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!
Right now...
Friday, Jan. 20-Sunday, Jan. 22: Winter Warm-Up at Dizzy Daisy
Visitors at Dizzy Daisy Winery in Bad Axe can enjoy a hot bowl of chili or sweeten up by dipping into a chocolate fountain during this celebration, with free wine tasting and sales on all wines. Winter Warm-Up also will continue the following weekend, Jan. 27-29. For more information, call (989) 269-2366 or visit http://www.dizzydaisywinery.com.
Saturday, Jan. 21: Fenn Valley's Chili Cook-Off
Fenn Valley Vineyards in Fennville will host its 13th annual Chili Cook-Off and Wine Lover's Potluck. Chili submissions will be in multiple categories: four legs (beef and pork), two legs (fowl), vegetarian (non-meat) and exotic (seafood or wild game, including venison). Judges will be from Secchia Center for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College. Competing chills must be at the winery between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., with judging and the potluck beginning at 2 p.m. Also, The Trace will perform, 2-4:30 p.m. For more information, including rules on the cook-off, visit http://www.fennvalley.com.
Saturday, Jan. 21: Beer vs. Wine Dinner at The Boathouse featuring Bowers Harbor
In the latest installment of The Boathouse's Beer vs. Wine dinners, Bowers Harbor Vineyards will take on Right Brain Brewery. The cost is $65 and includes five courses — or "rounds" — each of which is paired with a wine and beer. The Boathouse is located on Old Mission Peninsula. For more information, call (231) 223-4030.
Saturday, Jan. 21: Sensory Class at 2 Lads Winery
Want to learn a little "wine science" while having fun? 2 Lads Winery on Old Mission Peninsula will host a sensory class taught by Caryn Chachulski, a 2 Lads staffer with a master's in science in enology from Fresno State University. The course, which begins at 1 p.m. and lasts about two hours, will explore proper tasting techniques and various wine components, "then tease and train your palate with some wines we've doctored just enough to emphasize these sensory elements," said Chachulski. The cost is $30 per person and space is limited. For more information or to reserve your seat, call (231) 223-7722 or email caryn@2LWinery.com.
Saturday, Jan. 21: Techniques of European Cooking Class at Chateau Chantal
This class is sold out, but you can call to be put on a waiting list. Others are on the horizon; the soonest one that isn't full as of late December is in March. The classes, which begin at 12:30 p.m., last about five hours, are hands-on, and cost $125 per person. For more information, call (800) 969-4009 or visit http://www.chateauchantal.com/event-calendar.
Saturday, Jan. 21: Winter Delights Festival
Attendees can enjoy wine tasting, food sampling and music by the jazz quintet Jazzmin II, featuring Steven Reed. The event will run 5-9 p.m. at The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor. General admission is $15 per person; an early bird special is available, four tickets for $50, through Dec. 31. Designated driver admission is $7. For more information, visit http://www.winterdelightsfestival.com.
Saturday, Jan. 21: Billy Brandt Live at Bad Bear Brewery
Bad Bear Brewery at Sleeping Bear Winery in Albion will host a performance by singer/songwriter Billy Brandt, 6:30-9:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.sleepingbearwinery.com.
Saturday, Jan. 21-Sunday, Jan. 22: Tecumseh Ice Sculpture Festival
Stop by Pentamere Winery during Tecumseh's third annual Ice Sculpture Festival Jan. 21-22. The event runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, with ice carving demonstrations, dueling carver competition, ice skating, music, family activities, snowshoe races, ice sculpture displays, a chocolate walk and more. For more information, visit http://www.pentamerewinery.com.
Saturday, Jan. 21-Sunday, Jan. 22: Cabin Fever Weekend Wine Sale at Sandhill Crane
All wine at Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson will be on sale this weekend: 10 percent off all wine by the bottle, 20 percent off one case (12 bottles, may be mixed) or 25 percent off two or more cases. All packaged food items also will be 25 percent off, and restrictions on the number of Rhapsody in Red and Chancellor bottles you can buy has been lifted for the weekend. For more information, call (517) 764-0679.
Coming up...
Thursday, Jan. 26: Lone Oak Wine Dinner at Country House Banquet Center
The Country House Banquet Center in Okemos will host a five-course dinner paired with Lone Oak Vineyard Estate wines, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The cost is $35 per person, and reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, call (517) 349-9500.
Friday, Jan. 27-Sunday, Jan. 29: Winter Warm-Up at Dizzy Daisy
Visitors at Dizzy Daisy Winery in Bad Axe can enjoy a hot bowl of chili or sweeten up by dipping into a chocolate fountain during this celebration, with free wine tasting and sales on all wines. For more information, call (989) 269-2366 or visit http://www.dizzydaisywinery.com.
