Black Star Farms and Smart Growth

Old Mission Peninsula – Where are the apples and fresh donuts? Do you sell cider? How about quarts of cherries? All are questions tasting room staff at the new Black Star Farms Old Mission answer daily as they greet customers returning to the once popular and historic Underwood Farm Market building.

After closing in 1994 the Underwood Farmstead was destined to be prime real estate consisting of condominiums and six home sites. However, through the efforts of local resident Bob Mampe, a Grand Traverse Land Conservancy conservation easement, and a Peninsula Township PDR (Purchase of Development Rights) program it has been preserved and put back into agriculture. The new tasting room and winery sit on a portion of this 76 acre site and are part of Black Star Farm’s and Mampe’s vision to protect farm land, add value to fruit crops, and create non-competitive business partnerships.

Property owner and farmer Bob Mampe is excited about the new Black Star Farms addition. When he first moved up here in 1991 he was enamored with the rolling hills, grandiose view of the bay, and lush cherry orchards. Wanting to keep the land natural Mampe purchased the 76 acres over a period of three years. Now in partnership with Black Star Farms Mampe grows Riesling and Pinot Noir grapes; and his cherries go into the Port style Sirius Cherry Dessert wine.

Now open for seven weeks Black Star Farms Old Mission is an extension of the Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay. Specializing in serving wines made from 85% of grapes or other fruit grown on the peninsula—this extension to Black Star Farms is another example of the company’s model of smart and sustainable growth.

The tasting room boasts a full round bar constructed from nine oak wine barrels, a cozyfireplace, and wine proudly on display. All beautifully designed and arranged by Kris North Interiors with the intention to create a friendly and fun place to taste and learn about Michigan wine.

State of the art winemaking equipment is housed in the back of the building that was once home to cherry processing equipment. Winemaker Lee Lutes and assistant Vladmir Banov put their unbridled attention to fruit from the unprecedented 2007 harvest. Overseeing both winery locations, Winemaker/Manager, Lutes manages the production from the ground up. Assistant winemaker Vladmir works primarily on Old Mission with the production of white wines. Vladmir completed a five year program in the Technology of Wine Production and Fermentation from The Technical University of Moldova in 1999 and moved to the U.S. in 2000. Vladmir’s education and extensive technical background led him to experience harvest at wineries in Russia, New Zealand, Europe, and now Michigan. His interest is in making artisan crafted white wines and brandies.

Black Star Farms produces varietal wines of high character, acidity, and balance. Fruit is sourced from both our own vineyards and local grower partners. This diversity allows us to obtain consistent quality across vintages. Our wines reflect this care from the premium Arcturos, and Leorie Vineyard varietals to our sparkling, fruit, and ice wine. Many are award winners and all represent the best efforts of our skilled winemaking team. To try our wines visit our tasting rooms in Suttons Bay, Old Mission, or in Building 50 located in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

For more information please contact Laura Lawson at 231-944-1282 or llawson@blackstarfarms.com