Two Michigan wineries, Brys Estate Winerey and Chateau Grand Traverse, both on the Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City, took home medals from the 2010 International Wine & Spirit Competition Fair in London.
Brys Estate Winerey won three bronze medals at the prestigious show for their Gewurztraminer 2008, Dry Ice Icewine 2007 and 2007 Artisan Pinot Noir. What perfect timing for Brys Estate to receive recognition as they celebrate their fifth anniversary as a Northern Michigan winery.
Walter and Eileen Brys started planting their vineyard back in 2000. Currently there are 32 acres of vines yielding approximately 5,200 cases of wine each year. Half of the vineyard is dedicated to French Oak, barrel aged reds and the other half is dedicated to sophisticated dry and semi-sweet whites. All of the wines are medal winners.
Help them celebrate their fifth anniversary and head to their elegant, Old World-style tasting room at the lush, rolling acres of vineyards. Uncork a bottle of their new release, Brys Estate Sparkling Wine. This demi-sec bubbly is 70 percent Cabernet Franc and 30 percent Merlot with a wonderful fruit forwardness and crisp finish—great for a summer brunch as well as a special occasion.
Brys Estate Winery is open from June through October, Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Through May, call for hours. 3309 Blue Water Rd., Traverse City, 231-223-9303, brysestate.com.
While you are on the Old Mission wine trail, keep heading north to Chateau Grand Traverse to congratulate the winery on their recent wins at the same London competition: Best of Class Silver for their 2008 Lot 49 Riesling; bronze for the 2008 Dry Riesling and bronze for 2008 Whole Cluster Riesling. And that’s not all the recent bling for Old Mission’s Chateau Grand Traverse. At the 2010 Pacific Rim International Competition in California this past April, the winery was awarded three gold medals (2008 Dry Riesling; 2008 Semidry Riesling; 2008 Ship of Fools) and two silvers (2008 Late Harvest Riesling; NV GTS Sweet Harvest Riesling).
And one more congratulations is on its way for Chateau Grand Traverse—the winery’s president, Ed O’Keefe III is expecting a baby June 1.
Chateau Grand Traverse is open from June through October, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Through May the winery closes at 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 12239 Center Road, Traverse City. 231-223-7355, cgtwines.com.