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...
Thursday, July 5: GPS Poker Hike
Douglas Valley Winery in Manistee invites visitors to grab their GPS units or smart phones and don their hiking shoes for this event, 1-4 p.m. Participants will draw a card at up to eight coordinates on the 640-acre farm, with the three best poker hands winning a prize. The entry fee is $5 per person. For more information, visit the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/147523638711478.
Thursday, July 5: Thirsty Thursday featuring Paul Schmitt at Sandhill Crane
Paul Schmitt will perform 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson. An expanded menu will be available in the winery's café, including appetizers, soups, sandwiches, desserts and dinner selections. The cover charge of $5 per person includes music and wine tasting. The winery also will host its first-Thursday-of-the-month Knit and Sip, 6-9 p.m. Knitters can bring their projects and sample wine. For more information, call (517) 764-0679 or visit http://www.sandhillcranevineyards.com.
Friday, July 6: Fenn Valley Summer Evening Cookout
Fenn Valley Winery in Fennville will host summer evening cookouts on July 6, July 21 and Aug. 3. The winery supplies the food; you bring the "grill master." Visitors can enjoy food, wine and live music. For more information, visit http://www.fennvalley.com.
Saturday, July 7: Chardonnay Tasting at Chateau Aeronautique
Visitors at Chateau Aeronautique in Jackson can taste the winery's 2010 Chardonnay, aged 17 months in French oak barrels, prior to bottling today. For more information, visit http://www.chateauaeronautique.com.
Saturday, July 7-Sunday, July 8: Live Music at Douglas Valley Winery
Douglas Valley Winery in Manistee will offer live music, 1:30-4:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.douglasvalley.net.
Saturday, July 7-Saturday, July 14: Charley Festival during Cherry Festival at Trattoria Stella
During the National Cherry Festival, Trattoria Stella at the Village of Grand Traverse Commons will offer a special three-course tasting menu with an optional wine flight that highlights new releases from Left Foot Charley winery. For more information, visit http://www.stellatc.com.
Sunday, July 1-Tuesday, July 31: Pours for Paws
Several Leelanau Peninsula wineries will run special sales throughout July to benefit Cherryland Humane Society and AC PAW. For more information on the charities, visit http://www.cherrylandhumane.org and http://www.acpaw.org. For more information on the sales, inquire in the tasting rooms at Bel Lago, Black Star Farms (Suttons Bay), Boathouse, Cherry Republic (Glen Arbor), Circa, Good Harbor, Good Neighbor Organic, Forty-Five North, Gill's Pier, Leelanau Cellars, Raftshol, Silver Leaf, Tandem Ciders, Verterra and Willow.
Coming up...
Wednesday, July 11: Green Cuisine
Food for Thought is hosting this free zero-waste product sampling event, highlighting local gourmet food and beverage producers. Black Star Farms will be among those featured. The event runs 5-8 p.m. at Food for Though's farm in Honor. While there's no charge for admission, registration is required. For more information, visit http://www.foodforthought.net/about/green-cuisine.html or call (231) 326-5444.
Wednesday, July 11-Thursday, July 12: D'Art for Art
Held at the Walstrom Marine in Harbor Springs, this two-day event is the largest fundraiser for the Crooked Tree Art Center. A preview wine tasting runs 6-8:30 p.m. July 11, featuring wines from Michigan, California and Oregon, hors d'oeuvres, an auction, a preview of the artwork, and a chance to meet the artists. On Thursday, the main event runs 6-10 p.m. July 12, with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a seated gourmet dinner, a silent auction and a live auction. Guests receive an original work of art. Proceeds support Crooked Tree Art Center's programs, exhibitions, concerts, classes, school tours, dances, scholarships and more. Admission packages range from $75 to $15,000, depending on the number of guests and level of donation. For more information, call (231) 347-4337 or email cindy@crookedtree.org, or visit http://www.crookedtree.org/index.php?catid=550.
