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...
riday, 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.
Friday, Oct. 26-Sunday, Oct. 28: Haunted Vineyard at Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson will offers an outdoor haunted "house" experience in the vineyard, 7:30-10 p.m. The cost is $10 per person, and the event is open to adults age 21 ad older only. Those who emerge unscathed will get mulled Night of the Living Red wine and a cookie. For more information, visit http://www.sandhillcranevineyards.com. Also available at the same time on Halloween, Wednesday, Oct. 31.
Friday, Oct. 26-Sunday, Oct. 28: Costume Contest at Circa
Circa Estate Winery's staff will be dressed up for Halloween — and encourage visitors to do the same! Patrons at the Leelanau Peninsula tasting room can sip wines and win prizes. For more information, visithttp://www.circawinery.com.
Friday, Oct. 26-Sunday, Oct. 28: The Hunt for the Reds of October
To draw attention to the red wines of the area, 12 participating Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail wineries will offer free tastes of a diverse selection of red wines, from Cab Franc to Pinot Noir and beyond throughout the weekend. Patrons need to know the "launch code": "The Hunt is on!" For more information, including a list participating wineries and the wine lineup, visithttp://www.lpwines.com/redwine.
Saturday, Oct. 27: Fall Music on the Patio at St. Julian
Tracy Dorman and Jeremy Angeletti will perform at St. Julian's Paw Paw location, 2-5 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.stjulian.com.
Saturday, Oct. 27: Paint the Town Dead: 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 athttp://www.facebook.com/events/118604611622114.
Saturday, Oct. 27: Open Hangar Release Party at Chateau Aeronautique
Chateau Aeronautique in Jackson will host a celebration to welcome the 2011 Pinot Noir, which was aged 12 months in new French oak barrels. For more information, visit http://www.chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.
Saturday, Oct. 27: Live Music Saturday at Old Town Hall Winery
Old Town Hall Winery in Lexington will host live music by Cory Allen. For more information, visit http://www.oldtownhallwinery.com or call (810) 359-5012.
Saturday, Oct. 27: We Are the Ink Monkey at Sleeping Bear Winery
We Are the Ink Monkey will perform at Sleeping Bear Winery & Brewery in Albion, 7-11 p.m. Admission is free. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. There also will be a costume contest, prizes and a new fall beer release. For more information, visit http://www.sleepingbearwinery.com.
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.
Saturday, Oct. 27-Sunday, Oct. 28: Fall Festival at Rose Valley Winery and Valley Mist Vineyards
Rose Villey Winery and Valley Mist Vineyards will hold their second-annual Fall Festival, noon-5 p.m. both days. The celebration will feature free horse-drawn carriage rides, special wine pricing, tank tasting with the winemakers, door prizes and live entertainment with Easy Street. There's also a bpig roast Saturday at Rose Valley, starting at noon and continuing while supplies last, and a BBQ Sunday at Valley Mist, noon-5 p.m. For more information, visit the Facebook events page:http://www.facebook.com/events/290761834351646.
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 emailwine@chateauchantal.com.
Looking for Halloween events specifically? Check out our This Weekend in Michigan Wine SPOOKY EDITION!
Coming up...
Wednesday, Oct. 31: Haunted Vineyard at Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson will offers an outdoor haunted "house" experience in the vineyard, 7:30-10 p.m. The cost is $10 per person, and the event is open to adults age 21 ad older only. Those who emerge unscathed will get mulled Night of the Living Red wine and a cookie. For more information, visit http://www.sandhillcranevineyards.com.
Thursday, Nov. 1: Lawton Ridge Winemaker Dinner at Park Club
Park Club in Kalamazoo will host this event featuring a four-course dinner paired with Lawton Ridge wine. The cost is $45 per person. Planned courses include Massaman curried prawns and slow-roasted dry-rubbed Indiana pork. For more information or to make a reservation, call (269) 372-9463.
Friday, Nov. 2: Black Star Farms Winemaker Dinner at The Weathervane
The Weathervane in Charlevoix will host a winemaker dinner featuring Black Star Farms wines. To make a reservation, call (231) 547-4311.
Saturday, Nov. 3: St. Julian Winemaker's Dinner
Martell's will cater this year's Winemaker's Dinner at St. Julian Winery's Paw Paw location. The five-course meal paired with St. Julian wines begins at 5 p.m. Tickets are $75; seating is limited. Call (800) 732-6002 for information or reservations. You also can visit the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/258766610909106.
Saturday, Nov. 3: Live Music Saturday at Old Town Hall Winery
Old Town Hall Winery in Lexington will host live music by Cory Allen. For more information, visit http://www.oldtownhallwinery.com or call (810) 359-5012.