Saturday, Jan. 28: Winter Wine & Wool Festival
Based on the success of its Summer Wine & Wool Festival, Sandhill Crane Vineyards is planning an indoor winter edition, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.sandhillcranevineyards.com.
Sunday, Jan. 28: A Taste of Cascade
Cascade Winery in Grand Rapids will feature various kinds of chicken wings, such as teriyaki wings and sweet and spicy wings; an array of appetizers, like Michigan cheese, tapenade and hummus; and dessert, including a chocolate fountain, during this food and wine extravaganza. The cost of $20 per person includes the food and six tickets, each redeemable for a 1-ounce sample of Cascade wine or Jaden James beer. Full glasses are available for a per-glass charge. Space is limited to 40 guests, and no sign-up will be available the day of the event. For more information, call (616) 565-4665 or visit http://www.cascadecellars.com/winemakers.html.
Friday, Feb. 3: Art from Michigan Wine Country
The Homestead Resort and Glen Arbor Artists will host this event, 6-8 p.m., at The Homestead's Mountain Flowers Lodge, featuring art on display and for sale. Tickets, $20 per person in advance or $25 at the door, include one glass of wine and food stations serving up small plates. Additional wine is available for $4 per glass or three glasses for $10. The Glen Arbor Artists scholarship and free after-school art program for students will receive $5 from every ticket purchased. For more information, visit http://lpwines.com/art-from-wine-country-taste-the-passion-weekend or http://www.glenarborart.org or call (231) 334-6112.
Friday, Feb. 3: Michigan Wine Tasting at Waldenwoods
Sample Michigan wines, including offerings from Black Star Farms, during this event at Waldenwoods Banquet & Conference Center in Hartland. For more information, visit http://www.waldenwoods.com.
Friday, Feb. 4: Winter Warmers (un)Corked Wine Tasting Event
The Produce Station in Ann Arbor will host this fun-filled wine tasting experience at the Ann Arbor Art Center, 7-9 p.m. A selection of more than 40 wines will be available for sampling, alongside hearty hors d'oeuvres. Tickets are $35 apiece when purchased before Jan. 27; they're available online at http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/397625. For more information, visit the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/264626196917808.
Saturday, Feb. 4: Girls' Afternoon Out at Fenn Valley
Fenn Valley Vineyards & Winery in Fennville will host this female-focused event, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Chef Christine Ferris will present a Valentine's dinner wine and food pairing. The cost is $30 per person, which includes lunch, wine, tax and tip. Reservations are required by Jan. 1. For more information, visit http://www.fennvalley.com or call (269) 561-2396 or (800) 432-6265.
Saturday, Feb. 4-Sunday, Feb. 5: Taste the Passion
The Leelanau Peninsula Vintner's Association will host its annual Taste the Passion event 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. The Valentine's- and winter-themed festivities allow participants to enjoy special food and wine pairings while taking a self-guided tour among the 17 Leelanau wineries. Attendees receive a souvenir glass at their starting winery, then are free to move on to other locations for various special activities and treats. Tickets are $30 apiece. For more information, visit http://www.lpwines.com/taste.
Saturday, Feb. 4: Wine Tasting 101 at Lawton Ridge
Lawton Ridge Winery in Kalamazoo is bringing back its Wine Tasting 101 course, 1-3 p.m. The class will demystify the wording on wine labels, address the reasoning behind "swirling, sniffing and swishing," and explain terms like dry, tannic, oaky, acidic, sweetness and astringent, all while sampling wines that illustrate those traits. The cost is $15. Space is limited; to reserve a spot, or for more information, call (269) 372-9463.
Monday, Feb. 6: Kickoff of A Month of Romance with the Rumba at Sleeping Bear Winery
Every Monday in February (Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27), 7-8 p.m., Sleeping Bear Winery and Bad Bear Brewery in Albion will host ballroom dance classes exploring the art of rumba. Erin Kownacki, an instructor with 10 years' experience, will show attendees how to execute the romantic dance. The cost is $48 if you register for the entire series, or $15 per person per class for drop ins. For more information, call (734) 545-3825.
Saturday, Feb. 11: Traverse City Winter Microbrew & Music Festival
Beer won't be the only thing on tap during this annual event; local wines will be available, too, along with live music and food, all in downtown Traverse City's Old Town District. For more information, visit http://www.tcbeerfest.com or http://www.porterhouseproductions.com.
