Shady Lane Cellars launches book club

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From staff reports

Shady Lane Cellars staff has all the best reasons to brave winter weather and make the most of northern Michigan this time of year.

Whether you want to sip award-winning wines and watch the falling snow from a heated igloo, suit up to cross country ski through the vineyard or connect with new friends in the tasting room, the options are endless.

New this year at the Suttons Bay-based estate winery, Shady Lane Cellars, pair a glass of wine with a thrilling new read. Shady Lane Cellars Book Club debuts this month. The first selection is Murder in the Merlot by Michigan’s own Aaron Stander, author of the Ray Elkins mystery series and host of IPR’s Michigan Writers on the Air. The novel is paired with Shady Lane Cellars Hartwick Red, a red blend barrel-aged in French oak with expressions of dried cherry, espresso and earthy truffles. The first meeting is set for 5-7 p.m. on Jan. 30.

“The idea of the book club came from wanting to create a space of community for Shady Lane fans to come together, enjoy wine, and make new friends,” said Angela Turner, events coordinator at the estate winery. “During the winter months it can be especially difficult to find a third space when it is so cold and quiet. Nothing pairs better with wine than a great book!”

Shady Lane Cellars is inviting new members to join now. Members receive 10 percent off Shady Lane Cellars wine purchases.

Turner mentioned the book club also encourages shopping local.

“We are partnering with Bay Books, the bookstore in Suttons Bay, so locals can purchase books in town.”

The team at Shady Lane Cellars makes it simple to stay active, even in wintry months. Since 2021, they have maintained a fully-groomed cross-country ski and hiking trail across the property. This scenic loop runs 5K through the vineyard and links up to the region’s TART Trail for an even longer snowy adventure. A separate 1.5K groomed snowshoe and hiking trail weaves through the property as well.

Wandering out in the cold has its benefits. At Shady Lane Cellars those include the chance to cozy up inside one of three heated winter igloos. It’s the perfect place to experience the magic of winter with a glass of wine, a hot coffee or cocoa – and enjoy time with friends.

The igloos seat up to 8 guests and are available first-come, first-served without a reservation. It’s a perfect spot to warm up from the cold.

Winter hours are Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Shady Lane Cellars produces one of the largest percentages of estate-grown wine in its region. Offering hilltop views of the Leelanau Peninsula in northern Michigan, the winery and its staff create a comfortable approach to wine. The winery was founded in 1999. Since 2017 all Shady Lane Cellars wines are 100 percent estate-grown. In 2020, Shady Lane Cellars’ vineyard earned Sustainability in Practice — or SIP Certified — status.