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...
Saturday, March 3: Lone Oak's 10th Anniversary Party
Lone Oak Vineyard Estate in Grass Lake will celebrate its 10th anniversary with 4-8 p.m. with free live music by Dr. Gunn, complimentary "nibbles" throughout the day, and full plates of food available for purchase, including prime rib kabobs, chicken kabobs, seafood chowder and more. The party is open house format; no reservations are required, and admission is free. For more information, call (517) 522-8167 or visit http://www.loneoakvineyards.com.
Saturday, March 3: Savor the Experience
Cambrian Assisted Living in Tecumseh will host Savor the Experience, a wine and beer tasting event and silent auction to benefit the Communities in Schools of the Tecumseh Area, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 apiece. Flying Otter Vineyard and Winery will be pouring wine for the event. For more information, http://www.cistecumseh.org/cis_news_and_events.html or call (517) 423-7574.
Saturday, March 3: Hands-On Pruning Class at Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson will help home grape growers get a handle on pruning with this workshop at 10 a.m., led by viticulturist Megan Blake. The cost is $10 per person. To reserve a spot, call (517) 764-0679.
Saturday, March 3: Vertical Wine Dinner at Bowers Harbor
Bowers Harbor Vineyards will host its first-ever Vertical Wine Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Featured wines include Bowers' 64-month aged Cuvee Evan Blanc de Noir, three vintages of Block II Riesling, and two vintages of 2896 Langley. The cost is $39.95 per person, which includes tax and gratuity. Space is extremely limited. For more information or to make reservations, call Kristy at (231) 223-7615 or email her at kristy@bowersharbor.com.
Saturday, March 3: Cheers & Chocolate
Every Woman's Place and Webster House Youth Services will host their 13th annual Cheers and Chocolate, 5-8 p.m. at the Culinary Institute of Michigan in downtown Muskegon. The event will feature wines from Michigan and throughout the world, along with microbrews, specialty beers, non-alcoholic beverages and sports drinks, along with hors d'oeuvres, chocolates and other desserts whipped up by the Culinary Institute's students under the direction of Chef Robb White and Chef Luis Amado. The cost is $55 per person. For more information, visit http://www.everywomansplace.org.
Saturday, March 3: Brian Tucker Live at Sleeping Bear Winery
Brian Tucker will perform on acoustic guitar at Sleeping Bear Winery & Brewery in Albion, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.sleepingbearwinery.com.
Saturday, March 3: Wine & Food Pairing Weekends Start at Fenn Valley
Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar will offer a sneak peek at upcoming wines plus explore wine and food pairings on weekends throughout the month of March. Seatings are by reservation only, and are available at noon, 12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. on Saturdays and 12:30 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. on Sundays. Walk-ins will be accepted as space permits. Patrons will receive up to 30 percent off of pre-release selections they wish to purchase. For more information, visit http://www.fennvalley.com.
Coming up...
Monday, March 5: Swing into Spring at Sleeping Bear Winery
Learn how to swing dance from Erin Kownacki at Sleeping Bear Winery in Albion, with classes beginning March 5 and running every Monday in March. The cost is $15 per person, per class, or $45 per person for the entire series. Call (734) 545-3825 for more information.
Wednesday, March 7: Arcturos Concert at Black Star Farms
Black Star Farms' Suttons Bay location will host a dinner and concert by Chamber Music North, featuring Debra Fayroian on cello and Kathryn Goodson on piano. The dinner, which begins at 5:30 p.m., includes three courses prepared by the Inn at Black Star Farms' chefs. The concert follows at 7:30 p.m. A "wine prelude" will precede the concert in the Arcturos Room of the Inn at 6:30 p.m. for those who want to enjoy a glass of wine before the show. Dinner is $30 per person; the concert is an additional $25 per person. For more information or to make a dinner reservation, call (231) 944-1251. To purchase concert tickets, visit http://www.chambermusicnorth.com/arcturos%20concerts.htm.