Thursday, July 12: Thirsty Thursday featuring Dan Bickel at Sandhill Crane
Dan Bickel will perform 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson. An expanded menu will be available in the winery's café, including appetizers, soups, sandwiches, desserts and dinner selections. The cover charge of $5 per person includes music and wine tasting. For more information, call (517) 764-0679 or visit http://www.sandhillcranevineyards.com.
Thursday, July 12-Friday, July 13: Global Wine Pavilion at the National Cherry Festival
This special segment of the National Cherry Festival will highlight a variety of local, domestic and international wines selected by master sommelier Ron Edwards, plus artisan beers, imported cheeses, cured meats and other bites. Wines will be available in 2.5 oz. and 5 oz. pours. The festivities will take place at the corner of Union Street and Grandview Parkway, with additional access via the Cass Street Tunnel, at Cass and Grandview. For more information, visit http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/105.
Friday, July 13: Sip of Michigan 3
Join our friends at Drink Michigan for their third annual summertime bash at The Rattlesnake Club in downtown Detroit. The event, which runs 8 p.m.-midnight, will feature samples of beer, wine and spirits from throughout the state, along with heavy appetizers and live entertainment. The cost of $50 per person includes 35 drink tickets, with one ticket required per 2 oz. sample and three tickets per full pour. All proceeds will benefit First Step of Wayne County. For more information, call (313) 567-4400 or visit http://www.drinkmichigan.org.
* MBTB will be there!
Saturday, July 14: Smooth Jazz at Sunset
Tabor Hill wines will be among those featured at this event at the Shadowland Pavilion in St. Joseph, the result of a partnership between the Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff and 98.3 The Coast. Against the backdrop of Silver Beach, entertainers will perform a mix of pop, jazz, Latin and urban grooves. Food and beverages will be available. Gates open at 6 p.m. for a pre-show party; the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $27.50 for reserved seating and $22.50 for general admission lawn seating. On the day of the event, tickets are $35 for reserved seating and $30 for general admission lawn seating. For more information, visit http://www.smoothjazzatsunset.com or call (269) 925-1111.
Saturday, July 14: Dining in the Vines at Bowers Harbor Vineyards
Bowers Harbor Vineyards and The Boathouse restaurant on Old Mission Peninsula are teaming up once more for Dining in the Vines, a multi-course meal paired with wines and served in BHV's vineyards. Upcoming dates include Aug. 17 and 25, and Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. The cost is $99 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For more information, visit http://www.dininginthevines.com or call (231) 223-4030.
Saturday, July 14: Caricatures at Verterra Winery
Verterra Winery in Leland will host artist Robb Prisk, who will draw caricatures, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.verterrawinery.com.
Saturday, July 14: Open Hangar Release Party at Chateau Aeronautique
Try the new 2011 Aviatrix Passion, a cranberry Infusion, at Chateau Aeronautique in Jackson today, along with a food pairing. For more information, visit http://www.chateauaeronautique.com.
Saturday, July 14: Keith Scott Blues at Silver Leaf Vineyards
Silver Leaf Vineyards will host a performance by singer, guitarist and songwriter Keith Scott on the deck, 5-8 p.m. July 14. There's no cover, and wine will be available for purchase by the glass. For more information, visit http://www.silverleafvineyard.com/news/2012/6/7/keith-scott-blues-live-at-silver-leaf.html.
Friday, July 20: Leelanau Peninsula Wine, Food & Music Festival Preview with L. Mawby
Join Larry Mawby, owner and winemaker of L. Mawby sparkling wines, 5-7 p.m. for a preview of methode cahampenoise sparkling wines. The event will feature L. Mawby wines that won't be available the following day at the Leelanau Peninsula Wine, Food & Music Festival. The preview is $10 and includes two L. Mawby tastings paired with a small bite. Space is limited. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.lmawby.com/index.php?route=/buy/tickets&id=33.
Saturday, July 21: Leelanau Peninsula Wine, Food & Music Festival
This annual festival celebrating wineries from the Leelanau Peninsula, along with food from local vendors, will be held at Marina Park in Suttons Bay, 1-7 p.m. Hipps n Ricco and Charlie Witthoeft will provide entertainment. The cost is $15 per person and includes a commemorative wine glass and two tasting tickets. Additional pours are $2 per person. Full bottle sales will be available, but bottles must be consumed or disposed of on site. For more information, visit http://www.leelanauchamber.com/calendar_day.asp?date=7/21/2012 or email info@leelanauchamber.com.
