Black Star Farms in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons

(Traverse City, MI) – In 1997 Black Star Farm partners purchased Sport Valley Farm, a 120 acre equestrian estate, renowned for its palatial red estate house, stables, barns, and outlying paddocks. Upon purchase the partners immediately realized that the Boone property presented a unique opportunity to create “something special”. Almost ten years later, Black Star Farms is now part of another special preservation development in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

Formerly known as the Traverse City State Hospital, and previously, the Northern Michigan Asylum, the Village at Grand Traverse Commons serves to preserve history, re-develop, and promote a community ofbusinesses. Proud to be a part of this project, Tastes of Black Star Farms, is another example of the company’s keen eye for smart growth.

Located in the Mercato section of Building 50 the new tasting room/bistro offers a unique twist on wine tasting. Open Tuesday – Saturday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. the tasting bar offers five samples from the full range of Black Star wines. After 5 p.m. customers are invited to indulge in the artisanal food and wine pairings starting at $8. Small plates include savory and sweet dishes, the savory being appetizers and the sweet being desserts. Some examples include:

Carlson’s Smoked Whitefish Pate served with Pleasanton Bakery Golden Wheat Bread paired with:

• Bubbles Up – Black Star Farms 2004 Sparkling Wine and Sparkling Hard Apple Cider.

Leelanau Raclette and Peppercorn Fromage Blanc with Pleasanton Village Rye Bread paired with:

• Anytime Whites – Arcturous Sur Lie Chardonnay and Arcturos Pinot Gris

Silvertree Flourless Chocolate Brownie paired with:

• Cherrylicious – Spirit of Cherry Eau de Vie Brandy & Sirius Cherry Dessert Wine

The artisanal foods served at Tastes are from Village neighbors including, Underground Cheesecake Company, Silvertree Deli, Higher Grounds “Fair Trade” Coffee Company, Pleasanton ”Brick Oven” Bakery, plus Leelanau Cheese Company and the Great Lakes Culinary Institute. Tastes is also available for private events and small parties by calling Kristin Karam at 231-944-1255.

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