Friday, March 9-Saturday, March 10: WOMP Cellar Sale
The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula will offer 20-30 percent discounts on various wines and merchandise in preparation for a wave of new releases come spring. For more information, visit http://www.wineriesofoldmission.com.
Saturday, March 10: Food and Wine Pairing at Lawton Ridge
Lawton Ridge Winery in Kalamazoo will host a food and wine pairing event featuring five wines at 1 p.m. The cost is $10. For more information or to make a reservation, call (269) 372-9463.
Saturday, March 10: Ronnie C. Live at Sleeping Bear Winery
Ronnie C. will take to the stage to provide musical entertainment at Sleeping Bear Winery & Brewery in Albion, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.sleepingbearwinery.com.
Sunday, March 11: Waterloo Maple Festival
Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson is teaming up with the Eddy Discover Center inside the Waterloo Recreation Area for what's intended to become an annual festival celebrating maple syruping season. Festivities will occur both at the vineyards and at the Eddy Discover Center in Chelsea. For a complete list of times, activities and costs, visit http://www.sandhillcranevineyards.com.
Saturday, March 17: St. Patrick's Day Celebration at Sleeping Bear Winery
Patrons are encouraged to don green as Sleeping Bear Winery & Brewery in Albion celebrates St. Patrick's Day with corned beef, cabbage and the newly released Irish Red Ale. Musical entertainment will be provided by JVO and We Are the Ink Monkey. For more information, visit http://www.sleepingbearwinery.com.
Saturday, March 17: Chef's Dinner and Cooking Demonstration at Lone Oak
Lone Oak Vineyard Estate in Grass Lake will host an evening of food and wine pairings, featuring fare from local farms prepared by Chef Ken Veenstra, who will conduct a cooking demonstration with each course. Patrons can savor each dish paired with Lone Oak wine. The cost and menu are TBA. Reservations are required. For more information, call (517) 522-8167 or visit http://www.loneoakvineyards.com.
Saturday, March 17: Thinking Green for St. Patrick's Day at Chateau Aeronautique
Chateau Aeronautique in Jackson will offer free tasting to everyone who buys a breathalyzer on this traditionally boozy holiday. The winery is open noon-6 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.
Saturday, March 24: Victor Traschel Live at Sleeping Bear Winery
Victor Trachsel will croon classics ranging from Frank Sinatra to Gershwin to Cole Porter at Sleeping Bear Winery & Brewery in Albion, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.sleepingbearwinery.com.
Saturday, March 24: 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 is $20 per person for the dinner and show. For more information, call (517) 522-8167 or visit http://www.loneoakvineyards.com.
Saturday, March 24: Pre-Release Winemaker's Dinner at Fenn Valley
Taste all six of Fenn Valley Winery's pre-release wines alongside a gourmet five-course meal prepared by Chef Christine Ferris. The cost is $70 per person, which includes both food and wine. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. with a tasting of sparkling wine with assorted cheese, followed by seating at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required. For more information, call (269) 561-2396 or visit http://www.fennvalley.com.
Saturday, March 24: Celebrate Spring at Chateau Aeronautique
Celebrate the first day of spring with a free open hangar party at Chateau Aeronautique in Jackson. Classic rock 'n' roll albums will be on the record player, and visitors are encouraged to wear vintage rock 'n' roll shirts. The winery is open noon-6 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.
Wednesday, March 28: Black Star Farms Wine Dinner at Gracie's Place
Gracie's Place in Williamston will offer a five-course gourmet dinner paired with wines from Black Star Farms, and winemaker Lee Lutes will be in attendance. For more information, visit http://graciesplacewilliamston.com.
Friday, March 30: Brys Estate New Wine Release Event
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery on Old Mission Peninsula will celebrate the release of its 2011 Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Naked Chardonnay, Dry Riesling, Pinot Noir/Riesling and Gewurztraminer, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, or to place a pre-order, call (231) 223-9303.