Saturday, July 21: Sunrise Side Wine & Food Festival
Michigan wines, beer and tidbits from local restaurants, along with jazz, will be highlighted at this festival at Harrisville Harbor in Harrisville, set against the backdrop of Lake Huron. For more information, visit http://www.huronshoreschamber.com/events.aspx.
Saturday, July 21: Fenn Valley Summer Evening Cookout
Fenn Valley Winery in Fennville will host summer evening cookouts on July 21 and Aug. 3. The winery supplies the food; you bring the "grill master." Visitors can enjoy food, wine and live music. For more information, visit http://www.fennvalley.com.
Saturday, July 21: Lemon Creek's Vintage Blues Bash
This fifth annual event at Lemon Creek Winery's Berrien Springs tasting room, which runs noon-8 p.m., will feature wine tasting, grilled food by the Outdoor Kitchen, hayrides and music. The $10 admission cost includes a souvenir wine glass and tasting tickets. Anyone under age 21 is free when accompanied by parents. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Outside alcohol is prohibited. For more information, visit http://www.lemoncreekwinery.com.
Sunday, July 22: Sensory Wine Tasting with Gill's Pier
Gill's Pier Winery, LaBecasse restaurant and Suttons Bay Spices are teaming up for this event, 6-8 p.m. The cost is $45 per person. For early ticket information, email laurie@gillspier.com.
Sunday, July 22: A Taste of Honey Mead & Jazz Festival
From noon-6 p.m., Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson will hold an afternoon of local jazz and celebrate the release of Veranda, a Frontenac grape mead, and Legacy, a dry white Vignoles and Chardonnay blend that benefits the Legacy Land Conservancy. Musical performers include Doug Horn Trio, noon-2:30 p.m., and Darrin Voris Jazz Band, 2:30-5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.sandhilllcranevineyards.com.
Saturday, July 28: Summer Sip & Savor with Old Shore Vineyards
Old Shore Vineyards is hosting monthly wine tasting/food pairings this summer at local restaurants in the Lake Michigan Shore area. July's will be at Soe Café in Sawyer, starting at 3 p.m. OSV wines will be paired with appetizers, and OSV's owners will be on hand to chat with guests. The cost is $15 per person. Space is limited; advance registration is required. For more information or to register online, visit https://www.wineweb.com/scripts/eventPg.cfm?w=42903&seq=308.
Saturday, July 28: Domaine Berrien's Art, Wine & Music Festival
Domaine Berrien Cellars in Berrien Springs will hold its eighth annual Art, Wine & Music Festival, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The outdoor event — which goes on rain or shine — will feature about 30 artists and crafters, selling their work from beneath individual tents in an art fair area. Offerings will include handwoven baskets, jewelry, wood carvings, oil paintings, watercolors, photography, tie-dyes, stoneware, metal sculptures, pottery and more. Live music will span the entire day, covering genres from blues and jazz to bluegrass, country rock and rock. Prize raffles will be held throughout the day. Grilled sandwiches will be available for purchase, and Domaine Berrien wines, along with non-alcoholic beverages, will be available. For more information, visit http://www.domaineberrien.com.
Saturday, July 28: Wine and Wool Festival at Sandhill Crane Vineyards
Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson has teamed up with The Dropped Stitch, a local yarn shop, to hold this celebration of yarn, fiber and wine. The festivities will include workshops, yarn "tasting," local vendor booths and wine sampling. Attendees are invited to bring their spinning wheels, knitting and crocheting and spend the afternoon at the winery. Admission is free, and café food will be available for purchase. For more information, visit http://www.sandhilllcranevineyards.com. For more information on being a vendor, email heather@sandhillcranevineyards.com.
Saturday, July 28: Free Run Cellars' Sixth Anniversary Cellar-bration
Free Run Cellars in Berrien Springs will celebrate its sixth anniversary with live music by Duke Tumatoe, food, wine and case discounts. For more information, visit http://www.freeruncellars.com.