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: Brys Estate Wine Dinner at The Boathouse
The Boathouse Restaurant on Old Mission Peninsula will host this five-course dinner, 6:30-9:30 p.m., featuring the wines of Brys Estate. Planned dishes include dover sole, cobbler cheesecake, short ribs, scallops and more. The cost is $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For more information, call (231) 223-4030 or visit the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/362410163845732.
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.
Friday, Nov. 9-Sunday, Nov.11: Wine Lovers Weekends at Thunder Bay Resort
Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman is offering Wine Lovers Weekends, Nov. 9-11, Nov. 16-18, Nov. 30-Dec. 2 and Dec. 7-9. Each package includes two nights' lodging, four wine tasting sessions with sommelier Tom Fischer, a commemorative wine glass, a gift basket, tickets to local attractions and access to the resort's Elk-View Dinner Ride. Wines from Michigan's Sunrise Side are featured. Packages start at $149.50 per person. For more information, call (800) 729-9375 or visit http://www.thunderbayresort.com.
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: Fall Music on the Patio at St. Julian
Treading Bleu will perform at St. Julian's Paw Paw location, 2-5 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.stjulian.com.
Saturday, Nov. 10: Black Star Farms Winemaker Dinner at The Boathouse
The Boathouse on Old Mission Peninsula will host a farm-to-table winemaker dinner featuring Black Star Farms wines. To make a reservation, call (231) 223-4030. For more information, visit http://boathouseonwestbay.com/Home.html.
Saturday, Nov. 10: Live Music Saturday at Old Town Hall Winery
Old Town Hall Winery in Lexington will host live music by local artists. For more information, visit http://www.oldtownhallwinery.com or call (810) 359-5012.
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.
Sunday, Nov. 11: Thanksgiving Wine Dinner at Trillium Haven
Trillium Haven in Grand Rapids will host a vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner featuring bigLITTLE wines at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/TrilliumHaven.
Sunday, Nov. 11-Sunday, April 14: Lemon Creek Cheese & Chocolate Club Classes
Lemon Creek Winery's Grand Haven tasting room will offer Cheese & Chocolate Club classes, highlighting pairings with chocolate and cheese, with field trips to chocolate and cheese producing facilities locally. Various enrollment packages — with perks! — are available. For more information, visit http://www.lemoncreekwinery.com.
Wednesday, Nov. 14: Jazz Cafe Concert at the Inn at Black Star Farms
Inn at Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay will host Jazz Café in the Aquarius Room, featuring popular local musicians Mike Davis, Ron Getz and Jack Dryden. The concert, which begins at 7 p.m., will feature jazz standards, swing, Latin and contemporary songs. Wine, brandy, draught cider and specialty Black Star Farms cocktails will be available from the bar, along with bistro-style small plates. Tickets are $15 — which includes entertainment and one drink voucher — and are available at the door. To make a reservation, call (231) 944-1251.
Friday, Nov. 16-Sunday, Nov.18: Wine Lovers Weekends at Thunder Bay Resort
Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman is offering Wine Lovers Weekends, Nov. 9-11, Nov. 16-18, Nov. 30-Dec. 2 and Dec. 7-9. Each package includes two nights' lodging, four wine tasting sessions with sommelier Tom Fischer, a commemorative wine glass, a gift basket, tickets to local attractions and access to the resort's Elk-View Dinner Ride. Wines from Michigan's Sunrise Side are featured. Packages start at $149.50 per person. For more information, call (800) 729-9375 or visit http://www.thunderbayresort.com.
Saturday, Nov. 17: Bowers Harbor Wine Dinner at The Boathouse
The Boathouse Restaurant on Old Mission Peninsula will host this multi-course dinner, 6:30-9:30 p.m., featuring the wines of Bowers Harbor. Planned dishes include apple cobbler, New York strip, charcuterie and more. The cost is $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For more information, call (231) 223-4030 or visit the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/267763076676525.
Saturday, Nov. 17: 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.
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.
Wednesday, Nov. 28: Jazz Cafe Concert at the Inn at Black Star Farms
Inn at Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay will host Jazz Café in the Aquarius Room, featuring popular local musicians Mike Davis, Ron Getz and Jack Dryden. The concert, which begins at 7 p.m., will feature jazz standards, swing, Latin and contemporary songs. Wine, brandy, draught cider and specialty Black Star Farms cocktails will be available from the bar, along with bistro-style small plates. Tickets are $15 — which includes entertainment and one drink voucher — and are available at the door. To make a reservation, call (231) 944-1251.
