Welcome to the latest edition of This Weekend in Michigan Wine, a listing of what's happening now, what's coming up and what's ongoing in the world of Michigan wine!
Wineries, if you'd like your event listed, please email us with all of the pertinent information, and we'd be happy to post it. MBTB fans, we hope this serves as your weekly "go-to" guide for finding the best options for getting your Michigan wine on! Cheers!
Wednesday, July 6-Friday, July 8: Global Wine Pavilion at the National Cherry Festival
From 5-10 p.m. each night, enjoy a collection of more than 90 wines in the Global Wine Pavilion at the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. Admission is $10, and includes a "The One" wine glass, designed by master sommelier Andrea Robinson, and your first glass of wine. Additional wines will be available for purchase in 2.5-oz. and 5-oz. pours, with prices ranging from $3 to $30. A selection of imported cheeses, cured meats and other pairing foods will be available in $3 portion sizes. For more information, visit http://visit.cherryfestival.org/global-wine-pavilion.
Friday, July 8: Vinyl Night at Circa Estate Winery
Circa will crack out the 1978 turntable and play some vinyl, starting at 7 p.m.! Visitors are encouraged to bring their LPs or 45s. Small plates and wine will be served. The event is held the second Friday of each month. For more information, visit www.circawinery.com or call (231) 271-1177.
Friday, July 8-Saturday, July 9: Live local music at Uncorked
Head over to Uncorked, a Traverse City bar featuring only Michigan-made wine, beer and spirits, to check out local musicians performing live this weekend. The house band, No Strings Attached, will play 7-10 p.m. Friday. Matt Mansfield, a local radio DJ and musician, will take appear 7-10:30 p.m. Saturday. Uncorked is located at 211 E. Front Street in downtown T.C. For more information, visit Uncorked's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/uncorkedtc.
Friday, July 8-Saturday, July 9: Wuerfel Park Microbrew & Wine Festival
The Traverse City Beach Bums are hosting their first Microbrew & Wine Festival at Wuerfel Park, featuring samples from Michigan microbreweries and wineries. Giveaways are planned for every 15 minutes, and contests will be running throughout, offering chances to win various types of merchandise. The event runs 3-8 p.m. Friday and noon-6 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $40 apiece. For more information, visit www.tcbeachbums.com or call (231) 943-0100.
Saturday, July 9: Live music at Mackinaw Trail Winery
Enjoy reggae with the Darryl Syria Project at Mackinaw Trail's Manistique tasting room, 7-10 p.m. For more information, visit the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176568689073914.
Saturday, July 9: Dinner concert at Lone Oak Vineyard Estate
Lone Oak will host a dinner concert featuring Koke McKesson and Doug Decker, 6-9 p.m. at the tasting room in Grass Lake. Attendees can choose from blackened catfish or chicken florentine lasagna for entrees. The cost is $22 per person for the dinner and show. For reservations, call (517) 522-8167. For more information, visit the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=142541165820184.
COMING UP…
Wednesday, July 13: Food for Thought's Green Cuisine
Food for Thought is hosting a zero-waste sampling of local gourmet food and beverages, 5-8 p.m. at their Oviatt Road farm in Honor. Vendors include Chateau Chantal, Black Star Farms, Ciccone Vineyard & Winery, Cherry Republic, Shady Lane Cellars, L. Mawby, Left Foot Charley, Bel Lago, Forty-Five North and more. Visitors also can tour the organic farm and green buildings and visit a "green lifestyles" tent providing information on other green local products and services. All of the food and paper waste generated during the event will be composted. The event is free, though donations are welcome. For more information, call (231) 326-5444, email green-cuisine@foodforthought.net or visithttp://www.foodforthought.net/about/green-cuisine.html.
Thursday, July 14: An Evening of Wine and Chocolate at Mackinaw Trail Winery
Delta Schoolcraft Great Start and Mackinaw Trail Winery are partnering for An Evening of Wine and Chocolate, 6-8:30 p.m. at Mackinaw Trail's Manistique tasting room. Advance tickets are $20 per person through July 7 and $25 per person after that. All proceeds benefit the Delta Schoolcraft Childhood Fund. For more information, visit http://www.great-start.org or the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=162626213803429.
Friday, July 15: Drink Michigan's A Sip of Michigan Bash at the Rattlesnake Club
Drink Michigan is celebrating its first birthday with A Sip of Michigan Bash at the Rattlesnake Club in Detroit. Michigan wine, beer and spirits will be featured, along with food pairing stations and live entertainment. Admission to the event, which runs 8 p.m.-midnight, is $35, and includes 35 tasting tickets and all appetizers and entertainment. One ticket gets a taste; three tickets get a full glass. Additional tasting tickets will be sold on site. All profits from the event will go toward Homefront Hugs, a Michigan-based organization dedicated to taking care of American troops overseas, wounded soldiers and military families. Entry tickets will not be sold at the door; advance purchase is required. For more information, visit http://www.drinkmichigan.org/events/a-sip-of-michigan-birthday-bash.
