SandyM: Goddess of the Vine...

[kirkbyky]

My husband and I are thinking of doing a 'winery tour' sometime early fall (1-2 wk Oct) in MI. I've gone to several websites, and of course, they all sound great. Have you ever gone to any (I thought I read on the wine thread that you had, but I can't remember), and do you have any recommendations so we can narrow our list? If you can, include $ and whats included: if they have restaurant facilities or lodging, etc.

TIA!

Kyle

[SandyM]

Hiya Kyle,

What a fun trip! And a great time to go too, during harvest. I wish I could go just to get some concord grapes!

Although we didn't stay there, I know that Black Star Farms has accomodations. I do not know prices, though. I think that was our favorite winery to visit. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable, and that is where we bought the most wine. Probably our favorite there was the Cabernet Franc and the Merlot. I also enjoyed the Reisling and Pinot Grigio there.

The Bowers Harbor Inn is a must. It's on the Old Mission Peninsula. Legend has it that the innkeeper's wife commited suicide in the elevator shaft, and she's still frequenting the place. Their food is top notch, and the service is amazing. You'll need to make a reservation, so do that as soon as you get a chance. We sat upstairs and had a view of the courtyard. It sits right by the water. They grow their own vegetables and herbs for their cooking, and you can walk through the garden. Their winery is very nice too. We enjoyed their Pinot Grigio and Spiced Cherry Wine. The host in the wine tasting room warmed it up and said "Imagine it's a cold, blustery day outside......." - with a cinnamon stick and a nice hot mug, we're looking forward to breaking that one open this winter!!

My favorite reisling comes from Chateau Grand Traverse, but we also love their Gamay Noir (which I know you do too!)

We were not impressed with Bel Lago or Chateau Chantal. We didn't get a chance to visit the Ciccone winery (Madonna's father).

I hope this helps. Oh, and my thanks to DH for helping my memory along! :D

[kirkbyky]

Thank You sooo much! And if the Title fits... ;)
The innkeepers wife still frequents the place? CREEEEEPYY!:eek:
LOL!
I don't particularly care for Chateau Chantal either, but still good to hear a second opinion. I'm pretty sure we'll head to Chateau Grand Traverse, and I'll look up Black Star Farms as well.
Thanks again--and of course to your DH as well.

Kyle

PS--We have some concord grape vines that produced very well last year, but alas I didn't prune them early enough this year and they aren't doing as well. :o

[SandyM]

Originally posted by kirkbyky
The innkeepers wife still frequents the place? CREEEEEPYY!:eek: LOL!

Well, I didn't feel anything other than the creepiness of the dark elevator shaft, but it kind of gives a fun folk-lorey thing to the building!