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...
Tuesday, July 31-Sunday, Aug. 5: TCFF Discount at Left Foot Charley
Through Aug. 5, bring your ticket from the Traverse City Film Festival into the Left Foot Charley tasting room in Traverse City and get $1 off any tasting or full glass pour.
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.
Friday, Aug. 3: Paella in the Park
The Spin Doctors will headline musical entertainment at this third annual festival celebrating the traditional Spanish seafood dish as interpreted by regionally known chefs using local ingredients and paired with wine from Old Mission Peninsula wineries. The event runs 4-9:30 p.m. at Clinch Park, on West Grand Traverse Bay. Tickets, $36 in advance or $41 at the door, include a commemorative wine glass, five wine pour tokens, three 4-oz. paella servings and all entertainment. Additional food and wine tickets are available for purchase. One dollar from each ticket will benefit Traverse City's Bay Front Parks. Attendees must be at least 21 years old. For more information, visit http://www.wineriesofoldmission.com or http://www.porterhouseproductions.com.
Saturday, Aug. 4: Candlelight Dinner Concert with Herbie Russ at Lone Oak
Lone Oak Vineyard Estate in Grass Lake will host an evening dinner concert by candlelight featuring jazz and blues saxophonist and vocalist Herbie Russ, 6-9 p.m. The cost is $25 per person for dinner and the show. Reservations are required; call (517) 522-8167. For more information, visit http://www.loneoakvineyards.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, visithttp://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, visithttp://www.fennvalley.com.
Coming up...
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: Northport Wine Festival
The 10 wineries of the Northern Wine Loop — the northern expanse of the Leelanau Peninsula — will be out in full force for this annual fundraiser for the Northport-Omena Chamber of Commerce and multiple local nonprofit organizations. Held at Marina Park, the 2-6 p.m. event features wine, local food vendors, music and more! The Northport Dog Parade, stretching from Mill Pond to Marina Pavilion, precedes festivities at 1 p.m., and the Windy Ridge Boys will perform live, 2-5:30 p.m. Admission is $15 and includes two drink tickets and an etched commemorative glass. Additional wine pourings are available. Tickets can be purchased at all 10 Northern Wine Loop tasting rooms and at the door. For more information, visit the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/278358912238431.
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.
Friday, Aug. 17: Dining in the Vines
Bowers Harbor Vineyards and Boathouse Restaurant will put on Dining in the Vines, amid BHV's grapevines on Old Mission Peninsula, on Aug. 17 and 25 and Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. The cost is $99 per person, and seating is limited to 50. The event starts will a champagne reception and vineyard tour, including a "Vinticulture 101" presentation by Spencer Stegenga. Boathouse's Chef Eric Nittolo and Spencer will then guide attendees through a four-course dinner with paired wines. For more information, visit http://www.dininginthevines.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.
Saturday, Aug. 18: Brent Burns Live at Sleeping Bear
Bad Bear Brewery & Sleeping Bear Winery's Bear Garden will host Brent Burns, a songwriter and humorist, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Admission is free, and Michigan wine, micro-brewed beers and "artisan food" will be available for purchase. For more information, visit http://www.sleepingbearbrewing.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.
Wednesday, Aug. 22: Lone Oak Wine Dinner at Hard Knock Grill
Hard Knock Grill in Jackson will host a five-course dinner paired with wine from Lone Oak Vineyard Estate in Grass Lake. The event runs 6-9 p.m. For more information, call (517) 962-5451 or visit http://www.thehardknockgrill.com.
Saturday, Aug. 24-Sunday, Aug. 25: Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival
Wines will join beer, cider and mead — more than 200 varieties — during this event at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. The festivities run 5-10 p.m. Aug. 24 and 4-10 p.m. Aug. 25. Admission to Friday's event, featuring Dierks Bentley and Pint Night, is $45 in advance or $50 at the door (if tickets remain). Admission to Saturday's event — which entails various live local and national music, adult beverage sampling, local food vendors, a silent disco tent and more — is $35 in advance or $40 at the door (if tickets remain). Tickets are available at Oryana, Brew, High Five Threads and Left Foot Charley in Traverse City, or online at http://www.porterhouseproductions.com/2012/04/11/2012-summer-tcmmf. VIP tickets and combo tickets also are available.
Friday, Aug. 25: Dining in the Vines
Bowers Harbor Vineyards and Boathouse Restaurant will put on Dining in the Vines, amid BHV's grapevines on Old Mission Peninsula, on Aug. 17 and 25 and Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. The cost is $99 per person, and seating is limited to 50. The event starts will a champagne reception and vineyard tour, including a "Vinticulture 101" presentation by Spencer Stegenga. Boathouse's Chef Eric Nittolo and Spencer will then guide attendees through a four-course dinner with paired wines. For more information, visit http://www.dininginthevines.com.