*MBTB will be there!
Friday, July 15: Corks for Conservation at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek
This wine tasting event at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek will run 6-10 p.m. and feature various Michigan wines, including selections from Black Star Farms. There will be live music, hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction and live animal presentations, as well as beer from Arcadia Brewing Co. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple and include a Corks for Conservation wine glass. For an additional $15 per person, visitors can attend a wine tasting class hosted by Mark Reincke from Mega-Bev in Battle Creek at 5:30 p.m. Attendees must be age 21 or older. For more information, call (269) 979-1351 or visit http://www.binderparkzoo.org/corks/index.php.
Saturday, July 16: Live music at Mackinaw Trail Winery
Enjoy classic rock 'n' roll with the Floyd Brothers at Mackinaw Trail's Manistique tasting room, 7-10 p.m. For more information, visit the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=213800415323775.
Saturday, July 16: Dining in the Vines at Bowers Harbor Vineyards
Bowers Harbor Vineyards and the Boathouse Restaurant will hold their first 2011 Dining in the Vines event on July 16. The feast is $99 per person and includes a six-course gourmet meal prepared by a master chef, paired with wine, all among the grapevines at the vineyards. Additional events are scheduled for Aug. 13 and 27 and Sept. 3, 17 and 24. For more information, visit www.dininginthevines.com.
Saturday, July 16: Michigan Wine Tasting at Riverdays in Midland
Come out and sample Michigan wines at Chippewassee Park as part of Midland's Riverdays Festival. The July 15-16 event celebrates the community and its riverfront heritage with music, family activities, fireworks and more. Wine tasting is 5-9 p.m. July 16 and tickets are available at the door for $10. For more information, call (989) 839-9661 or visit http://riverdaysfestival.wordpress.com.
Saturday, July 16: Sunrise Side Wine and Food Festival
This annual event at Harrisville Harbor in Harrisville runs noon-6 p.m. and features samples of Michigan wine and beer, food from local restaurants, live music and fine art. For more information, call (989) 724-5107 or visit www.huronshorescc.com.
Sunday, July 17: Sensory Wine Tasting at Gill's Pier
Gill's Pier on the Leelanau Peninsula will present a unique Sensory Wine Tasting, 6-8 p.m., featuring three of the winery's most popular reds: Just Unleashed, 2008 Merlot and, in a special early tasting, 2010 Cabernet Franc/Merlot. The wines will be paired with spices from around the world, and Karen and Kimberly Pontius of Suttons Bay Spices will discuss their company's history. A local caterer will use the paired spices for a tapas menu for "a sensuous experience you won't want to miss." Space is limited to 30 people. The cost is $25 per person. Visit http://gillspier.ticketbud.com/sensory-tasting to purchase tickets.
Sunday, July 17: A Taste of Honey: Mead & Jazz Festival at Sandhill Crane Vineyards
Visit Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson for a day of local jazz and the release of the new vintage of Blue Skies, Sandhill's blueberry mead, which benefits the Dahlem Conservancy. Admission is free; the
event runs noon-6 p.m. For more information, visit www.sandhillcranevineyards.com.
Thursday, July 21: An Evening with the Jill Jack Band at Cherry Creek Winery
Enjoy an intimate evening concert under the pergola at Cherry Creek Winery's Old Schoolhouse tasting room in Parma with international star Jill Jack. The event runs 7-11 p.m. Cover is $5, and advance tickets are required; the concert is expected to sell out. Wine and food will be available for purchase. To reserve seats, visit https://www.wineweb.com/scripts/secure/eventReservation.cfm?w=27287&seq=310. For more information, visit the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=235207749837053.
Friday, July 22: Hops & Berries at Torch Lake
Alden's annual Hops & Berries wine and beer tasting event will be held on the shores of Torch Lake, 5-9 p.m. The festivities feature samples from local vineyards and breweries at the Alden Depot Park, along with live jazz and a silent auction. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. For more information, call (231) 331-4711 or visit http://visitalden.com/eventsinalden/hopsandberries.html.
