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...
Friday, Jan. 4: First Fridays Kick Off for 2013 at Douglas Valley
Douglas Valley Organic Vineyards in Manistee will host live music performances, 5-8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month: Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 1 and April 5. For more information, visit the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/443858229001982.
**Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room has opened!**
If you haven't heard the news, read all about it HERE! We're partnering with six Michigan wineries to launch a collaborative tasting room in Shelby Township, a northern suburb of Detroit. We officially opened our doors Dec. 26. For more information, visit http://www.mbtbtasting.com.
Coming up...
Saturday, Jan. 12: Baby It's Warm Inside at Sandhill Crane Vineyards
Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson will celebrate the release of some of its reds with festivities featuring fondue. For more information, visit http://www.sandhillcranevineyards.com.
Tuesday, Jan. 15: Chateau Chantal Rhine River Cruise Info Night
Jan Van Maanen of Chateau Chantal will host this complimentary dessert and wine reception at Zin Wine Bar in Plymouth to provide interested parties with information about an upcoming Rhine River cruise featuring CC winemaker Mark Johnson. The winery has partnered with AmaWaterways for the "In Celebration of Wine" cruise, scheduled for November 2013. Cruise prices begin at $2,399 per person. The Jan. 15 info night begins at 7 p.m. Contact Carol by Jan. 13 to RSVP: (800) 991-8404 or Carol.Howell@AvoyaTravel.com.
Thursday, Jan. 17: (un)Corked Wine Tasting with Laurentide Winery
The Produce Station will host one of its (un)Corked Wine Tastings, featuring Laurentide Winery of the Leelanau Peninsula, at The Last Word in Ann Arbor, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Laurentide owners Bill and Susan Braymer will be on hand for the event, which will feature their Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir, cherry and a white blend. The tasting fee of $15 includes samples of five wines. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/455472. The events typically sell out and no tickets will be available at the door.
Friday, Jan. 18: Bowers Harbor Wine Dinner at the Boathouse
Boathouse Restaurant on Old Mission Peninsula will hold a five-course dinner paired with Bowers Harbor Vineyards' wines at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $55 per person. To make a reservation, call (231) 223-4030.
Saturday, Jan. 19: Winter Warm up on Old Mission Peninsula
The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula will hold this annual event, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., in which they team up with local restaurants and businesses. On the day of the event, attendees can purchase a souvenir mug for $15 at WOMP wineries that serves as their "ticket" into each participating winery and business on the peninsula. Warm comfort food and drinks will be served at the wineries, and the restaurants will offer special promotions. For more information, call (231) 223-9303 or visit http://www.wineriesofoldmission.com/events/3. Tickets can be purchased online at http://store.chateauchantal.com/store/product/882/Winter-Warm-Up-Event-Ticket. Use coupon code WEBWARM to save $5.
Saturday, Jan. 19: Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room Grand Opening Celebration
The Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room in Shelby Township is celebrating its official opening with an "open house"-style shindig, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free single samples (one per guest), 5% off bottle sales, 10% off purchases of six or more bottles, door prizes and more! Local folk musician George Heritier will be performing his original tunes – including some Michigan-themed ones – in the afternoon, beginning at 4 p.m., and selling copies of his new CD, "In My Element." For more information, visit http://www.MBTBTasting.com or call (586) 843-3690.
* MBTB will be there! (Well, obviously, I guess.)
Saturday, Jan. 19: Winter Theme Dinner at Chateau Chantal
Chef Les Hagaman will present a St. Vincent Burgundy Wine Dinner at Chateau Chantal on Old Mission Peninsula. The event includes an optional tour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner seating at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $59 per person and includes tax, gratuity and wine. For more information, including a menu, visit http://www.chateauchantal.com/event-calendar/118.
Saturday, Jan. 19: Winter Delights
Sample wines from across the state, along with local cuisine and live entertainment, at the Mendel Center in Benton Harbor, 5-9 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door and include 15 wine samples, $10 in food tasting tickets and a commemorative festival wine glass. Three classes on wine will be available, taught by certified sommelier Jason Forbes. The classes have limited space; the cost is $10 per person and includes samples used in the class. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.winterdelightsfestival.com.
Saturday, Jan. 19: Chili Cook Off and Cellar Clearance Sale at Fenn Valley
Fenn Valley Vineyards in Fennville will hold its 14th annual Chili Cook-Off and Wine Lovers Potluck, 1-4:30 p.m. Reservations for chili entries are required and are accepted online. The admission charge for non-entrants is $2 a person; the fee for entering a chili is $5 and includes two admission tickets. Live music will run 2-4:30 p.m., and wines will be available by the glass. For more information, visit http://www.fennvalley.com/chili-cook-off.
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.
