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, Sept. 27: Michigan Hard Cider Tasting
The Produce Station in Ann Arbor is holding a tasting of Vander Mill Ciders as part of its (un)Corked event series, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Last Word. Tickets are available online at http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/439179 or in person at the Produce Station. The events typically sell out, and no tickets will be offered at the door. For more information, call (734) 663-7848 and ask for Jorge or see the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/476724872351116.
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: St. Joseph Wine & Food Festival
Attendees can sample Michigan wines and local cuisine amid innovative jazz during this event in St. Joseph, 5-10 p.m. The City of St. Joseph's Public Art Auction also will take place during the event. The cost is $10 for four wine tasting tickets; additional tickets are available for purchase. For more information, visit http://www.stjoetoday.com or call (269) 985-1111.
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: Kevin Krieger at Sleeping Bear Winery
Kevin Krieger will perform at Sleeping Bear Winery & Brewery in Albion, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Admission is free. Beer, wine and appetizers will be available for purchase. For more information, visit http://www.sleepingbearwinery.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: 2012 Fall Equinox Party at Chateau Aeronautique
Chateau Aeronautique in Jackson is carrying over its successful Sept. 22 Fall Equinox Party — which celebrated the new 2011 Pinot Gris — to Sept. 29! The event runs noon-6 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.
Saturday, Sept. 29: Wurst Festival Ever
Lemon Creek wines will be featured amid festivities at the Wurst Festival Ever, which kicks off the opening weekend of the Witches of New Salem & Haunted Corn Maze in Dorr. The event includes food, beer tent, live music, a car show, an art fair, a pumpkin patch, hot air balloon rides, record swap and more, along with the "haunted" attractions. The festival runs 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Admission is $1. For more information, visit http://www.witchesofnewsalem.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.
Sunday, Sept. 30: Jazz at Sunset at Chateau Chantal
The Jeff Haas Trio will perform live at Chateau Chantal, 3-5:30 p.m. Admission is free. Adults can taste wine, and kids can get lemonade. For more information, call (231) 223-4110 or emailwine@chateauchantal.com.
Coming up...
Thursday, Oct. 4: Wine & Spa Tour 2012
Seven northern Michigan spas have teamed up with Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Chateau Grand Traverse and Peninsula Cellars for this evening of wine, food and pampering to benefit the Grand Traverse Area Women's Resource Center. The event includes complimentary spa treatments, food samplings from local restaurants, complimentary wine tasting and a chance to win raffle prizes and a grand prize that includes a night's stay and spa treatment at each resort and spa on the Northern Michigan Spa Tour. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. For more information, call the Women's Resource Center at (231) 941-1210 or visit http://www.spatour.org.
Thursday, Oct. 4-Monday, Oct. 8: Reserve Wine Release Party at Verterra
Verterra Winery in Leland will offer tasting of its newly released 2011 Reserve wines alongside finger foods. For more information, visit http://www.verterrawinery.com.
Saturday, Oct. 6: Winetoberfest at Sleeping Bear Winery
Sleeping Bear Winery & Brewery in Albion will host this event featuring Polish dinners, polka music by Randy Wrozek Band, 1-5 p.m., and more music from Billy Lewis and the Soulbacks Band, 6-10 p.m. Wine, beer and cider will be available by the glass. The tent opens at noon. For more information, visit http://www.sleepingbearwinery.com.
Saturday, Oct. 6: Harvest Day at Chateau Chantal
Chateau Chantal on Old Mission Peninsula will hold its 13th annual Harvest Day, noon-4 p.m. Mark Johnson's and Brian Hosmer's cellar will be open to smell wines, stomp grapes and tour. The tasting room staff will serve up tastes of wine and take private label orders. Special pricing is available on full-case orders of any one-varietal wine. Winery founder Nadine Begin will sign copies of her cookbook memoir, and there will be a "Wine Aroma Challenge" and displays. A "Mini Slurpin' Seminar" will teach the basics of wine tasting at 1 p.m.; grape stomping will occur at 2 p.m.; and there will be a distillation seminar with the winemakers at 3 p.m. Wine tasting will be available 11 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.chateauchantal.com.
Saturday, Oct. 6: New Buffalo Harvest & Wine Fest
The annual New Buffalo Harvest & Wine Fest returns to Lions Park, across from New Buffalo Beach, noon-10 p.m. The event will feature a local farmers market, food and wine tasting from Domaine Berrien Cellars, Free Run Cellars, Founders Winery, Round Barn Winery and Warner Vineyards. There will be crafts, free horse-drawn wagon rides, kids' pumpkin painting and a jump house. Live music will be ongoing all day;. For more information, visit http://www.newbuffalo.org/events/harvest-wine-fest-in-new-buffalo.html.