Friday, Nov. 30: bigLITTLE Wine Tasting at Everyday Wines
Everyday Wines in Kerrytown Market & Shop in Ann Arbor will host a tasting of bigLITTLE wines with bigLITTLE owners Peter and Michael Laing during midnight madness. For more information, call (734) 827-9463.
Friday, Nov. 30-Sunday, Dec. 2: Wine Tour Package with Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Traverse City is offering a December wine tour package that includes accommodations Friday and Saturday nights, Saturday group transportation to and from three wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula, a $10 retail coupon per adult for the resort's Gallery of Shops, a 20 percent-off coupon for spa service, and choice of either three wine tasting adults or one full-glass pour per adult in the resort's Wine Shoppe. Rates begin at $141.50 per person. For more information, call (800) 236-1577.
Friday, Nov. 30-Sunday, Dec. 2: Wine Lovers Weekends at Thunder Bay Resort
Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman is offering Wine Lovers Weekends, Nov. 9-11, Nov. 16-18, Nov. 30-Dec. 2 and Dec. 7-9. Each package includes two nights' lodging, four wine tasting sessions with sommelier Tom Fischer, a commemorative wine glass, a gift basket, tickets to local attractions and access to the resort's Elk-View Dinner Ride. Wines from Michigan's Sunrise Side are featured. Packages start at $149.50 per person. For more information, call (800) 729-9375 or visit http://www.thunderbayresort.com.
Saturday, Dec. 1: Holiday Open House at Round Barn
Rub elbows with Santa Claus during this event at Round Barn Winery's Baroda tasting room, 1-4 p.m. Visitors can taste nouveau wine from this year's harvest, pick up holiday gifts and get glamour shots with Santa. There also will be cookie decorating, paper snow flaking crafts and ornament decorating, plus holiday music. For more information, visit http://www.roundbarnwinery.com.
Saturday, Dec. 1: Nouveau Fest at Fenn Valley
Fenn Valley in Fennville will celebrate the first wine of the new vintage, Fenn Valley Nouveau, 1-5 p.m.. The winery has been holding the event, inspired by the French tradition of celebrating Beaujolais Nouveau, for 20 years. Homemade pizza will be offered, and visitors can taste 2011 vintage wines and tour the cellar. For more information, visit http://www.fennvalley.com/nouveau-fest.
Friday, Dec. 7-Sunday, Dec. 9: Wine Lovers Weekends at Thunder Bay Resort
Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman is offering Wine Lovers Weekends, Nov. 9-11, Nov. 16-18, Nov. 30-Dec. 2 and Dec. 7-9. Each package includes two nights' lodging, four wine tasting sessions with sommelier Tom Fischer, a commemorative wine glass, a gift basket, tickets to local attractions and access to the resort's Elk-View Dinner Ride. Wines from Michigan's Sunrise Side are featured. Packages start at $149.50 per person. For more information, call (800) 729-9375 or visit http://www.thunderbayresort.com.
Saturday, Dec. 8: SMAA Art Tasting
The Southwest Michigan Artists' Association will hold this annual event, 4-7 p.m., featuring local wines and art, in Paw Paw. For more information, visit http://www.smaami.org.
Saturday, Dec. 8: WOMP Day of Giving
During this annual event, the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula will donate 15 percent of gross sales to Northern Michigan nonprofits, with each winery selecting its own beneficiary. Patrons can support the cause in the tasting room or, at participating wineries, online. For more information, visit http://www.wineriesofoldmission.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...
Saturdays throughout fall: Fall Fun @ The Creek
Cherry Creek Winery in Brooklyn will host live music, 1-4 p.m., each Saturday in the fall. For more information, visit http://www.cherrycreekwine.com.
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.
Sunday, Oct. 21-Sunday, March 17: Lemon Creek Wine School
Lemon
Creek Winery's Grand Haven tasting room will offer its first-ever Wine
School on the first and third Sunday of each month, starting Oct. 21 and
running through March 17. Topics range from wine intro, ice wines of
the world, olfactory to palate, wine science, food pairing and more.
Various enrollment packages — with perks! — are available. For more
information, visit http://www.lemoncreekwinery.com.
Sunday, Nov. 11-Sunday, April 14: Lemon Creek Cheese & Chocolate Club Classes
Lemon
Creek Winery's Grand Haven tasting room will offer Cheese &
Chocolate Club classes, highlighting pairings with chocolate and cheese,
with field trips to chocolate and cheese producing facilities locally.
Various enrollment packages — with perks! — are available. For more
information, visit http://www.lemoncreekwinery.com.
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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