Saturday, July 28: Seriously Fun Taste & Tour with M. Lawrence
Mike Laing, assistant winemaker of M. Lawrence wines at L. Mawby, will lead this event at 4 p.m. Participants will get an in-depth tour of the winery, five samples of M. Lawrence sparkling wine paired with small bites, and 15 percent off all purchase made that day. The cost is $35. Space is limited, and as of mid-June, the event was almost sold out. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.lmawby.com/index.php?route=/buy/tickets&id=8.
Sunday, July 29: The Jill Jack Band at Cherry Creek
Cherry Creek Vineyard and Winery will host a performance by The Jill Jack Band. For more information, visit http://www.cherrycreekwine.com.
Wednesday, Aug. 1: Arcturos Concert at Black Star Farms
Chamber Music North and Black Star Farms are again teaming up for a night of chamber music and gourmet food. The Aug. 1 concert, "Harmonious Harp," will feature Joan Holland performing the works of Saint-Saens, Spohr, Bach and Ibert on harp. She'll be joined by violinist Gabe Bolkosky and cellist Debra Fayroian. The concert at 7:30 p.m. is preceded by a three-course dinner, prepared by the chefs at the Inn at Black Star Farms, at 5:30 p.m. There also is a wine prelude in the wine bar in the Arcturos Room prior to the concert, at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is $30 per person, plus tax and gratuity; the concerts are $25 per person. To make reservations for dinner, call the innkeeper at (231) 944-1251. To order concert tickets, visit http://www.chambermusicnorth.com/arcturos%20concerts.htm.
Friday, Aug. 3: Fenn Valley Summer Evening Cookout
Fenn Valley Winery in Fennville will host a summer evening cookout. The winery supplies the food; you bring the "grill master." Visitors can enjoy food, wine and live music. For more information, visit http://www.fennvalley.com.
Saturday, Aug. 4: Tawas Uncork'd
Visitors can enjoy Michigan wine, ales and food amid an ambiance of live music at Harbor Park in East Tawas, noon-6 p.m. Tickets are available at the door. For more information, call (989) 362-8197.
Saturday, Aug. 4-Sunday, Aug. 5: Art & Music in the Vineyard at Round Barn
Round Barn Winery's Baroda tasting room and estate will host a two-day festival featuring 30 Michigan artists displaying and selling items ranging from poetry and paintings to sculptures and glasswork. Visitors can sip on beer, wine or spirits as they peruse the vendors and listen to live music, including performances by Venetia Sekema, Jester, Little Frank & The Premiers and the Chester Brown Band. For more information, visit http://www.roundbarnwinery.com.
Sunday, Aug. 5: Meet and Dine with Gill's Pier Winemaker Bryan Ulbrich
Attendees can meet Gill's Pier winemaker Bryan Ulbrich — also known as the owner and winemaker of Left Foot Charley, among other endeavors — during this 6-8 p.m. event featuring three of Gill's Pier's premium wines paired with small plates from Martha's Leelanau Table Restaurant. Bryan will be supplying in-depth reviews of each wine and, according to the winery, "unveiling some, but not all, of his secrets to his success as a winemaker." The cost is $45 per person. To purchase tickets, visit http://gillspier.ticketbud.com/winemaker. For more information, visit http://www.gillspier.com or email laurie@gillspier.com.
Sunday, Aug. 5: Music in the Vineyards at Fenn Valley
Fenn Valley Winery in Fennville will host a concert in the vineyard, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Patrons can purchase bottles of wine to enjoy outside and bring their own picnics and/or snacks. There is no admission charge, and reservations are neither required nor accepted. For more information, visit http://www.fennvalley.com.
Friday, Aug. 10-Sunday, Aug. 12: New Buffalo Ship and Shore Festival
Attendees at this summertime event in downtown New Buffalo can try wines from Round Barn Winery and Free Run Cellars, along with dishes from local restaurants and live music. Other attractions include children's activities, a lighted boat parade and fireworks. Admission is a $5 donation. For more information, visit http://www.newbuffalo.org/events.