Tuesday, Jan. 22: Sips & Serenity: An Evening of Yoga & Wine at MBTB Tasting Room
Join registered yoga teacher Stacey Teufel for a yoga class focused on relaxation and de-stressing, followed by wine tasting and small bites, 7-9 p.m. at the Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room in Shelby Township. The $20 cost includes 60 minutes of yoga instruction, a Mini Tasting Flight (three 2 oz. samples of wine) and Flight Bites (Michigan-made cheese and chocolate). All levels are welcome. Space is limited. Call (586) 843-3690 to register; payment due upon booking to reserve your place. Please bring your own yoga mat if you have one. For more information, visit http://www.MBTBTasting.com or call (586) 843-3690.
Saturday, Jan. 26: Warming Winter Soups Cooking Class at Chateau Chantal
Chateau Chantal on Old Mission Peninsula will host this cooking class by Chef Perry Harmon, 12:30-4:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.chateauchantal.com/event-calendar/32.
Saturday, Jan. 26: Winter Wine & Wool Festival at Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson will host its annual Winter Wool & Wine Festival, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The winery will be full of yarn, fiber and other vendors. The café will be open, and visitors are encouraged to bring their knitting, crocheting, spinning, etc. and relax with wine. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.sandhilllcranevineyards.com.
Sunday, Jan. 27: Meet the Artist: Sheryl Burns at MBTB Tasting Room
Sterling Heights resident Sheryl Burns, the featured artist for January in the rotating hallway gallery at the Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room in Shelby Township, will be on hand to chat with tasting room visitors about her photographs, which depict natural wonders she's discovered throughout Michigan. Sheryl has canvas versions of her images for sale, as well as matted prints. For more information, visit http://www.MBTBTasting.com or call (586) 843-3690.
Tuesday, Jan. 29: L. Mawby Wine Dinner at The Cooks' House
The Cooks' House in Traverse City will host a five-course wine dinner featuring the wines of L. Mawby, beginning at 7 p.m. The cost is $80 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited to 24 guests. To make reservations, call (231) 946-8700.
Tuesday, Jan. 29: Meet the Winemaker: Wally Maurer of Domaine Berrien Cellars
Join Domaine Berrien Cellars co-owner/winemaker Wally Maurer as he talks about the history and philosophy behind DBC and leads attendees through a tasting at the Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room in Shelby Township, 7-9 p.m. The $25 per person admission price includes a full tasting flight of five 2 oz. pours, a small plate of Michigan-made cheese and chocolate, and a bottle of either DBC's Marsanne or White Satin to take home. This is a great chance to meet the people behind what's in your glass, ask questions and learn more about the Rhone varietals in which DBC specializes. Wally also will sign bottles, and all DBC wines available at MBTB Tasting Room will be 5% off during the event. Space is limited. Call (586) 843-3690 to register; payment due upon booking to reserve your place. For more information, visit http://www.MBTBTasting.com or call (586) 843-3690.
Friday, Feb. 1: Art from Michigan's Wine Country
The Homestead's Mountain Flowers Lodge will host this art exhibit, 6-8 p.m., in partnership with the Glen Arbor Art Association. Artwork will be on display and for sale. For more information, visit http://www.glenarborart.org.
Saturday, Feb. 2-Sunday, Feb. 3: Taste the Passion on the Leelanau Peninsula
The Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association will share the love of wine with its annual pre-Valentine's Day event, Feb. 2-3. Participants can enjoy food and wine pairings at 20 LPVA wineries, and some of the facilities will open their vineyards for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Tickets are $30 apiece, and quantities are limited. Lodging packages are available on the LPVA website. For more information, visit http://lpwines.com/taste-the-passion-lodging-packages. A full list of planned pairings for the participating wineries also is available online.
Friday, Feb. 8: Black Star Farms Winemaker Dinner at the Inn at Bay Harbor
The Inn at Bay Harbor will hold a special wine dinner featuring Black Star Farms winemaker Lee Lutes. For more information, visit http://www.innatbayharbor.com.
Saturday, Feb. 9: Festival of Foods - Traverse City
This annual event in Traverse City will feature demonstrations and more from culinary instructors and local chefs, including Jonathan Dayton and Stephanie Wiitalla from Black Star Farms' inn. For more information, visit https://www.nmc.edu/resources/extended-education/events/festival-foods/index.html.
Saturday, Feb. 9: Valentine's Menu Cooking Class at Chateau Chantal
Chateau Chantal on Old Mission Peninsula will host this cooking class by Chef Perry Harmon, 12:30-4:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.chateauchantal.com/event-calendar/122.
Saturday, Feb. 9: Traverse City Winter Microbrew & Music Festival
Tickets for this fourth annual celebration in Traverse City went on sale Dec. 10. Details TBA. For more information, visit http://www.porterhouseproductions.com.
Thursday, Feb. 14: Jazz Café Concert at Black Star Farms
The Inn at Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay will host its midweek concert at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 — which includes entertainment and one drink voucher — and are available at the door. To make a reservation, call (231) 944-1251.
