Leelanau Wine Report

By Andy McFarlane
Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association
GreenCuisine-KathyYoung.jpgWelcome to Michigan’s wine country. June was cooler than in 2005 or 2007, meaning we’ll have a later vintage this year. Bruce Simpson of Good Harbor Vineyards says that while he’d like Mother Nature to bring the heat, some of his longer-lived vintages have come from years with cooler starts. You can check out the state of the vineyards for yourself on a wine tour around the county and read on for a couple of upcoming events featuring the wines of the region.
Photo by Kathy Young


Cherries d’ Vine
Among the many events at the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City is Cherries D’Vine barbecue, held Sunday, July 6 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Hagerty Center on Grand Traverse Bay. The event features tasting of a selection of wines from each of a number of wineries from the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas. Paired with the wines and prepared by students of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute will be a variety of cherry cuisines prepared barbecue style and a cherry-themed side dish buffet.
As an added attraction this year, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Festival Air Show will take place during Cherries d’Vine and you’ll have a great view of the action!
Green Cuisine
On Wednesday, July 16 from 5-8 p.m., the third annual Green Cuisine takes place at Food for Thought (10704 Oviatt Rd. north of Honor). Green Cuisine features wine from a number of the wineries of the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas along with food from some of the region’s artisan food producers. Wine, chocolate, hummus, breads, cheeses, pastries, fresh fruits and more will be available for your culinary delight. This year Shorts Brewery will even make the trip from Bellaire.
One of the neatest things about this event is that it’s a “zero-waste” event. Organizers Timothy and Kathy Young set a goal to have all the waste generated from the event be either reusable, recyclable or compostable. It’s been such a success that 800 attendees last year generated less than one ounce of waste.
One of the other great things is that the amazingly talented Seth Bernard & Daisy May Erlewine will perform. Get all the details by calling (231) 326-5444 or visiting www.foodforthought.net.

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