Saturday, Aug. 11: An Artistic Evening with L. Mawby
Larry Mawby, owner and winemaker of L. Mawby sparkling wines, will host an "artistic evening" in the vineyard that the winery has declared "our coolest event ever." It will feature sparkling wine from magnums with paired small bites. Specially labeled magnums will be available for purchase. Mawby also will introduce his "brand-new, never-before-seen limited-edition" Domaine Leelanau wine, Skita, and attendees will receive a bottle to take home. The event also will "preview the future," though what that entails remains a mystery. Admission is $50, and space is limited. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.lmawby.com/index.php?route=/buy/tickets&id=7.
Saturday, Aug. 11-Sunday, Aug. 12: The Wine Days of Summer Picnic Trail
During this self-guided driving tour of the SE Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail, visitors can enjoy picnic-related food prepared by a local chef or restaurant while sampling paired wines at each of the trail's wineries. The event runs 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 11 and noon-6 p.m. Aug. 12. Tickets are limited, and sales end at midnight Aug. 8 or when tickets are depleted. Tickets will not be available the day of the event. The cost is $25. For more information, call (517) 592-4663 or (517) 531-3080. If no answer, call (517) 655-2883 or (517) 764-0679. More info also is available at http://www.pioneerwinetrail.com.
Thursday, Aug. 16: Harding's Cup Competition
For the fourth year, the Harding's Cup Competition will return to the Kellogg Manor House on the Bluffs of Gull Lake in Hickory Corners. Michigan winemakers will vie for the Harding's Cup Trophy by pitting their Cabernet Franc against French counterparts. For more information, visit http://www.hardingswineclub.com.
Saturday, Aug. 18: Caricatures at Verterra Winery
Verterra Winery in Leland will host artist Robb Prisk, who will draw caricatures, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.verterrawinery.com.
Sunday, Aug. 19: Music in the Vineyards at Fenn Valley
Fenn Valley Winery in Fennville will host a concert in the vineyard, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Patrons can purchase bottles of wine to enjoy outside and bring their own picnics and/or snacks. There is no admission charge, and reservations are neither required nor accepted. For more information, visit http://www.fennvalley.com.
Saturday, Aug. 25-Sunday, Aug. 26: Meadow Brook Wine & Food Festival
Meadow Brook in Rochester Hills will host this annual wine and food festival, 1-9:30 p.m. Saturday and 1-5:30 p.m. Sunday. General admission is $25 and includes wine samples, a complimentary wine glass, food samples, wine and food seminars, exhibits and live music. Designated driver tickets are $10. Admission is free for attendees under age 21. Wine will be available for purchase by the bottle. For more information, visit http://www.palacenet.com.
Saturday, Aug. 25-Sunday, Aug. 26: Round Barn's 20th Annual Harvest Party
Round Barn Winery is celebrating its 20th anniversary in a big way, with live music and dancing, wine, microbrews, cocktails and food. There also will be hayrides, a bounce house, cornhole and grape stomping. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and sun umbrellas. For more information, visit http://www.roundbarnwinery.com.
Friday, Sept. 7-Sunday, Sept. 9: Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival
This annual celebration will feature winery tours and tasting tents, three stages of musical entertainment, various sports tournaments, carnival rides, children's activities, fireworks, a parade, a grape stomp, a car show, an arts and crafts show, a turtle derby and more. For more information, call (269) 655-1111 or visit http://www.wineandharvestfestival.com.
Friday, Sept. 14: Traverse City Art Walk
Art, music, wine and food will be front and center during the fall edition of the twice-a-year Traverse City Downtown Art Walk, a self-guided tour of galleries, 5-9 p.m. Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery will be among featured wineries, pouring at The Americana Collection on East Front Street. For more information, visit http://www.downtowntc.com/events/2012-09-14.html.
Friday, Sept. 21-Sunday, Sept. 23: Grand Haven Salmon Festival
This ninth annual festival, held in downtown Grand Haven, features a Michigan wine tasting pavilion, grape stomping, live jazz music, a gourmet salmon cook-off, a beer and entertainment pavilion, a merchant market, fine art fair, fishing contest, historic displays, educational exhibits, children's activities and more. For more information, visit http://www.visitgrandhaven.com/salmon-festival-11.