Saturday, March 31: Ian Stewart Live at Sleeping Bear Winery
Ian Stewart will take to the stage to provide blues-inspired musical entertainment at Sleeping Bear Winery & Brewery in Albion, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.sleepingbearwinery.com.
Saturday, March 31: Dinner Concert with Herbie Russ at Lone Oak
Lone Oak Vineyard Estate in Grass Lake will host a dinner concert featuring Herbie Russ, 6-9 p.m. Reservations are needed; space is limited. The cost is $24 per person for the dinner and show. For more information, call (517) 522-8167 or visit http://www.loneoakvineyards.com.
Saturday, March 31: Wine Immersion Seminar at Chateau Chantal
Chateau Chantal on Old Mission Peninsula will host a wine immersion seminar that starts at 11 a.m. and concludes with a leisurely, six-course dinner — with accompanying wines — prepared by Chef Perry Harmon. The event will include both classroom-style and hands-on experiences, with a cellar tour and explanation of winemaking process, vineyard walk, discussion on the art of tasting, peasant's lunch and more. The cost is $145 per person. For more information or to sign up, visit http://www.chateauchantal.com/event-calendar.
Thursday, April 5: (un)Corked Wine Tasting Michigan Superstars: J. Trees Cellars
The Produce Station is putting on an (un)Corked Wine Tasting featuring J. Trees Cellars in Blissfield . The event, hosted by Eric Lundy and Jorge Lopez Chavez, will take place at the Alley Bar in Ann Arbor, 7:30-8:30 p.m. The tasting fee of $10 includes a sampling of five wines. To purchase tickets online, visit http://www.producestation.com/events/tasting.php. No tickets will be available at the door, as the monthly (un)Corked events typically sell out in advance.
Saturday, April 7: Bowers Harbor Wine Dinner at The Boathouse
The Boathouse restaurant on Old Mission Peninsula will host a Bowers Harbor Vineyards wine dinner, featuring five courses paired with wine. The cost is $55 per person. To make a reservation, call (231) 223-4030.
Thursday, April 12: St. Julian Wine Tasting at Tavern on McGillen
St. Julian President Dave Braganini will guide visitors through a tasting of St. Julian at Tavern on McGillen in Mattawan, starting at 6 p.m. Attendees can taste six wines for $6. Seating is limited. For more information or for reservations, call (269) 668-7515.
Friday, April 13: Wine and Fitness
Learn how wine and fitness can come together during this event led by Ray and Jennifer Antel of Runners Who Love to Wine and hosted by Gazelle Sports in Grand Rapids. Black Star Farms winemaker Lee Lutes also will be on hand to host a wine tasting. For more information, visit http://www.gazellesports.com.
Wednesday, April 18: WOMP Wine Dinner at Salt of the Earth
Salt of the Earth in Fennville will host a wine dinner featuring wines from the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula and cuisine prepared by SotE's chef, Matthew Pietsch, and guest chef Adam McMarland from The Bay Leaf. For more information, visit http://www.saltoftheearthfennville.com.
Thursday, April 19: Circa Wine Dinner at the Rattlesnake Club
Chef Chris Franz will pair delicious cuisine with Circa wines at the Rattlesnake Club in Detroit. For more information, visit http://www.rattlesnakeclub.com or call (313) 567-4400.
Friday, April 20: Like a Fine Wine, LAP Only Gets Better with Time Fundraiser
Visitors can enjoy Michigan wine and food pairings at the Michigan State University Stadium Towers, overlooking MSU's East Lansing Campus, during this third annual fundraising event benefiting the Lansing Area Parents’ Respite Center. There also will be a silent auction, 50/50 drawing, raffle and live jazz. Tickets are $75 apiece, or $60 for a single ticket and $100 for a couple when purchased before April 1. For more information, visit http://www.laprespitecenter.com/Events/LikeaFineWineLAPOnlyGetBetterWithTime.aspx.