Saturday, Oct. 6-Sunday, Oct. 7: Ozzy Fest at Lone Oak Vineyards
Lone Oak Vineyards in Grass Lake is celebrating the release of the new "Wine Dog USA" book, featuring Lone Oak's Ozzy on the cover! Visitors can get complimentary nibbles and pick up a copy of the book, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday and noon-5:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.loneoakvineyards.com.
Sunday, Oct. 7: Wine Release Party and Pampering at Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson will celebrate the release of new vintages of Seyval Blanc and Traminette, noon-6 p.m., with wine tasting and products/pampering from Ann Arbor-based Bella Des Natural Beauty. Owner Desiree Watson will be on hand to supply samples of her all-natural beauty products. Admission is free.For more information, visit http://www.sandhillcranevineyards.com.
Sunday, Oct. 7: Harvest Festivus at Left Foot Charley
Left Foot Charley Winery in Traverse City will host its sixth annual Harvest Festivus at the Grand Traverse Commons, noon-6 p.m., to kick off the grape harvest season. The event features wine and wine tasting, fresh cider, winemakers in Lederhosen, kids' activities, free horse-drawn carriage rides noon-3 p.m., German "oompah" music 2-4 p.m. and more. For more information, visit the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/109548879197265.
Thursday, Oct. 11: Savor: A Wine Component Tasting
Attendees can learn about balance in wine evaluation and appreciation from Peter di Lorenzi, a longtime wine educator and restaurant/retailer consultant, during this 7-9 p.m. event at the Chelsea Depot. Tickets are $75 per person; advance purchase required. Proceeds benefit the Chelsea Community Kitchen. For more information, visit http://www.chelseacommunitykitchen.org.
Saturday, Oct. 13: Dog Days of October Party at Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson will celebrate four-legged friends during this event, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The new vintage of Abrazo, an off-dry red blend that benefits the Cascades Humane Society, will be released. The party also celebrates the release of the latest version of the "Wine Dogs: USA Edition" book, which features Sandhill Crane's Rosie, Rusty and Ellie, along with other wine dogs throughout the country. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.sandhillcranevineyards.com.
Saturday, Oct. 13: Grape Stomp Competition/Harvest Dance at Old Town Hall Winery
Old Town Hall Winery in Lexington will hold a Grape Stomp Competition, plus a 7 p.m. Harvest Dance. For more information, visit http://www.oldtownhallwinery.com or call (810) 359-5012.
Saturday, Oct. 13: (un)Corked Holiday Edition
The Produce Station will host a holiday-themed wine tasting and buying event at the Ann Arbor Art Center, 7-9 p.m., featuring more than 40 wines for sampling and sale. There also will be hors d'oeuvres and a selection of cheeses. Tickets are $35. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/437029, call (734) 663-7848 and ask for Jorge, or email wine@producestation.com.
Saturday, Oct. 13: Candlelight Dinner Concert 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.
Friday, Oct. 19-Saturday, Oct. 20: Haunted Hayrides at Black Star Farms
Black Star Farms' Suttons Bay location will host Haunted Hayrides on the farm, with warm cider and other refreshments available at Hearth & Vine Café before and after. All wagons leave the café at 7 p.m., with the trip concluding at 9:30 p.m. The rides are recommended for visitors age 12 and up and are subject to weather and last-minute cancellations. Tickets are $10 apiece, available at the door. Call (231) 944-1251 to confirm. These also will be offered Oct. 26-27.
Friday, Oct. 19-Sunday, Oct. 21: Fall Wine Tour Package at Grand Traverse Resort
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa near Traverse City is offering a special package that includes two nights' accommodations; group transportation to and from Chateau de Leelanau, Gill's Pier and Leelanau Cellars on Saturday; choice of either three wine tastings per adult or one full-glass pour per adult in The Wine Shoppe at Grand Traverse Resort; plus coupons toward spa services and retail stores at the resort. The starting price for the package ranges from $211.50-$241.50 per person (double occupancy) depending on room selection, plus tax and resort fees. For more information, visit http://www.grandtraverseresort.com.
Saturday, Oct. 20: Fall Music on the Patio at St. Julian
David Hunt and friends will perform jazz music at St. Julian's Paw Paw location, 2-5 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.stjulian.com.
Saturday, Oct. 20: Pioneer Wine Trail Visits Wyandotte
Pioneer Wine Trail wineries will be part of the Paint the Town Pink event for breast cancer education and awareness. For more information, visit http://www.flyingotter.com.
Saturday, Oct. 20: Flying Otter at Blues & Brews
Flying Otter Vineyards & Winery will appear at the downtown Adrian Farmers Market for the inaugural Blues & Brews Festival, 3-9 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.flyingotter.com or http://www.blues-n-brews.com.
