Read the praise that he gave all the wines that he tasted at Bel Lago and Black Star Farms From Leelanau with love at City Pulse.

Ingredients

1 oz. butter

1 medium onion

1/4 cup of coarsely chopped carrot

1/4 cup of coarsely chopped celery

12 oz. button mushrooms (add a morel or two if you have them)

6 medium Michigan White Potatoes peeled and cut into quarters

1/2 cup of Bel Lago Riesling

5 cups of chicken stock

1 cup of whipping cream of 1/2 and 1/2.

1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme

4 oz. Pleva’s Spicy Sausage, cooked and chopped

salt and pepper to adjust seasoning

Preparation

Heat butter in a medium pan over low heat. Add onions, carrots and celery. Cook gently for 5 minutes. Add mushrooms, potatoes and wine. Bring to a boil and add chicken stock. Reduce heat and cook until the potatoes are tender.

Puree soup mixture in a food processor or blender and blend until the mixture is smooth. Return the soup to the sauce pan and add chopped Pleva spicy sausage, the cream and thyme. . Bring the soup up to a temperature of 165 degrees and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Photo credit: bel lago iris by n.wamsley

About 1600 wines from around the world competed in this, the 25th year of the Pacific Rim Wine Competition. Wines from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, Michigan, California, Oregon, Washington State, New York, Virginia, Missouri, and other US states were entered in this year’s competition. “This year was a true testament of the quality of wines that are being produced”, said Yolanda Daly, Director of the Pacific Rim Wine Competition.

In addition to the Best Pacific Rim White Wine award Bel Lago Winery also received a Gold Medal for the Bel Lago 2008 Leelanau Primavera and a Silver Medal for the Bel Lago 2008 Pinot Grigio.

The Bel Lago winemaking team is comprised of Charles Edson, Cristin Hosmer, and Kevin Uhl. “We were all smiles when we learned of the Best Pacific Rim White Wine award”, said Charles Edson, Proprietor/Winemaker at Bel Lago. “We have always been dedicated to quality at Bel Lago, so it is a real pleasure to achieve this recognition for our efforts. We are all just delighted”.

Bel Lago Vineyards was first established in 1987, with the first commercial vintage of Bel Lago wines produced in 1997. The Bel Lago tasting room opened in 1999. Located on a high site overlooking beautiful South Lake Leelanau, Bel Lago offers wine tasting in this beautiful setting.

To learn more about Bel Lago, please contact Cristin Hosmer at Bel Lago, 6530 South Lake Shore Drive, Cedar, MI 49621, Phone: 231-228-4800, or email: bellagowinery@gmail.com. Or you may visit the website at www.bellago.com or follow Bel Lago on facebook or twitter.

Throughout the day, there will be a comprehensive selection of artisan food and wines from Michigan with lavish appetizers of local ingredients prepared by Shiraz Executive Chef Travis Waynick. Winemakers from the Leelanau Peninsula and all around the state will be on hand to discuss their wines and provide additional information about their winery operations.

From 12:30-3:30 PM, the Showcase will be open to restaurant, retailer and distributor staff (contact Madeline Triffon at Shiraz for admission & info: 248-645-5289.) and from 6-8:30 PM, it will be open to the general public for $40 per person at the door. Members of the media are invited to attend any part of the Showcase at no charge.

Leelanau wineries in attendance will include Bel Lago Vineyards, Black Star Farms, Chateau Fontaine, Ciccone Vineyards, Circa Estate Winery, Gill's Pier, Good Harbor Vineyards, L. Mawby and Shady Lane Cellars.

Photo Credit: Untitled by Emery Co Photo

“Art from Wine Country” will be a feast for the senses bringing together some of the best that Leelanau County has to offer; art, wine, and food. It’s all for a good cause. Part of the proceeds from admissions and sale of artwork will go to the Glen Arbor Art Association for class scholarships and an after school art program.

The Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor will host “Art from Wine Country” in the beautiful Mountain Flowers Lodge on Friday, February 5 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. This event will kick off the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association’s “Taste the Passion” weekend and features art and wine from Leelanau County paired with fabulous tapas by The Homestead’s Chef John Piombo.

The Glen Arbor Art Association is organizing the invitational art exhibit. Some of the artists who will have artwork on display are GAAA members Jane Batteiger, Beth Bricker, Harvey Gordon, Kristin Hurlin, and Ken Peterson. The artists will be on hand and their work will be for sale. This is a good opportunity to meet them and talk with them about their work – a great night to celebrate a perfect pairing of wine and art.

Last year this event raised $350 all of which was used to provide scholarship assistance for those who could not otherwise afford art classes. Each year many children are benefited by the GAAA’s scholarship program and after school art classes. There is a display wall at the GAAA for children’s artwork and on it is a poster that says, “Art is a place kids travel to where they feel good about themselves. Keep their passports current.” Please join us at The Homestead on Friday, February 5 to help make this happen.

An entrance fee of $20 per person includes tickets for two glasses of wine and food from multiple food stations. Additional wine tickets are available for purchase ($4/ticket or 3 tickets for $10). Parking is available in the Homestead’s Village parking lot.

Photo credit: -75 by Emery Co Photo

“This is a great time for families and friends to gather to celebrate the upcoming season and even get started on their holiday shopping,” says Adam Satchwell of Shady Lane Cellars. “Wines and other items from Leelanau Peninsula tasting rooms are the perfect gift for the holidays. Our wines compliment holiday meals, cocktail parties or any gathering and they make great gifts!”

A statistic to keep in mind while shopping for holiday gifts and planning get-togethers is that if every Michigan resident increased their weekly purchase of local products by $10.00, it would keep $37 million circulating in the Michigan economy each week.

