the first Deleware I have seen in Michigan.
- Traditional Honey Mead
- Jalapeno Wine - I would recommend cooking with it instead of drinking it.
- Raspberry Chocolate Silk - It is time to start drinking your dessert.
Bob and Roger are two of the friendliest vintners in the state. I assure you, they take the pretension out of wine, and will welcome your questions. If I lived in Grand Rapids, I would make it a point to stop by every week to add to my cellar.
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