Saturday, Feb. 16: Valentine's Wine Dinner at Chateau Chantal
Chef Les Hagaman will be whipping up a special Valentine's Day wine dinner paired with Chateau Chantal wines at the winery on Old Mission Peninsula. Dinner starts at 6 p.m.; other details TBA. For more information, visit http://www.chateauchantal.com.
Saturday, Feb. 16: Romancing the Riesling on Old Mission Peninsula
The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula will hail the Riesling grape during this annual event, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Participating wineries will showcase a Riesling along with a food pairing, and visitors will receive a souvenir glass and receive at least 10 percent off all Riesling wine purchases at the participating wineries. Tickets are $20 each. For more information, call (231) 223-7355. Tickets will be on sale 60 days prior to the event. For more information, visit http://www.wineriesofoldmission.com/events/4.
Friday, March 8-Saturday, March 9: Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula Cellar Sale
The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula will be cleaning out their tasting rooms to make way for the new wines being released in May, during Blossom Days. Wineries will offer 20-30% discounts on various wines and merchandise. For more information, call (231) 223-4110 or visit http://www.wineriesofoldmission.com.
Sunday, March 10: An Artful Retreat at Black Star Farms
Join artist Stephanie Schlatter to explore the symbiotic relationship between art, wine and food during this retreat at the Inn at Black Star Farms. Guests will create their own masterpieces with Stephanie. For more information, call (231) 944-1251.
Friday, Nov. 22, 2013: Rhine River Wine Cruise with Chateau Chantal
AmaWaterways is partnering with Mark Johnson of Chateau Chantal on a 13-day "In Celebration of Wine" Rhine River cruise. Johnson is the first Midwestern winemaker invited to co-host one of these specially themed cruises, which are intended for wine lovers who want to learn more about Europe's wine-producing legacy. The cruise begins in Amsterdam and pass through scenery of the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, with excursions available along the way. Prices start at $2,399 per person. For more information, contact Carol Howell at (800) 991-8404 or carol.howell@avoyatravel.com.
Ongoing...
First Friday of the month: First Fridays at Douglas Valley
Douglas Valley Organic Vineyards in Manistee will host live music performances, 5-8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month: Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 1 and April 5. For more information, visit the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/443858229001982.
First Friday of the month: First Fridays at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons — home to Left Foot Charley and TASTES of Black Star Farms, along with various other retailers and eateries — is featuring art, food and drink samples, shopping, dining and salon specials, live music, demos and more on the first Friday of each month, 5-8 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.thevillagetc.com.
Saturdays: Fires on the Patio at Bowers Harbor
Bowers Harbor Vineyards on Old Mission Peninsula will have fires out on the patio every Saturday throughout winter. Guests are encouraged to stop by and enjoy a glass of wine by the fire. For more information, call (231) 223-7615.
Saturdays: Live Music at Old Town Hall Winery
Old Town Hall Winery in Lexington is hosting live music on Saturdays, 4-6 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.oldtownhallwinery.com.
Fridays and Saturdays throughout winter: Cocktail Hour at Boathouse Vineyards
Boathouse Vineyards in Lake Leelanau will host Cocktail Hour, 5-7 p.m., featuring appetizers and glasses of wine with the fireplace roaring and Sirius music playing. For more information, visit http://www.boathousevineyards.com.
Throughout 2013: Michigan Wine Dinners at The Cooks' House
The Cooks' House in Traverse City has a number of five-course wine dinners scheduled for the first half of 2013, including L. Mawby on Jan. 29, Bowers Harbor on March 12, Brys Estate on April 16, Shady Lane Cellars on May 14, Black Star Farms on May 28 and Left Foot Charley on June 4. The cost is $80 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Dinners begin at 7 p.m. Seating is limited to 24 guests. To make reservations, call (231) 946-8700.
Mondays: Open Mic Night at Left Foot Charley
Left Foot Charley in Traverse City has declared Monday Open Mic Night. Patrons are invited to share their talents or just come enjoy the show with wine and cider, 6-9 p.m. For more information, visit the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/368792629875572.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tuesdays: Salsa Lessons at Lemon Creek Winery
Lemon Creek Winery's Berrien Springs location will be holding salsa dancing lessons on Tuesday nights. For more information, call Cathy Lemon at (269) 471-1321.
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.
Keep in touch...
Know of a cool event? Want yours listed? See something that needs correcting? Email us!
The fine print...
We strive to be your definitive source of information on Michigan wines; therefore, we welcome you to link to this page or print an excerpt that leads back to our site. However, as our work is copyrighted, we kindly ask that you do not copy and paste This Weekend in Michigan Wine or any other portion of Michigan By the Bottle in its entirety on another site. We appreciate your cooperation. For reprint inquiries, please email wine@michiganbythebottle.com.
Michigan By The Bottle, Tweet & Taste Michigan, Supporting the State with Every Sip, and their respective logos are registered service marks of Michigan By The Bottle, LLC.