Saturday, Oct. 20: Cranes, Colors and Cabernet Festival
Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson is teaming up with the Jackson Audubon Society, Michigan Audubon Society, Legacy Land Conservancy, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the communities around the Waterloo-Pinckney Recreation Area to celebrate the sandhill crane — as in, the bird itself. Naturalists from the Jackson Audubon Society/Haehnle Bird Sanctuary will lead a crane watch, starting at 4 p.m. at the sanctuary, and Sandhill Crane Vineyards will be open all day for wine tasting, staying open late for crane watchers and offering mulled wine to warm them up. For more information, visit http://www.sandhillcranevineyards.com.
Saturday, Oct. 20-Sunday, Oct. 21: Halloween Festivities at Dizzy Daisy Winery
Dizzy Daisy Winery in Bad Axe will celebrate Halloween, noon-5 p.m., with treats, free wine tasting, sales and a visit from psychic Sweet Spirit Renee. For more information, visit http://www.dizzydaisywinery.com.
Friday, Oct. 26: Noto's Fall Wine Fest
Noto's Old World Dining in Grand Rapids will host its 2012 Fall Wine Fest, 7-10 p.m., benefiting three local nonprofit groups: Greater Grand Rapids Chefs' Association - American Culinary Federation, Holy Family Radio and ProStart Michigan. Half of the VIP ticket sales, a portion of each general admission ticket sale and a silent auction will go toward those causes. The event will feature appetizers, Italian food and desserts prepared by Noto's chefs, alongside more than 300 wines from Michigan, Italy and beyond. There also will be live musical entertainment. General admission is $60 in advance or $65 the day of the event. Limited VIP tickets are available for $100 in advance/$110 the day of the event. For more information, visit http://www.notosoldworld.com.
Friday, Oct. 26: Food, Wine and All That Jazz
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is the venue for this event put on by WGVU and D&W Fresh Market, featuring more than 300 domestic wines and beers, gourmet food samples and live music performed by Edye Evans Hyde. Tickets are $40 per person for WGVU members if ordered before Oct. 12, $50 for non-members and $60 at the door. Tickets can be obtained at all D&W Fresh Market locations, by calling (800) 442-2771 or by visiting http://www.wgvu.org/fwj.
Friday, Oct. 26-Saturday, Oct. 27: Haunted Hayrides at Black Star Farms
Black Star Farms' Suttons Bay location will host Haunted Hayrides on the farm, with warm cider and other refreshments available at Hearth & Vine Café before and after. All wagons leave the café at 7 p.m., with the trip concluding at 9:30 p.m. The rides are recommended for visitors age 12 and up and are subject to weather and last-minute cancellations. Tickets are $10 apiece, available at the door. Call (231) 944-1251 to confirm.
Saturday, Oct. 27: Halloween Open House at Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson will hold a Halloween Open House featuring music from Dann Phillips, the release of Night of the Living Red and "Holly's newest un-deadly concoction," Revenge of the Living Red. Visitors are encouraged to dress up; those dressed like zombies get a 10 percent discount on wine purchases. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.sandhillcranevineyards.com.
Saturday, Oct. 27: Hawthorne Vineyards Wine Dinner at Boathouse Restaurant
Boathouse Restaurant on Old Mission Peninsula will highlight the wines of Hawthorne Vineyards, the newest Old Mission winery, 6:30-9:30 p.m. The multi-course wine dinner will feature sea bass, morel bisque, lamb chops and more, paired with Hawthorne wines. The cost is $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For reservations, call (231) 223-4030. For more information, visit the Facebook event page at http://www.facebook.com/events/118604611622114.
Saturday, Oct. 27-Sunday, Oct. 28: Hallo'Wine Party
Round Barn Winery in Baroda will host Halloween festivities this weekend, including its annual staff Halloween Costume Contest, with tasting consultants competing to get your vote. Customers who come in costume will receive five complimentary tasting tokens. There also will be trick-or-treat candy for kids (while supplies last) and live music. For more information, visit http://www.roundbarnwinery.com.
Sunday, Oct. 28: Jazz at Sunset at Chateau Chantal
The Jeff Haas Trio will perform live at Chateau Chantal, 3-5:30 p.m. Admission is free. Adults can taste wine, and kids can get lemonade. For more information, call (231) 223-4110 or email wine@chateauchantal.com.
Thursday, Nov. 1: Lawton Ridge Winemaker Dinner at Park Club
Park Club in Kalamazoo will host a Lawton Ridge winemaker dinner. Details TBA.
