Michgan Wine Country

WINE TALK
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Spending a few weeks in the Traverse City area this summer. Actually staying in Sutton’s Bay . Looking for recommendations re the best wineries for tastings. Would like to avoid “tourist traps” as much as possible.

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Welcome, Geno!

It’s been a long time since I e been up there, but my favorites were Mawby for sparking (in Suttons Bay), Left Foot Charley, Black Star Farms (but mostly for their distillates) and, for old times sake, Chateau Grand Traverse (I helped plant vines there 40 years ago - talked my out of the vine growing business). I haven’t really tapped into what is new and breathtaking o we the last decade or so.

If you are there in the beginning of July, don’t miss the tart cherries. The best in the world

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My nephew graduated from Interlachen School of the Arts a few years ago and we went to the graduation. We only went on the Old Mission Peninsula but we went to Brys, 2 Lads and Bonobo. They were all nice . The wine is aceptable but not great but the scenery is good.

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GenoE- I’m a big fan of Bel Lago’s three versions of Auxerrois. There’s a sparkling, steel fermented, and one that receives some oak fermentation . I believe they are the oldest producer of this grape in North America. Charles Edson at Bel Lago was responsible for its introduction. He is semi-retired now but if you get some time with him he not only can explain that grape but also the history of the region… Don’t forget that supreme cherries come from this area of MI…Cheers, Gary

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Enjoy the trip. Was up there in 2021 and 2023. Second Mawby for bubbly and Left Foot Charley for Kerner, Rose and Blaufrankisch.

Bel Lago reds were nice in 2021 when we stopped. The auxerrois is quite different and worthy of attention.

Good Harbor blanc de blanc has been my fav from the region. Verterra, Aurora and Shady Lane are more vintage dependent but worth a visit. The whites tend to be more consistent but the pinots and Austrian reds can show well.

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I really like Brys Estate for their whites. I’ve really liked some Cabernet Franc from various Leelanau Peninsula wineries, but they aren’t really consistent from vintage to vintage (had a gorgeous Cab Franc from 45 North Winery one year - so-so the next). And don’t dismiss Chateau Grand Traverse because of their size, they are still making the best wines in Michigan.

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Looks like you got a lot of recommendations to do Old Mission Penninsula, which is great, but if you’re in Sutton’s Bay you’re right in the middle of wine country. As far as avoiding ‘tourist’ traps, here are my top recommendations (in order):

  1. Verterra Leland tasting room. Grab a sandwich at the cheese shop before or after, you won’t regret it.

  2. Shady Lane Cellars. Go on a nice day and enjoy their beautiful outdoor tasting area.

  3. Chateau Fontaine. While a bit kitschy, some of the best QPR you’ll find in the area.

  4. MAWBY/Big Little. You want the best bubbles Michigan has to offer, this is your stop.

If you have any other questions let me know, I spend a lot of time in the area.

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Thank you Matt we are actually staying near Suttons Bay.