The Hunt for the Reds of October on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail lets you sip red wine and soak up views of peak Northern Michigan fall color. Feel-good bonus: the Northern Michigan wine event raises funds for the American Red Cross.
The Hunt for the Reds of October takes place on weekdays for the entire month of October. Tickets cost $20 per person and include a signature wine glass, a complimentary red wine pour at 22 wineries (wine list below!) and a $5 donation to the American Red Cross.
In addition to raising awareness for Red Cross services, Leelanau vintners are showcasing high-quality red wines being produced in the region. The area is well-known for its riesling and other cool-climate white varietals and blends. What is often overlooked, however, are the incredible red wines being produced. Participating wineries are offering diverse reds, including big and bold cabernet francs and merlots, aromatic and spicy pinot noirs and many more.
“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.”
Visiting for a Northern Michigan fall color tour? Out-of-towners can take advantage of lodging packages, which include tickets to the event.
– The 2019 Wine List –
Amoritas Vineyards: 2017 Beak & Talon Red Blend
Aurora Cellars: Radiance, Pinot Noir, or Rosso
Baia Estate: American Pinot Noir
Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery: Solia
Big Little: Underdog Gamay
Black Star Farms: 2016 Arcturos Merlot
Blustone Vineyards: 2018 Ad Lib
Boathouse Vineyards: 2016 Cabernet Franc
Chateau Fontaine: Big Paw Red
Ciccone Vineyard: Cabernet Franc
45 North Vineyard & Winery: 45 Red
French Valley Vineyards: Pinot Noir
Good Harbor Vineyards: Taster’s Choice
Laurentide: 2017 Red Meritage
Leelanau Wine Cellars: 2016 Merlot
Mawby: Redd
Rove Estate: 2016 Cabernet Franc
Shady Lane Cellars: 2017 Franc ‘n’ Franc
Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery: Pinot Noir
Soul Squeeze Cellars: 2015 Petite Sirah
Verterra Winery: Chaos Red
Willow Vineyard: Pinot Noir