The arrival of spring is reason enough to break open a bottle and raise a glass to local vineyards. Thanks to designating April as Michigan Wine Month, the state has given vino lovers yet another reason to celebrate the return of grape growing season.
“Not only is our wine industry a vital component of the state’s agricultural sector, it’s also an important part of our tourism industry as hundreds of thousands of people visit Michigan’s wine country each year,” said Governor Jennifer Granholm.
Granholm noted the nearly $800 million Michigan wine contributes to the economy was cause for honoring the industry. We say the beauty and taste Northern Michigan’s premier wine peninsulas—Leelanau and Old Mission—brings is worth every penny.
Commemorate Michigan Wine Month with a tasting room tour, and when you do, make sure to sip these spring picks:
2007 Arcturos Pinot Gris from Black Star Farms Crisp, fruity, and floral, this five time medal winner is perfect for pulling your taste buds out of hibernation. Blackstarfarms.com
2008 Coop de Rose from Shady Lane Cellars Think pink and sip on this long time favorite to tide you over until sunny summer days have returned along the shoreline. Shadylanecellars.com
2007 Chateau Fontaine Pinot Gris The label may read “dry white table wine” but the taste is far more formal. Made in true French style, the intense citrus flavor is a welcome gift as the fruit trees of the north are still just budding. Chateaufontaine.com
Leelenau Primavera NV Bel Lago The vineyard’s most popular white, the semi-dry, easy drinking taste invokes the feel of blosoms and farm stands and barefoot back porch sitting. Bellago.com
Read more about Northern Michigan wines.
Thanks for the wonderful tribute to Michigan Wine
month! It is quite an honor for Governor Jennifer
Granholm to recognize this wonderful Wine & Grape
industry we have here in Michigan. I invite all your readers to come out and taste these Michigan made wines at our tasting rooms, restaurants, or retail wine stores. Try our award-winning Pinot Gris
with Mi. Whitefish, Perch or Walleye…a perfect
match! Also goes well with Sunsets!
Dan & Lucie Matthies Owners
Chateau Fontaine Vineyards & Winery
Leelanau Pimavera does remind me of the awakening that happens each spring and the excitment of the first time you slip your shoes off and put your toes in green grass, Celebrate Wine Month in MI!
Cristin Hosmer
Bel Lago
We all need something to get our taste buds ready for summer wines! Love the description of the 2007 Arcturos Pinot Gris…Thanks!
Coryn Briggs
Black Star Farms
Thanks for the mention of my Coop de Rose, what I like to call “slurping” wine. Get it cold, hit the deck, boat or hammock… and enjoy! Lots of great wines coming out of the wineries in our region these days, be sure to check them all out. Cheers!
Adam Satchwell
Shady Lane Cellars