Saturday, Aug. 25: Candlelight Dinner Concert with Ian Stewart at Lone Oak
Lone Oak Vineyard Estate in Grass Lake will host an evening dinner concert by candlelight featuring guitarist/vocalist Ian Stewart, 6-9 p.m. The cost is $25 per person for dinner and the show. Reservations are required; call (517) 522-8167. For more information, visit http://www.loneoakvineyards.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.
Saturday, Sept. 1: Dining in the Vines
Bowers Harbor Vineyards and Boathouse Restaurant will put on Dining in the Vines, amid BHV's grapevines on Old Mission Peninsula, on Aug. 17 and 25 and Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. The cost is $99 per person, and seating is limited to 50. The event starts will a champagne reception and vineyard tour, including a "Vinticulture 101" presentation by Spencer Stegenga. Boathouse's Chef Eric Nittolo and Spencer will then guide attendees through a four-course dinner with paired wines. For more information, visit http://www.dininginthevines.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. 7-Sunday, Sept. 9: St. Julian Case Sale
St. Julian Winery will offer a 20 percent discount on 12 or more regularly priced bottles at all of its locations and online. Call (800) 732-6002 or visit http://www.stjulian.com.
Saturday, Sept. 8: Dining in the Vines
Bowers Harbor Vineyards and Boathouse Restaurant will put on Dining in the Vines, amid BHV's grapevines on Old Mission Peninsula, on Aug. 17 and 25 and Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. The cost is $99 per person, and seating is limited to 50. The event starts will a champagne reception and vineyard tour, including a "Vinticulture 101" presentation by Spencer Stegenga. Boathouse's Chef Eric Nittolo and Spencer will then guide attendees through a four-course dinner with paired wines. For more information, visit http://www.dininginthevines.com.
Saturday, Sept. 8: Homegrown Festival
Pioneer Wine Trail and Michigan Beer Garden tents will be among features at this event, which runs 6-10 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market. The celebration highlights local food and community, with food sourced from Michigan farms and prepared by chefs from the area, as well as main stage and acoustic performances by local musicians. For more information, visit http://www.homegrownfestival.com.
Saturday, Sept. 8: Open British Car Field Day at Round Barn
Round Barn Winery in Baroda will hold its 17th annual Open British Car Field Day, featuring — as the name suggests — viewing of British cars, along with live rockabilly music by the BelAirs, food and wine. For more information, visit http://www.roundbarnwinery.com.
Saturday, Sept. 8: Lone Oak's 10th Annual Harvest Party
Lone Oak Vineyard Estate in Grass Lake will hold this annual celebration, its biggest event of the year, 4-9 p.m. The party goes on rain or shine, thanks to a 3,200-square-foot tent erected on the property. Bone Island Grille will supply food and Wynwood will perform live music. There will be new wine releases, wine tasting, door prizes and music by the bonfire at 9 p.m. Admission is $7 per person. For more information, visit http://www.loneoakvineyards.com or call (517) 522-8167.
Saturday, Sept. 8: Baroda Founders Grape Stomp
Founders Wine Cellar in Baroda will host this third annual Grape Stomp Competition, with live music by Mark Pitcher and the Exit 41 Band. For more information, visit http://www.founderswinecellar.com.
Sunday, Sept. 9: A Taste of Uncle John's
Visitors can sample wine, cider, baked goods, fudge, preserves and more during this 1-5 p.m. event at Uncle John's Fruit House Winery in St. John's. Jagwire Country Band will perform, and a corn maze, train rides, wagon rides, gemstone mining, a jumping pillow and more will be available. For more information, visit http://www.fruithousewinery.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. 14: Caesar Medina at Uncle John's
Caesar Medina will perform at Uncle John's Fruit House Winery in St. John's, 4-7 p.m. The concert is free. For more information, visit http://www.fruithousewinery.com.
Saturday, Sept. 15: Dining in the Vines
Bowers Harbor Vineyards and Boathouse Restaurant will put on Dining in the Vines, amid BHV's grapevines on Old Mission Peninsula, on Aug. 17 and 25 and Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. The cost is $99 per person, and seating is limited to 50. The event starts will a champagne reception and vineyard tour, including a "Vinticulture 101" presentation by Spencer Stegenga. Boathouse's Chef Eric Nittolo and Spencer will then guide attendees through a four-course dinner with paired wines. For more information, visit http://www.dininginthevines.com.
Saturday, Sept. 15-Sunday, Sept. 16: Arts & Crafts Fair at Uncle John's
Uncle John's Fruit House Winery in St. John's will host an arts and crafts fair, 9-5 p.m., with live music by Steve Hunt, an Elvis tribute artist, 1-5 p.m. Saturday and by Louie Longoria, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission to the fair and the concerts is free. A corn maze, train rides, wagon rides, gemstone mining, a jumping pillow and more will be available. For more information, visit http://www.fruithousewinery.com.