Friday, July 22: Concert with Missy Raines and The New Hip at Sandhill Crane Vineyards
Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson will host Missy Raines, the Bluegrass Music Association's Bass Player of the Year, and her bluegrass/jass fusion band, The New Hip, for a performance to benefit the Gateway Communities Initiative, which promotes tourism in the Waterloo-Pinckney Recreation Areas and surrounding communities. Tickets are $50. For more information, call (734) 475-1145.
Saturday, July 23 (Registration required by July 18): OSV Fit Extreme at Old Shore Vineyards
Old Shore Vineyards in Buchanan has merged a passion for wine and fitness with OSV Fit Extreme, one extreme day of fitness classes taught by professionals, along with a lunch and wine tasting, all int he vineyards. Participants can sign up for one class or all three. At 10 a.m., there's a vineyard vinyasa flow yoga class, followed by a zumba vineyard fitness class at 11 a.m. A picnic lunch in the vines is at noon. At 1 p.m. is "shredded," a creative interval training class that includes plyometrics and challenging exercises to increase muscle definition and strength. A cooldown, available only with the purchase of the full-day's slate, is scheduled for 2 p.m., features wine tasting with OSV's owners. The event is intended for individuals at all levels of fitness. Admission must be paid in advance by July 18. For more information, visit the Facebook event page at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176142855776348 or email events@oldshorevineyards.com.
Monday, July 25-Friday, July 29/Monday, Aug. 8-Friday, Aug. 12: Art in the Vineyard at SIlver Leaf
Silver Leaf Vineyard on Leelanau Peninsula will host several days' worth of art workshops by world-famous artist Stan Fellows, who will paint and conduct classes on watercolors and journal drawing. Stan is a nationally renowned illustrator who has had work in the New York Times, Harper's Magazine, The Atlantic Monthly, Martha Stewart Living and more. The cost is $45 per class. For a full schedule and class descriptions, visit http://www.silverleafvineyard.com/art/.
Saturday, July 30: Wine & Wool Festival at Sandhill Crane Vineyards
Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson is partnering with The Dropped Stitch, a local yarn shop, for this second annual event, which highlights fiber farmers and indie dyers, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Visitors can shop for yarn, fiber or knitted/crocheted items from booths on the winery's grounds. Demos and workshops will be held, too. Admission is free. For more information, call (517) 764-0679.
Saturday, July 30: Domaine Berrien Cellars Art, Wine & Music Festival
Domaine Berrien Cellars in Berrien Springs will host its seventh annual Art, Wine & Music Festival, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. July 30. The event will be outdoors near the vineyards on Lemon Creek Road, rain or shine. About 30 artists and crafters will sell their handmade work — ranging from baskets, jewelry and carvings to ceramics, watercolors and photography — under individual tents in the art fair area. Live music will be supplied throughout the day by local musicians, including The Art Gomperz Band, Bob's Garage Band, The Grenadiers, Red Hot Rivet, The Sypian Brothers Band, Bob Flood, Major Trio and The West Virginians. Prize raffles will be available, and grilled sandwiches prepared by The Outdoor Kitchen will be for sale. DBC wine and non-alcoholic beverages also will be available. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit www.domaineberrien.com or call (269) 473-9463.
Thursday, Aug. 4: 2011 Gold Medal Wine Reception
Try the winning wines from the 2011 Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition during this 5-8 p.m. event at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center in East Lansing, where many of winemakers and winery owners will be on hand to discuss their wines and share a glass with attendees. The Kellogg Center's chefs will prepare food to pair with the Best of Class winners, and double gold, gold and silver medal wines will be available for sampling, along with an array of "culinary treats." Tickets are $40 per person through Aug. 2, or $45 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketbud.com. (Vintage Michigan members receive a discount when buying tickets by July 28; contact Sherri Goodreau at (517) 241-3415 or goodreaus@michigan.gov.) Attendees must be age 21 or older to attend. For more information, visit http://www.michiganwines.com/page.php?page_id=623.
*MBTB will be there!
Friday, Aug. 5: Paella in the Park (Tickets on sale July 1)
The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula and Porterhouse Productions are putting on their second annual Paella in the Park in downtown Traverse City, at the former Clinch Park Zoo grounds. The 5-10 p.m. event, intended for guests age 21 and older, features live music, food and wine. The seven OMP wineries will be paired with seven regional chefs tasked with preparing 36-inch pans of Spanish paella using OMP wines and fresh local and global ingredients over an open fire onsite. The Cherry Poppin' Daddies are scheduled to be the evening's headlining entertainment. Space is limited, and the event is expected to sell out. Tickets — $40 in advance and $45 at the door — go on sale July 1 and are available at Oryana in Traverse City or online at www.porterhouseproductions.com.
