Black Star Farms celebrates 20 years

From staff reports

Twenty years ago, Kerm and Sallie Campbell learned about the listing of a gorgeous 120-acre farm near Suttons Bay, complete with plantation style home, Centennial barn and indoor and outdoor equestrian facility. Rounding up three partners and a young winemaker, Sport Valley Farm was purchased and Black Star Farms began. The first crush was celebrated that fall, and the home was turned into a luxurious inn. Now a 160-acre winery estate producing 45,000 cases and consistently rated the top winery in the state, the Campbell family are the sole owners and remain the majority supplier of grapes to the winery.

“We have the most professional, talented team members who make Black Star Farms what it is today,” said communications director Sherri Campbell Fenton. “With two winery production facilities, three tasting rooms, a busy inn, a growing culinary and event business, and working farm, there are always a multitude of moving parts. We are honored to be receiving notable awards for our inn, events and winery, as those awards showcase the hard work and dedication of every member of our staff.”

This July, Black Star Farms is throwing a week-long party, Monday, July 23, until Saturday, July 28. Involving a variety of team members, from a park ranger turned innkeeper leading an educational hike and wine tasting through the extensive trail system, to the culinary team hosting a family style BBQ in the barn, there is something for everybody.

• Wine Blending Class: Black Star Farms’ winemaking team will guide guests through the intricacies of blending red wine. Thursday, July 26, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Trail Hike and Wine Tasting: Get outside for anature hike and wine tasting led by innkeeper Sean, a former park ranger. Enjoy an informative 1.5 mile-walk on the onsite trail system while enjoying a flight of award winning Black Star Farms wines along the way. Wednesday, July 25, at noon and 2 p.m., and Saturday, July 28, at noon and 2 p.m.
• Wine and Cheese flight: What better way to taste wines?The Suttons Bay tasting room will be offering a red wine and cheese flight and a white wine and cheese flight for your pairing pleasure all week long. Monday, July 23–Saturday, July 28.
• Vertical Wine Tasting—Riesling: Sample five different vintages of Riesling and experience the intriguing aging potential of this incredibly versatile white wine. Tuesday, July 24, at noon and 3 p.m.
• Vertical Wine Tasting—Pinot Noir: Sample through 5 different vintages of Pinot Noir and experience the wonderful aging potential of this beautifully nuanced red wine. Thursday, July 26 at noon and 3 p.m.
• Estate Tours: Join us for a complementary guided walking tour of our breathtaking property including our exclusive Inn, vineyard, centennial barn and wine cave while learning the history of our iconic 160-acre estate and about the incredible journey from grape to glass. Daily from Monday, July 23, until Saturday, July 28 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Barrel Tasting on the Patio: Have you wondered what your wine tastes like before it makes it into the bottle? This exclusive tasting experience will highlight the progression from barrel to bottle. You will taste barrel samples of the Arcturos Barrel Aged Chardonnay and the Arcturos Pinot Noir next to our current bottled vintages. Tuesday, July 24, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Cocktail Class: Allow resident mixologist Blake to get you comfortable behind the bar. Observe and sample as he makes 4 classic cocktails with a twist featuring Black Star Farms wines and spirits. Friday, July 27, at 2 p.m.
• Seafood Paella Nights—At Hearth & Vine Cafe for the northern Michigan take on this wildly popular global dish. It’s more than a meal, it’s an experience.Wednesday, July 25, at 6:30 p.m., and Friday, July 27 at 5 and 7 p.m.
• BBQ at the Barn: Celebrate the culmination of the anniversary week with a special family-friendly BBQ in the Pegasus Barn. Saturday, July 28, at 6 p.m.

For details and ticketing visit BlackStarFarms.com/20th-anniversary-celebrations. Cheers to 20 more.