Leelanau wineries offer special wintertime events

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By Ross Boissoneau

Sun contributor

’Tis the season for—wine? According to the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association, a.k.a. the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, yes, it is. As a matter of fact, it’s pretty much always the season for wine.

While the tasting rooms are most crowded in the summer and fall is harvest season in the vineyards, there are still plenty of reasons to visit wineries in the winter. Starting with the wines themselves, of course, but beyond that, there are a number of special events in the wintertime.

“Our wine trail events are all about bringing people together to celebrate the exceptional wines that make our region so special,” said Andie Hobbins, managing director for the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. “Northern Michigan is producing wines of outstanding quality, and we love sharing that with visitors from near and far.”

Start things off in the new year with Sips & Soups, Jan. 25 and 26 from noon to 5 p.m. The $35 ticket entitles you to a three-ounce serving of soup paired with a selected two-ounce pour of wine at all the participating wineries. Tickets also include $10 in “cork cash,” redeemable on bottles of wine, merchandise, tastings, and more. Locals Only tickets are $25, usable Sunday only from noon to 5 p.m., with $5 cork cash.

Wine trail board member Taylor Simpson said Sips and Soups is always a popular event. She expects tickets to sell out if they haven’t already.

Who doesn’t love wine on Valentine’s Day? The annual Taste the Passion takes place Feb. 14-16 from noon to 5 p.m. Attendees will receive one selected two-ounce pour of wine, paired with a cuisine option at each of the participating wineries. As with Sips & Soups, each ticket comes with $10 in Cork Cash.

Set against the backdrop of Leelanau Peninsula’s snow-covered vineyards, Taste the Passion offers visitors a blend of each winery’s exclusive wine and gourmet pairing.

March brings its own slate of events and opportunities to indulge. March 7-9 is the Wine and Cheese Trail Event. For $30, you can enjoy select artisanal cheese along with a pour of wine matched to complement one another. Tickets include wine and cheese, $10 Cork Cash and a Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail glass.

Want to create your own adventure? The Mystery Vines Wine Hunt gives participants the chance to play wine detective. It takes place every day throughout the month of March, where you can enjoy a pour of a mystery wine at each participating winery and put your palate to the test by guessing which wine you’re tasting. Get it right, and you will be entered to win an exclusive LPVA gift. One winner will be selected at each winery. Sherlock Holmes never had it so good.

Hobbins said the events are designed to create memorable experiences. “Whether it’s pairing wine with delicious local foods or simply savoring the beauty of our vineyards,” she said.

While ticket holders can travel around the peninsula at their own pace, reservations are highly recommended and may be required for larger groups, as space at each winery is limited. For tickets and the complete list of participating wineries, check the event listings on the website at lpwines.com.

“Additionally, ticket sales directly help us build and grow the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association. They allow us to continue doing what we love—crafting exceptional wines and sharing them with the world,” said Hobbins. “This support enables us to showcase the incredible talent and passion of our winemakers while fostering a thriving wine culture here in Leelanau.

“What makes our events even more meaningful is that $5 from every ticket purchased goes directly to the Leelanau Children’s Center, a cause we’re deeply passionate about. By participating in our events, guests are not only enjoying world-class wines but also supporting the children and families in our community.”

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