Saturday, Aug. 6: Michigan Wine Tasting Course with Michigan By The Bottle
Join Michigan By The Bottle and master sommelier Claudia Tyagi for an early afternoon wine tasting course in metro Detroit, featuring ALL Michigan wines. More information coming soon!
*MBTB will be there!
Saturday, Aug. 6-Sunday, Aug 7: The Wine Days of Summer Picnic Trail on Pioneer Wine Trail
Visit the SE Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail for the Wine Days of Summer Picnic Trail, a self-driving tour of wineries that includes picnic-related food prepared by a local chef or restaurant and a perfectly paired pouring of wine at each stop. Attendees also will receive a recipe card to take home. The event runs 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets, $25 apiece, are limited and distributed on a first come, first served basis. Ticket sales end at midnight Aug. 4, or sooner if sold out; they will not be available on the days of the event. For more information, visit http://www.pioneerwinetrail.com.
Saturday, Aug. 6: Tawas Uncork'd & Untap'd
Visit East Tawas' Harbor Park noon-6 p.m. for a day of Michigan wine, ales, food and music. The third annual event benefits a new library for the area. For more information, visit the event's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tawas-Uncorkd-Untapd/241973317355.
ONGOING…
Saturdays and Sundays in July: Private Barrel Tastings at Silver Leaf Vineyard
Silver Leaf Vineyard on Leelanau Peninsula will host private barrel tastings by appointment only on Saturdays and Sundays throughout July. The private tastings include an 18 oz. wine glass for participants to take home; gourmet cheese, olives and crackers will be served alongside three samples of wine straight from the barrel, including Meritage Red, barrel-aged 2010 Chardonnay and 2010 Pinot Noir. Visitors also can chat with the winemaker and proprietor, Mark Carlson. The cost is $30 per person or $45 per couple. Call ahead to reserve a time at (231) 271-3111. For more information, visit http://www.silverleafvineyard.com/news/2011/6/30/private-barrel-tastings.html.
Saturdays, June-September: Live Entertainment at Cherry Creek Winery
Visit Cherry Creek Winery's Old Schoolhouse tasting room in Parma on Saturdays, 2-6 p.m., for performances through mid-September. Acts includes Swinging Sirloins July 9, Bigfoot Bob & Band July 16, Act III July 23, Frog & the Beeftones July 30, Airtight Aug. 6, Scoot Magoo Aug. 13 and Sept. 4, Calling Marvin Aug. 20, Mojo Phoenix Blues Aug. 27, and Jaded Soul Band Sept. 17. For more information, call (517) 592-4663.
Select dates: Dinner at the Inn at Black Star Farms
Enjoy dinner in the elegant Arcturous dining room at the Inn on Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay. Upcoming dates include July 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 21 and 28. The Inn chef embraces a philosophy of cooking with meats, herbs, vegetables and fruits grown/raised on the farm at Black Star or from other Michigan farms located within a 100-mile radius. An assortment of in-house-prepared decadent desserts also is available, and Black Star Farms wine is available by the glass or the bottle. Seating is limited; reservations are required. Dinners begin at 6:30 p.m. Call (231) 944-1251.
Fridays, throughout summer: Late Nights at Circa Estate WInery
Circa Estate Winery will be open until 10 p.m. every Friday throughout the summer. Visitors can play bocce ball on the front lawn or relax on the patio with a glass of wine. The Bells, the owners, will be grilling outside. For more information, visit www.circawinery.com or call (231) 271-1177.
Fridays, through Labor Day weekend: Friday Fun Night at Round Barn Union Pier
Get drink specials paired with a featured appetizer from local restaurants, 6-7:30 p.m. on Fridays at Round Barn Winery's Union Pier tasting room. A glass of featured wine is $3; DiVine cocktails are $5; beer pints are $1 off. For more details, visit www.roundbarnwinery.com or www.facebook.com/roundbarnwinery.
Thursdays, mid-June through late August: Jazz at Sunset at Chateau Chantal
Every Thursday, Jeff Haas and his jazz trio will perform — sometimes with special guests — beginning at 7 p.m. at Chateau Chantal on Old Mission Peninsula. Visitors can taste select Chateau Chantal wines; kids can sample lemonade. The concerts are free. For more information, call (231) 223-4110 or emailwine@chateauchantal.com.
Saturdays, Sundays: Round Barn Winery's Summer Concert Series
Come out to Round Barn Winery's Baroda tasting room for free entertainment "al fresco" every Saturday and Sunday afternoon while sipping wine, spirits or microbrews in the recently completed open-air live music stage, adjacent to the Beer Garden. Freshly grilled burgers, brats, hot dogs and chicken sandwiches are available at the Round Barn Café.
