Vintners honor Bernie Rink, pioneer of northern Michigan wine industry
From staff reports
Leelanau vintners will hold a Boskydel Tribute on Saturday, July 7, from 6-10 p.m. at Aurora Cellars in Lake Leelanau. The event is a collaboration between Good Harbor Vineyards, Mawby and Bel Lago Vineyards to honor Bernie Rink, pioneer of the region’s wine industry.
Rink, who closed Boskydel Vineyard last year to retire at age 91, was the first in northern Michigan to grow commercial wine grapes and Leelanau Peninsula’s first bonded winery. Rink planted his vineyard in 1964 and opened the Boskydel Vineyard tasting room in 1976.
“The event is to recognize the efforts of Bernie, and his contribution to the Michigan wine industry,” said Taylor Simpson, of Good Harbor Vineyard and Aurora Cellars. “Bernie ignited northern Michigan’s wine industry, creating the path for the rest of us to thrive in the industry.”
Each of the partnering wineries created a special wine for the event using grapes from Boskydel’s vineyard. Bel Lago Vineyards will feature a Soleil Blanc, Mawby created a de Chaunac Rosé, and Good Harbor vineyards created a Vignoles. All three are French American hybrid varietals, the type of wines for which Bernie was known. All three tribute wine labels feature a cartoon image of Bernie, drawn by his son, Jim Rink.
“We are thrilled and proud that our dad is being honored in this way,” said Andy Rink. “We grew up working the vineyards and know, firsthand, how much work our dad put into the industry.”
At the event, guests can enjoy a glass of each of the tribute wines as well as the last still red of 2015 with the Boskydel label paired with heavy appetizers. Tickets to the event are $65 per person or $100 per couple and can be purchased at MyNorthTickets.com/events/boskydel-tribute. Tickets are limited to 250 people. The tribute wines will be available for purchase, and $2 for each bottle sold will go to two charities: the Mark Johnson Scholarship and the Carmelite Monastery.