Saturday, Sept. 22: Tapas, Toasts & Tunes
Taste Michigan wines, ciders and beers, served alongside a tapas-style menu of Michigan-made products from local restaurants, at this event at the Chippewa Nature Center in Midland. Tickets, available for $35 apiece, are available online only. They go on sale at 8 a.m. Aug. 1, and only 300 will be sold. For more information, visit http://www.chippewanaturecenter.org/ttt.htm.
Sunday, Jan. 20-Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013: Chateau Chantal Wine Cruise
Chateau Chantal is hosting a seven-night Caribbiean wine cruise featuring winemaker Mark Johnson aboard the Celebrity Silhouette. The package includes welcome wine receptions, two private wine tasting events, a four-course wine pairing lunch, a wine tower tour, a galley tour, a bottle of wine in stateroom upon arrival, shipboard meals and entertainment and more. The embarkation port is Fort Lauderdale, with ports of call in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. Prices range from $1,156 per person to $1,330 per person, depending on stateroom class. Final payment is due by Nov. 2, 2012. For more information, call (248) 891-6809 or visit http://www.cruisesbyscott.com or http://www.chateauchantal.com.
Ongoing...
Sundays, June 10-Aug. 26: Sampling Sundays at Lemon Creek Grand Haven
Lemon Creek Winery's Grand Haven tasting room will host this weekly event featuring complimentary sampling of locally made foods from vendors like Cowslip Creamery, Dancing Goat, Evergreen Cheese, Patricia's Chocolate, Mother Mary's and A & L Farms. The sessions run 2-6 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.lemoncreekwinery.com.
Sundays, July-September: Sippin' Sundays at Free Run Cellars
Visitors can enjoy wine and live music at Free Run Cellars in Berrien Springs each Sunday, July-September. For more information, visit http://www.freeruncellars.com.
Saturdays throughout July: Music on the Patio at St. Julian
St. Julian's Paw Paw winery and tasting room will offer up live entertainment, food and wine on the patio, 2-4 p.m. on Saturdays in July. For more information, visit http://www.stjulian.com.
Saturdays, June 30-Sept. 2: Café @ The Creek at Cherry Creek
Cherry Creek Vineyard and Winery in Brooklyn will host live music on Saturdays throughout summer, 4-8 p.m. The schedule includes Faber Palooza (Scoot Magoo), June 30, July 21 and Sept. 2; Billy Lewis & The Soul Backs, July 7; Steve Tucker & Act II, July 14; The Victor Trachsel Group, July 28; Wynwood, Aug. 4; We Are the Ink Monkeys, Aug. 11; The Creek with Lost Wages, Aug. 18; and Air Tight, Aug. 25. For more information, visit http://www.cherrycreekwine.com.
Thursdays, June 21-Aug. 30: Jazz at Sunset at Chateau Chantal
Join Jeff Haas and his jazz trio for music, wine and sunsets at Chateau Chantal on Thursdays throughout the summer, 7-9:30 p.m. The sessions are free, and no reservations are required. Children are welcome; lemonade will be available for kids. For more information, visit http://www.chateauchantal.com.
Thursdays throughout summer, starting June 21: Left Foot Charley on the Tall Ship Manitou
Enjoy LFC wines on Thursday evenings aboard the Tall Ship Manitou. For more information, call (231) 941-2000.
First and Third Fridays of the Month, June-August: Friday Fun Nights at Free Run's Union Pier Tasting Room
Head out to Free Run's Union Pier tasting room on the first and third Friday of the month for drink specials and appetizers. For more information, visit http://www.freeruncellars.com.
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.
First Thursday of the Month: Knit & Sip at Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson is offering Knit & Sip nights on the first Thursday of every month, 6-8:30 p.m. Coinciding with the winery's Thirsty Thursday events, the Knit & Sip nights allow knitters, crocheters and spinners to listen to music and order from the café if desired while performing their craft in the banquet room, where they can chat as they work. There is no charge for admission. For more information, visit http://www.sandhillcranevineyards.com.