Saturday, Feb. 11: Valentine's Wine Dinner at Chateau Chantal
Chef Les Hagaman, owner of the neighboring bed and breakfast, Tesoro Inn, will bring his culinary expertise to Chateau Chantal in celebration of the holiday. The meal's theme is "An Evening in Alsace," featuring the cuisine of France's easternmost region, paired with Chateau Chantal wines. There's a tour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $75 per person, including gratuity, tax and wine. For more information, visit http://www.chateauchantal.com/event-calendar/93 or call (800) 969-4009.
Saturday, Feb. 11: Valentine Dinner concert with Ian Stewart at Lone Oak
Lone Oak Vineyard Estate in Grass Lake will host a dinner concert featuring guitarist and vocalist Ian Stewart, 6-9 p.m. Reservations are needed; space is limited. The cost and menu are TBA. For more information, call (517) 522-8167 or visit http://www.loneoakvineyards.com.
Saturday, Feb. 11: An Evening with John Voelz at Bad Bear Brewery
Bad Bear Brewery at Sleeping Bear Winery in Albion will host a performance by John Voelz, who will play classics and hits off of his CDs, 6:30-9:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.sleepingbearwinery.com.
Sunday, Feb. 12: Chocolate and Wine Pairings at Lawton Ridge
In honor of Valentine's Day, Lawton Ridge Winery in Kalamazoo will pair its wines with delectable chocolates from Confections with Convictions. Details TBA. For more information, call (269) 372-9463.
Sunday, Feb. 12: Wine Lovers' Open House at Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson will hold its Wine Lovers' Open House in celebration of Valentine's Day, noon-6 p.m., featuring live music with Joel Palmer (2-5 p.m.), romantic treats and wine tasting. All red and pink wines are 5 percent off for the occasion. For more information, visit http://www.sandhillcranevineyards.com.
Sunday, Feb. 12: Valentine's Day Dinner at Cascade Winery
Cascade Winery in Grand Rapids will host a dinner celebrating Valentine's Day, with an early seating at 2 p.m. for $45 and a late seating at 6 p.m. for $50. Seating will be limited to six tables accommodating four diners each; visitors can reserve a table with another couple if desired. Reserve a spot by calling (616) 565-4665.
Sunday, Feb. 12: Valentine Wine & Chocolate Pairing at Lone Oak
Lone Oak Vineyard Estate in Grass Lake is partnering with Mindo Chocolate Makers for a "luscious wine and chocolate pairing" event for Valentine's Day. Representatives from Dexter-based Mindo will talk about how they make high-quality chocolates from the bean. Two sessions will be available: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. The cost is $10 per person. For more information or to reserve a seat, call (517) 522-8167. For more information, visit http://www.loneoakvineyards.com or http://www.mindochocolate.com.
Tuesday, Feb. 14: Valentine Dinner at Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson is hosting its first Valentine's Day dinner, featuring a four-course meal paired with Sandhill Crane wines. Live music also will be ongoing. The menu includes shrimp bisque, salad, roasted chicken with sautéed vegetables and roasted potatoes and tiramisu. The cost is $50 per person, plus 6 percent tax and 18 percent gratuity. Seating is limited and reservations are required. For more information, or to make a paid reservation, call (517) 764-0679.
Wednesday, Feb. 15: Arcturos Concerts at Black Star Farms
Chamber Music North and Black Star Farms invite visitors to dinner and a performance at Black Star Farms' facility in Suttons Bay. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by an Arcturos concert at 7:30 p.m. The dinner cost is $30 and includes three courses created by the chefs at The Inn at Black Star Farms. The wine bar in the Arcturos Room also will be serving Black Star Farms wines at 6:30 p.m., with seating available for anyone who wants to grab a glass before the concert. To make a dinner
reservation, call (231) 944-1251. For more information, or to purchase concert tickets, which are sold separately, visit http://www.chambermusicnorth.com/arcturos%20concerts.htm.
Friday, Feb. 17: Winter, Wine and Wow!
Head to downtown Traverse City 5-10 p.m. for Winter, Wine and Wow!, part of the Cherry Capital Winter Wow!Fest. The event features an evening of seasonal activities, including wine tasting. For more information, visit http://www.winterwowfest.com.
Saturday, Feb. 18: WOMP Romancing the Riesling
The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula will show love for all things Riesling during this annual wintertime event. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., participants can visit the WOMP wineries to sample Riesling paired with specially prepared food. Attendees also will receive a souvenir wine glass, and can get 10 percent off all Riesling purchase made at the participating wineries during the event (with the exception of ice wine). Some local restaurants also are offering special promotions in conjunction with the celebration. Tickets are $15 and are available at all seven wineries on the day of the event or in advance by calling (231) 223-7355. For more information, visit http://www.wineriesofoldmission.com/events/4.