Saturday, Nov. 3: Winemaker Dinners at Fenn Valley (Reservations accepted online starting Oct. 1)
Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar in Fennville will host its latest Winemaker Dinner series on Nov. 3 and Nov. 10. The dinners begin with a cellar tour, followed by a sparkling wine and cheese reception, then a multi-course dinner with parked wine. The winemaker and Fenn Valley staffers are available to talk about the wines and the theory behind the pairings. Prices vary; reservations are required. For more information, visit http://www.fennvalley.com.
Saturday, Nov. 3-Sunday, Nov. 4: LPVA's Toast the Season (Tickets go on sale Sept. 10)
The Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association will hold Toast the Season, its annual double weekend of tasting and touring, Nov. 3-4 and Nov. 10-11. The self-guided tour includes wine and holiday-themed food pairings at member wineries, with visitors able to visit eight wineries each day in any order they desire. Participants also receive a commemorative glass, LPVA holiday ornament and gift bag featuring treats and sweets from local businesses. Event hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit http://www.lpwines.com/toast.
Wednesday, Nov. 7: Arcturos Concert at Black Star Farms
Black Star Farms' Suttons Bay location will host a dinner and concert by Chamber Music North. 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.
Thursday, Nov. 8-Saturday, Nov. 10: 2012 Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival
The Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival returns to DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids for the fifth year, bringing — as the name suggests — wine, beer and food from Michigan and beyond. The event hours are 5-10 p.m. Thursday, 4-10 p.m. Friday and noon-10 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $15 daily, and sampling tickets, sold at the entrance, are 50 cents apiece. Attendees must be age 21 or older. For more information, call (800) 328-6550 or visit http://www.showspan.com/GRW/Home.aspx.
Friday, Nov. 9: Art Aid for Tesla
Wine, food and, of course, art, will be aplenty at the Art Aid for Tesla event at the Betty Van Andel Opera Center in Grand Rapids, 6-10 p.m. For more information, visit the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/388873174513827.
Saturday, Nov. 10: Winemaker Dinners at Fenn Valley (Reservations accepted online starting Oct. 1)
Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar in Fennville will host its latest Winemaker Dinner series on Nov. 3 and Nov. 10. The dinners begin with a cellar tour, followed by a sparkling wine and cheese reception, then a multi-course dinner with parked wine. The winemaker and Fenn Valley staffers are available to talk about the wines and the theory behind the pairings. Prices vary; reservations are required. For more information, visit http://www.fennvalley.com.
Saturday, Nov. 10: Up Close and Personal with Jill Jack at Lone Oak
Lone Oak Vineyard Estate in Grass Lake will host an intimate evening performance by Jill Jack and a bandmate, 6-9 p.m. Reservations are needed; space is limited. The cost is $30 per person for dinner and the show. For more information, call (517) 522-8167 or visit http://www.loneoakvineyards.com.
Saturday, Nov. 10-Sunday, Nov. 11: LPVA's Toast the Season (Tickets go on sale Sept. 10)
The Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association will hold Toast the Season, its annual double weekend of tasting and touring, Nov. 3-4 and Nov. 10-11. The self-guided tour includes wine and holiday-themed food pairings at member wineries, with visitors able to visit eight wineries each day in any order they desire. Participants also receive a commemorative glass, LPVA holiday ornament and gift bag featuring treats and sweets from local businesses. Event hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit http://www.lpwines.com/toast.
Saturday, Nov. 24: The Great Macaroni & Cheese Bake-Off
The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula are bringing back this annual event featuring some of the area's top restaurant chefs and their gourmet spins on the classic mac 'n cheese dish, paired with wine. The event runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $40 and include a souvenir wine glass and plate, plus mac 'n cheese and paired wine at each winery. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.wineriesofoldmission.com/events.
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...
Tuesday-Thursday, September/October: Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula Midweek Discounts
The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula will be offering special deals and discounts, Tuesday-Thursday in September and October. For more information, visit http://www.wineriesofoldmission.com.
Last Sunday of the month: Jazz at Sunset at Chateau Chantal: Fall Session
The Jeff Haas Trio will perform live at Chateau Chantal, 3-5:30 p.m., on the last Sunday of each month. Admission is free. Adults can taste wine, and kids can get lemonade. For more information, call (231) 223-4110 or email wine@chateauchantal.com.
Ongoing: Corn Maze at Gill's Pier
Gill's Pier on Leelanau Peninsula now has a corn maze for visitors. For hours and admission prices, call (231) 632-CORN.
Saturdays: Live Music in the Bear Garden at Sleeping Bear
Sleeping Bear Winery and Bad Bear Brewery in Albion hosts live music every Saturday night, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Offerings range from classic hits to originals. Wine tasting, beer and appetizers will be available. For more information, visit http://www.sleepingbearwinery.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.
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. Admission is $5 and includes wine tasting. 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.
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.
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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