Saturday/Sunday, late May-October: Jammin' in the Vineyard at Round Barn
Round Barn Winery's Baroda tasting room and estate will host live music every Saturday and Sunday, Memorial Day weekend (May 26-27) through October. Lineup TBD. For more information, visit http://www.roundbarnwinery.com.
Select Fridays and Saturdays: Vineyard Tours at Verterra Winery
Verterra Winery in Leland is offering private tours of its vineyards on select Fridays and Saturdays over the coming months, including May 25-26, June 22-23, July 13-14, July 27-28, Aug. 24-25 and Sept. 21-22. The tours — led by one of Verterra's owners at the winery's Matheson Estate Vineyard and Swede Estate Vineyard — cover topics like training and trellising, rootstock, bud break, grape bloom, version, etc. They start at 10 a.m. in the vineyard and conclude at 11:30 a.m., with a wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres in the Leland tasting room, noon-1 p.m. The minimum group is eight; the maximum is 16. The tour, tasting and appetizers are free with the purchase of four bottles of wine per person in the tasting room at the event's conclusion. For more information, call (231) 256-2115 or visit http://www.verterrawinery.com.
Thursdays: Thirsty Thursdays at Sandhill Crane Vineyards
Sandhill Crane Vineyards is staying open late Thursday nights to host live music at its new café/event venue. Music runs 6:30-8:30 p.m., and an expanded café menu is available. For more information, visit http://www.sandhillcranevineyards.com.
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.
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.
Wednesdays throughout summer: Bike Night Baby! at Sleeping Bear
Sleeping Bear Winery & Brewery in Albion will host this event for die-hard bikers, 6-10 p.m., featuring live music and mingling in the parking lot. Pizza, sandwiches and beverages will be available for purchase. For more information, visit http://www.sleepingbearwinery.com.
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.
June-October: Wine Dinners at Chateau Chantal
Chateau Chantal on Old Mission Peninsula will host wine dinners on select dates, June-October. The events feature a seven-course meal prepared by Chef Perry Harmon, owner of Way North Foods, and paired with Chateau Chantal wines. The dinners are available on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, June 16-29; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings, July 3-Sept. 1; and Wednesday and Friday evenings, Sept. 5-Oct. 26. Dinner seatings are at 6:30 p.m., with an optional winery tour preceding at 6 p.m. The cost is $70 per person and includes tax, gratuity, food and wine. Reservations are required at least one day in advance by calling (800) 969-4009 or visiting http://www.chateauchantal.com.
Saturday, June 16-Saturday, Aug. 11: Art Exhibit at Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson will feature the works of local fiber collage artist Lynn Krawczyk in the new art gallery space in the winery's addition.
Fridays throughout summer: Fun and Games at Circa Estate Winery
Circa Estate Winery in Lake Leelanau will offer up relaxing Friday nights throughout summer, with visitors invited to play bocce ball or bring their own game to play while sipping wine on Circa's picturesque grounds. For more information, visit http://www.circawinery.com.
Year-round: Vineyard Tours at Fenn Valley
Fenn Valley Winery in Fennville offers extended 1 hour, 45 minutes tours that include wine tasting for $8 per person, which includes a logo glass and a coupon for $5 that can be redeemed toward the purchase of four or more bottles of wine. In the winter and spring months, the tours go into the wine cellar and focus on winemaking and cellar practices' influence on wine styles/flavors. In the fall, the tours venture into the vineyard, placing emphasis on grape growing and outdoor operations. Summer tours feature "a little of both." In the fall only, shorter "standard" vineyard tours also are available; they are $5 per person and include a logo glass and more limited wine tasting. No children under age 2 are permitted. For more information, visit http://www.fennvalley.com/winetour.html.
By request: Vineyard Tours at Bowers Harbor
Bowers Harbor Vineyards on Old Mission Peninsula offers vineyard tours by request. The cost is $25 per person and includes the tour, bubbly, cheese and crackers or whitefish pate, and a flight of wine. To schedule a tour, call (231) 223-7615.
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