Saturday, Feb. 18: Bowers Harbor Winter Wine Dinner at The Boathouse
Patrons can enjoy a four-course meal by The Boathouse's Chef Eric paired with wine from Bowers Harbor Vineyards for $55 per person. The meal begins at 6 p.m. and tentatively set to feature delicious dishes like calamari with Pinot Grigio, wedge salad with Wooded Chardonnay, veal marsala with Pinot Noir and cannoli with Cab Franc. To make a reservation, call (231) 223-4030.
Saturday, Feb. 18: Dinner concert with Herbie Russ at Lone Oak Vineyard Estate
Lone Oak Vineyard Estate in Grass Lake will host a dinner concert featuring saxophone player and vocalist Herbie Russ, 6-9 p.m. Reservations are needed; space is limited. The cost is $24 per person for the dinner and show. Menu is TBA. For more information, call (517) 522-8167 or visit http://www.loneoakvineyards.com.
Saturday, Feb. 18: Mardi Gras at Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson is partnering with Monsieur Guillame and Zydeco Hepcats for a Saturday night party, 7-11 p.m. The festivities will feature live music, Mardi Gras beads, 12 tasting tickets for Sandhill Crane wine, and a Cajun/Creole food sampler plate large enough to constitute a meal, which includes cajun gumbo, muffaletta, red beans and rice, and bananas foster bread pudding. Additional wine will be available for purchase by the bottle or glass. The cost is $35 per person. Reservations are recommended, as the last three Mardi Gras parties have sold out. For more information, or to make a paid reservation, call (517) 764-0679.
Sunday, Feb. 19: Mardi Gras at Sandhill Crane
The Mardi Gras celebration at Sandhill Crane Winery in Jackson continues on Sunday, 1-5 p.m., with live music from the Jackson French Quarter Dixieland Band, Mardi Gras beads, 12 tasting tickets for Sandhill Crane wine, and a Cajun/Creole food sampler plate large enough to constitute a meal, which includes cajun gumbo, muffaletta, red beans and rice, and bananas foster bread pudding. Additional wine will be available for purchase by the bottle or glass. The cost is $20 per person. Reservations are recommended, as the last three Mardi Gras parties have sold out. For more information, or to make a paid reservation, call (517) 764-0679.
Friday, Feb. 24: Grand Traverse Tasters' Guild Event and Auction
Northwestern Michigan College's Great Lakes Culinary Institute students will prepare international cuisines, augmented by local, regional and international wines, during this event. Proceeds from an auction held that night will support academic scholarships, books and equipment for students. The event is held at the Hagerty Center at NMC's Great Lakes campus in Traverse City, and tickets are $50 apiece. For more information, visit https://www.nmc.edu/resources/lobdells/tasters-guild.html.
Ongoing...
Mondays in February: A Month of Romance with the Rumba at Sleeping Bear Winery
Every Monday in February (Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27), 7-8 p.m., Sleeping Bear Winery and Bad Bear Brewery in Albion will host ballroom dance classes exploring the art of rumba. Erin Kownacki, an instructor with 10 years' experience, will show attendees how to execute the romantic dance. The cost is $48 if you register for the entire series, or $15 per person per class for drop ins. For more information, call (734) 545-3825.
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.
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.
Thursdays: Thursday Happy Hour at Left Foot Charley
Get a plate of ethnic food prepared by Chef Kristin Karam of K2 Edibles & Events and a glass of Left Foot Charley wine or hard cider for $12 every Thursday, 5-8 p.m., at LFC. (Food also is available for $10 without wine or cider.) A different part of the world is featured weekly; selections have included Mexican, Cuban, Cajun, Indian and Lebanese. Reservations are not required, but plates are limited, and only available while the food lasts. For more information, call (231) 995-0500.
Thursday-Saturday: Matterhorn Grill at TASTES of Black Star Farms
Grill ham, sausage, potatoes, bread, fresh veggies and apples, drizzle them with raclette cheese from Leelanau Cheese Co., and enjoy alongside wine samples — almost a full bottle — and you've got yourself a Matterhorn Grill dinner at TASTES of Black Star Farms, located at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City. Dinner for two is $50. Seatings are 6-7:30 p.m. To reserve a table, call (231) 944-1349.
Select dates: Dinner in the Arcturos Dining Room at the Inn at Black Star Farms
Enjoy dinner in the elegant Arcturos dining room at the Inn on Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay. 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. For a list of upcoming dates, visit http://www.blackstarfarms.com/inn/event-calendar.
Keep in touch...
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