The Hunt for the Reds of October raises funds for the American Red Cross and awareness for Northern Michigan wine in a fun way.

In its 6th year, the Hunt for the Reds of October event takes place weekdays for the entire month of October. Tickets cost $10 per person and include a signature wine glass, a complimentary red wine pour at 21 wineries and a $5 donation to the American Red Cross.

Funds are being raised to support critical services to those experiencing emergencies. The Northwest Michigan Chapter coordinates volunteers for both local and national disaster responses, provides vital services to the armed forces, teaches life-saving health and safety skills and collects essential blood from local donors throughout Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties.

In addition to raising awareness of the local services of the Red Cross, the Leelanau vintners are showcasing high-quality red wines being produced in the region.

“This is a great event for red wine enthusiasts,” says Lorri Schreiber, director of the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. “Red wines of the region are garnering more and more awards with each passing vintage.”

– The 2018 Wine List –

Aurora Cellars, Lake Leelanau: Taster’s Choice
Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery, Cedar: 2015 Pinot Noir
Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay: Vintners Select Pinot Noir
Blustone Vineyards, Lake Leelanau: 2016 Winemakers Red
Boathouse Vineyards, Lake Leelanau: 2016 Boathouse Red
Chateau de Leelanau, Suttons Bay: Hawkins Red
Chateau Fontaine, Lake Leelanau: Woodland Red
Cherry Republic, Glen Arbor: Cherry Red
Ciccone Vineyard, Suttons Bay: Cassie Red
45 North Vineyard & Winery, Lake Leelanau: 45 Red
French Valley Vineyards, Suttons Bay: 2011 Merlot
Good Harbor Vineyards, Lake Leelanau: Taster’s Choice
Laurentide, Lake Leelanau: 2016 Reserve Meritage
Leelanau Wine Cellars, Omena: 2016 Meritage
Mawby, Suttons Bay: 2016 Bourbon Barrel Aged Redd
Nathaniel Rose Wines at Raftshol: 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah
Rove Estate, Traverse City: 2014 Cab Franc/Merlot
Shady Lane Cellars, Suttons Bay: Franc ‘n’ Franc
Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery, Suttons Bay: Pinot Noir
Verterra Winery, Leland: Chaos Red
Willow Vineyard, Suttons Bay: Dry Rosé

For added fun, participants can join the “Secret Mission” by finding the American Red Cross at a secret winery location each Thursday from 3–6 p.m and enjoy swag and fun games with prizes. In addition, FOX radio will be live on location, along with Williams Chevrolet.

One ticket gets you a complimentary featured red wine taste at each of 21 participating wineries on weekdays in October and is good for the entire month. Out-of-towners can take advantage of lodging packages that include tickets to the event.


Northern Michigan Wine