Saturdays: Live Music by Ben Richey at Bowers Harbor Vineyards
Ben Richey will perform outdoors at Bowers Harbor Vineyards' tasting room on the Old Mission Peninsula, 3-6:30 p.m., on all Saturdays, June through September, weather permitting. Wine by the glass, flights of wine and gourmet snacks will be available for purchase. For more information, call (231) 223-7615 or visit the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=223721277645069.
Second and fourth Thurs. of each month: Thirsty Thursdays at Forty-Five North Vineyard & Winery
Forty-Five North on Leelanau Peninsula will have live music on the patio, 6-9 p.m., on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Cover is $5, which includes 50 percent off a glass of wine, plus various other wine deals. Cheese plates and other snacks will be available for purchase. The winery also will have specials on wine by the glass and bottles every Thursday. For more information, visit www.fortyfivenorth.com or call (231) 271-1188.
Wednesdays and Saturdays, mid-June through Sept. 5: Wine Dinners with Chateau Chantal
A winery tour kicks off the evening at 6 p.m., followed by dinner seating at 6:30 p.m. The seven-course meal prepared by Chef Perry Harmon, owner of the premium biscotti company Way North Foods, is paired with Chateau Chantal wines. The price is $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required at least a day in advance and can be made online or by calling (800) 969-4009. The menu is viewable by clicking here.
Daily, June 15 through Sept. 5: Tapas Tours at Chateau Chantal
Get a tour of the vineyard and winery, along with tapas-style small plates paired with wine, at Chateau Chantal on Old Mission Peninsula. Tapas Tours are led by experienced guides who walk guests through the winemaking process and an exploration of wine and food pairing. Tours begin at 12:30 p.m. and last two hours. The cost is $26 per person. A light jacket is recommended, as the cellar can be chilly. To make reservations, call (800) 969-4009 or book online. The 2011 menu is available by clicking here.
Tues., Thurs. and Sat., June 4-Sept. 24: Uncommon Adventures Water-to-Wine Day Tours
Kayakers of all skill levels can paddle on Grand Traverse Bay, eat a gourmet lunch on the beach and enjoy private winery tours and tastings at several local wineries during the tours, which begin at 9 a.m. and wrap up around 5:30 p.m. Depending on weather, the starting point is Bowers Harbor or Hasaret Beach. Featured wineries may include Brys Estate, Peninsula Cellars and Left Foot Charley. The cost is $160 per person and includes professional guide/instructor, kayaking equipment, lunch and wine tour fees. For more information, call (866) 882-5525 or visit http://www.uncommonadv.com/kayaking/great-lakes/water-wine-day.html.
By Appointment: Private Tours/Tastings at 2 Lads Winery
2 Lads staffers will explain the what, where, why and how behind the winemaking process during private tours and tastings of the Old Mission Peninsula facility. Participants can tour the crush pad and get an in-depth look at how wine is made and what sets 2 Lads apart; visit the barrel room and learn about red wines and the aging process; and taste 2 Lads wines paired with a premium food plate in the private gallery. The tour/tasting lasts about an hour and a half and is by appointment only. The cost is $25 per person. For more information, call Caryn at (231) 223-7722.
Daily, June 14 through Aug. 31: Winery Tours at Chateau Chantal
Chateau Chantal on Old Mission Peninsula offers cellar tours on the hour at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. throughout the summer. If you have a large group and would like to schedule a tour at an alternate time, call (800) 969-4009. Personalized VIP winery tours for private parties also are available upon request and can be tailored based on the group's specifications.
Fridays: Wine Down Friday at Founders Wine Cellars
Relax and celebrate the end of the week with Wine Down Fridays at Founders Wine Cellars in Baroda. The event runs 5-8 p.m. For more information, visit Founders' Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Founders-Wine-Cellar/333830355636.
Sundays, June-September: Live Music at Douglas Valley
Visit Douglas Valley Organic Vineyards in Manistee every Sunday, 1:30-4:30 p.m., for live music. The winery bills its Bodega as the perfect place to pick up "all the fixins for a perfect wine country picnic," including more than 100 Michigan-made products. Wine tasting is available outside, as is wine by the bottle or glass. For more information, visit the Facebook event page:http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=116235955130906.
Fridays/Saturdays (depending on deal), all summer: Featured Specials at 2 Lads Winery
Each week, 2 Lads on Old Mission Peninsula will offer a featured special for a nominal charge — sometimes sweet, sometimes savory, meant to be paired either with a particular 2 Lads wine or good with an entire tasting flight. Specials will be available while supplies last. For more information, visit www.2lwinery.com.
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