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Michigan wine tasting is a relatively new development on the wine tour scene, but it’s quickly becoming popular due to the surprisingly high quality of the wines produced along the Lake Michigan shores. In fact, the micro-environment of the entire Great Lakes region provides optimal conditions for a variety of wine grapes.
The Michigan wine tasting experience sets itself apart from most other regions, however, by its personality. Michigan people are by and large friendly, practical and grounded in a no-nonsense lifestyle born of harsh winters and hard work. A Michigan wine tasting tour focuses on camaraderie, good wine and a touch of humor. These aren’t stuffy, exclusive wineries that look down their collective noses at the public. They produce quality wines at reasonable prices and want to share that pleasure with everyone.
There are at least three dozen small wineries in four regions: Lake Michigan Shores, Fennville Area, Leelanau Peninsula, and the Old Mission Peninsula. You may not be able to visit them all on a Michigan wine tasting weekend, but there are some you don’t want to miss.
• There is no stop more truly reflective of Michigan wine tasting’s earthy personality and quirky sense of humor than a visit to Bosky-del Vineyard. Knowing that “boskey-del” is slang for tipsy will give you a preview of what to expect. The tasting room is filled with a wall of outrageously funny “bartered art” from various visiting dignitaries and celebrities, and you can get a fine bottle of table wine for about $7.00. If you’re lucky, you’ll meet Bernie, the curmudgeon in charge of it all. He’s a Michigan wine tasting staple famous for his acerbic personality.
• Fennvalley Winery has a full range of red and white wines as well as specialty wines such as fruit brandies and champagnes. Lest you think this is one of the more “uppity” stops on a Michigan wine tasting excursion, keep in mind that they suggest pairing their Premier Cuvee champagne with popcorn, and compare the taste to licking a dusty window pane. The Fennvalley Winery blog answers wine questions and is truly humble – a recent entry reminds visitors that, while some of their wines have received gold medals in some competitions, the same ones haven’t placed in other, so everyone might as well choose what they like, because medals don’t mean much after all.
• Karma Vista Vineyards offers a bit of the 1960’s in the heart of Michigan. With names like “Starry Starry White and Pink Side of the Moon, this stop on the Michigan wine tasting tour hopes to take you back to a time when things were more relaxed, freer, and definitely out of sync with today’s hurried lifestyle. The proprietors, Joe and Sue, pepper conversations with quotes from sixties songs and great authors. Cool.
• Uncle John’s Fruit House Winery is the ultimate in Michigan native resourcefulness. It is an extension of a family-run orchard and cider press. This one of the best stops on a Michigan wine tasting weekend to try dessert and fruit wines. Pear, Apple-Cherry and Blueberry wines are delightfully sweet treats to try in the wine tasting and gift shop.
The Michigan wine tasting trail has many other wonderful stops, and all have a bit of rugged Michigan flavor. These aren’t your typical California wineries. Laid-back, unpretentious and welcoming, each of them makes a Michigan wine tasting trip unique. You’ll realize when you’re done that you’re already planning your next visit because these people already seem like old friends.
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