Friday, Sept. 21: Wayne Deloria at Uncle John's
Wayne Deloria will perform at Uncle John's Fruit House Winery in St. John's, 4-7 p.m. The concert is free. For more information, visit http://www.fruithousewinery.com.
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.
Saturday, Sept. 22: Dining in the Vines
Bowers Harbor Vineyards and Boathouse Restaurant will put on Dining in the Vines, amid BHV's grapevines on Old Mission Peninsula, on Aug. 17 and 25 and Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. The cost is $99 per person, and seating is limited to 50. The event starts will a champagne reception and vineyard tour, including a "Vinticulture 101" presentation by Spencer Stegenga. Boathouse's Chef Eric Nittolo and Spencer will then guide attendees through a four-course dinner with paired wines. For more information, visit http://www.dininginthevines.com.
Friday, Sept. 28: Taylor Taylor at Uncle John's
Taylor Taylor will perform at Uncle John's Fruit House Winery in St. John's, 4-7 p.m. The concert is free. For more information, visit http://www.fruithousewinery.com.
Saturday, Sept. 29: Brys Estate Harvest Celebration
Brys Estate on Old Mission Peninsula will hold its annual Harvest Celebration every Saturday, Sept. 29-Nov. 3. The admission cost of $5 per person includes a large souvenir wine glass for use at four different wine and food pairing stations throughout the tasting room, barrel rooms and winery cellar. The patio also will be open for visitors to sip wine by the glass while overlooking the vineyard – and possibly getting a glimpse of harvest operations. Admission is complimentary for current wine club members. No reservations are required. For more information, call (231) 223-9303 or visit http://www.brysestate.com.
Saturday, Sept. 29: The Clarkson's Country Band at Uncle John's
The Clarkson's Country Band will perform at Uncle John's Fruit House Winery in St. John's, 1-5 p.m. The concert is free. For more information, visit http://www.fruithousewinery.com.
Saturday, Sept. 29: Dining in the Vines
Bowers Harbor Vineyards and Boathouse Restaurant will put on Dining in the Vines, amid BHV's grapevines on Old Mission Peninsula, on Aug. 17 and 25 and Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. The cost is $99 per person, and seating is limited to 50. The event starts will a champagne reception and vineyard tour, including a "Vinticulture 101" presentation by Spencer Stegenga. Boathouse's Chef Eric Nittolo and Spencer will then guide attendees through a four-course dinner with paired wines. For more information, visit http://www.dininginthevines.com.
Saturday, Sept. 29 or Sunday, Sept. 30: White Winemaking Experience (Part 1 of 2)
Round Barn Winery will hold the first installment of its two-part White Winemaking Experience, which gives visitors a taste of life as a winemaker. Participants will have a chance to craft two cases of their own white wine. Appetizers and wine are supplied. Each class is limited to 20 couples, who will return in the spring for Part 2 of the program. For more information, visit http://www.roundbarnwinery.com.
Sunday, Sept. 30: Bullwhip Country Band at Uncle John's
The Bullwhip Country Band will perform at Uncle John's Fruit House Winery in St. John's, 1-5 p.m. The concert is free. For more information, visit http://www.fruithousewinery.com.
Saturday, Oct. 13 or Sunday, Oct. 14: Red Winemaking Experience (Part 1 of 2)
Round Barn Winery will hold the first installment of its two-part Red Winemaking Experience, which gives visitors a taste of life as a winemaker. Participants will have a chance to craft two cases of their own red wine. Appetizers and wine are supplied. Each class is limited to 20 couples, who will return in the spring for Part 2 of the program. For more information, visit http://www.roundbarnwinery.com.
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...
Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 1: Live Music at Mackinaw Trail
Mackinaw Trail Winery hosts live music in its Manistique tasting room every Friday and Saturday through Sept. 1. The concerts begin at 8 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.mackinawtrailwinery.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.
Saturdays, Sept. 29-Nov. 3: Brys Estate Harvest Celebration
Brys Estate on Old Mission Peninsula will hold its annual Harvest Celebration every Saturday, Sept. 29-Nov. 3. The admission cost of $5 per person includes a large souvenir wine glass for use at four different wine and food pairing stations throughout the tasting room, barrel rooms and winery cellar. The patio also will be open for visitors to sip wine by the glass while overlooking the vineyard – and possibly getting a glimpse of harvest operations. Admission is complimentary for current wine club members. No reservations are required. For more information, call (231) 223-9303 or visit http://www.brysestate.com.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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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