Friday, April 20-Saturday, April 21: Chefs Challenge at Boyne Mountain
This epicurean celebration at Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, featuring Michigan wines, microbrews and spirits alongside fine food, will benefit Challenge Mountain, a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of the mentally and physically disabled via outdoor recreation. The event includes various components, including free seminars, Taste of Michigan competitions, demonstrations, exhibits and a cook-off dinner. For more information, visit http://www.chefs-challenge.com.
Saturday, April 21: What's Cooking Detroit
Circa Estate Winery, Black Star Farms and Flying Otter Vineyard and Winery will be among those pouring in the Wine and Spirits Pavilion during What's Cooking Detroit at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The event, which runs noon-7 p.m., will feature celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting and pairings, contests, hands-on workshops, kitchen gadgets and appliances, food and kitchen exhibits, and more. General admission tickets are $12 in advance or $16 at the door; upgraded general admission tickets are $18 in advance or $22 at the door; and VIP tickets, which include access to a celebrity cooking stage, are $50 in advance or $60 at the door. A "sampling passport" for the Wine & Spirits Pavilion is $10. For more information, visit http://www.whatscookingdetroit.com.
Saturday, April 21: Brys Estate New Release Wine Dinner at The Boathouse
The Boathouse restaurant on Old Mission Peninsula will host a wine dinner featuring Brys Estate's new releases from the 2011 vintage. For more information, call (231) 223-4030.
Saturday, April 28: Wine Immersion Seminar at Chateau Chantal
Chateau Chantal on Old Mission Peninsula will host a wine immersion seminar that starts at 11 a.m. and concludes with a leisurely, six-course dinner — with accompanying wines — prepared by Chef Perry Harmon. The event will include both classroom-style and hands-on experiences, with a cellar tour and explanation of winemaking process, vineyard walk, discussion on the art of tasting, peasant's lunch and more. The cost is $145 per person. For more information or to sign up, visit http://www.chateauchantal.com/event-calendar.
Ongoing...
Weekends in March: Wine & Food Pairing Weekends at Fenn Valley
Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar will offer a sneak peek at upcoming wines plus explore wine and food pairings on weekends throughout the month of March. Seatings are by reservation only, and are available at noon, 12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. on Saturdays and 12:30 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. on Sundays. Walk-ins will be accepted as space permits. Patrons will receive up to 30 percent off of pre-release selections they wish to purchase. For more information, visit http://www.fennvalley.com.
Fridays: Pasta Dinners at Cascade Winery
Cascade Winery in Grand Rapids is hosting pasta dinners on Friday nights, 5-7 p.m. Visitors can build their own pasta, choosing from various vegetables, meats, noodles and sauces. The cost is $12 for a plate of pasta and the first glass of wine or beer. Additional wine and beer can be purchased by the glass. Reservations are not required. Tables are first come, first served. For more information, call (616) 656-4665.
First Friday of the Month: First Fridays Karaoke at Bad Bear Brewery
Bad Bear Brewery, located at Sleeping Bear Winery in Albion, will host karaoke parties, 6:30-9:30 p.m., on the first Friday of every month. For more information, visit http://www.sleepingbearwinery.com.
Throughout Spring/Summer: Wine Dinners at The Cooks' House
The Cooks' House in Traverse City will host a number of five-course wine dinners in the coming months. Upcoming featured wineries include Brys Estate April 19, Bowers Harbor April 26, Left Foot Charley May 10, Shady Lane Cellars May 17 and Chateau Grand Traverse June 21. Seating is limited to 24 guests. The cost is $80 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For more information, visit http://thecookshouse.net/newsevents. For reservations, call (231) 946-8700.
Mondays throughout March: Swing into Spring at Sleeping Bear Winery
Learn how to swing dance from Erin Kownacki at Sleeping Bear Winery in Albion with classes running every Monday in March. The cost is $15 per person, per class. Call (734) 545-3825 for more information.
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.
Thursdays: Thirsty Thursdays at Cascade Winery
Get $1 off glasses of wine and draft beers at Cascade Winery each Thursday, 4-7 p.m. For more information, call (616) 656-4665.
Keep in touch...
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