Some of this year's offerings include:

Bel Lago

New this year they offer gift certificates for those hard to shop for friends and relatives. Want to take a bottle home in your suitcase? They have Bottle Skins- wine bottle-size bubblewrap bags that double seal. Your wine will be cushioned and your clothes will be protected!

They offer free gift wrapping for your purchases. All tasting is complimentary. And they are open 12-5 everyday except December 24, 25, and 31. Visit them online or cal (231) 228-4800

L. Mawby

They offer gift certificates in any amount, have a wine club named Fizz and have an online store featuring an assortment of accoutrements.

Vist the L. Mawby website or call them at (231) 271-3522

Leelanau Wine Cellars

Has gift certificates available in any amount. Visit them online or call them at (231) 386-5201.

Gill's Pier

Shipping on all wine shipments in Michigan for the months of December and January for only 5 cents! Visit them online or call them at (231) 256-7003.

Black Star Farms

Black Star Farms has their ice wine on sale for $79.50 regular price $92.50. Visit their online store for wine and other merchandise or call them at (231) 944-1270.

Shady Lane Cellars

The Holiday Season is in full swing so don't overlook that wine-lover on your list. Or better yet treat yourself to some much deserved savings on Shady Lane wines. To help with those savings they are offering 1 penny FedEx ground shipping in Michigan, Florida, and Minnesota until the end of the year. Contact our Tasting Room to place your order or call them at (231) 947-8865.

 Have a safe and happy holiday season from all of us here at Shady Lane Cellars

Some of their specials include:

2007 Riesling Package $24-Save $6
Two great Rieslings, One great price. Our Semi-Dry is full of lush apricot and honey while our Dry, yes it's bone Dry, offers a beautiful citrus minerality. Both wines pair perfectly with a wide range of Holiday fare.

2006 Pinot Noir Package $38-Save $10
If you are looking for that perfect Red wine for your Holiday dinner, look no further than Pinot Noir. This pair of Pinots were separated in the vineyard and the result is astounding. Our Pinot Noir is lush and elegant while the Reserve is earthy and powerful.

2006 Late Harvest Vignoles $22 (375ml)-Save $6
Why wash down all of those time-honored desserts you look forward to all year with anything but the perfect wine. Our Late Harvest Vignoles has a symmetry unlike other dessert wines. A harmonious union of fruit, sugar, and acid complements any of your after dinner treats.

Silver Leaf Vineyard

Silver Leaf Vineyard is offering Holiday Specials on all of their wines.

• Buy 2 bottles of any kind and any additional bottles at 30% off retail price.

Join the Silver Leaf Case Discount Club

Sign up to get a case discount of 30% off retail price.

Send them your name, address, telephone number and email address to info@silverleafvineyard.com

When 10 or more customers sign up they'll send you a coupon for 30% off retail prices. (Case orders only.) Cases can be mixed or matched. Orders will be taken over the telephone. You can use your coupon at a later date when visiting our winery or we'll ship it to you (Michigan only, cost plus shipping). ]]> http://www.lpwines.com/wine/holiday-shopping-specials-from-the-lpva-wineries/feed/ 0 http://www.lpwines.com/wine/tasting-leelanau-wine-experts-visit-some-lpva-wineries/ http://www.lpwines.com/wine/tasting-leelanau-wine-experts-visit-some-lpva-wineries/#comments Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:17:13 +0000 lpwines http://www.lpwines.com/wine/?p=1190 In November, Master Sommelier Claudia Tyagi, retired engineer and avid wine aficionado David Rusnell, and Kim Adams and George Heritier of Gang of Pour visited the Leelanau Peninsula to taste at a number of our wineries. In the first post of a fantastic series, George begins:

Picture driving back roads through the hills of the Leelanau Peninsula in a bright red, souped-up Dodge Charger for three days, with weather more beautiful than anyone has a right to expect in mid-November, bouncing from winery to winery and tasting some of the very best wines the appellation has to offer, and you’ll get some idea of what our adventure in northern Michigan was like last month.

Click through to Gang of Pour to read their tasting notes and perceptions about the wines and the region. To check out the videos, start with the one below and then use the related ones at the end or click to gang of pour on YouTube!
Photo by Kim Adams: David Rusnell,Claudia Tyagi, George Heritier & Charlie Edson at Bel Lago.

At just $15 for a lifetime membership, you can’t beat the price for this unique gift for the Michigan wine lovers on your list. Vintage Michigan members receive discounts on their purchase of Michigan wines at wineries, retailers and restaurants throughout the state. They also receive a quality Michigan Wines corkscrew or Michigan bottle stopper as their free gift when you sign them up.

Want to be more creative? Put together a Michigan wine-themed basket, with a bottle or two of your favorite Michigan wines, a couple of glasses and a Vintage Michigan membership tucked in.

Visit www.michiganwines.com for more information about the Vintage Michigan club and to purchase a membership online, or contact the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council at (517) 241-4468.

Photo credit: Heightened Senses [Dennis]

Bel Lago…Beautiful Lake

Our wines are made from grapes grown in family owned vineyards overlooking Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan where the climate and soils favor cool climate classics like Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Auxerrois and others. From these, a variety of still and sparkling wines are carefully crafted for your pleasure. Grown with a deep respect for the land and the place that is Leelanau, our wines reflect the soils and the climate of the beautiful Leleanau Peninsula.

You are invited to visit our Winery and Tasting Room in the heart of Michigan's beautiful Leelenau Pennisula.

We ship Bel Lago Wines to any Michigan destination, normal shipping charge of $16/case. Click here for purchasing information…

"We think that our Second Fridays will give folks in the area a chance to have a little fun at the end of the work week by visiting their friendly local wineries," said Larry Mawby. "Leelanau is a short drive from Traverse City, so pop on out!"

Ciccone Vineyards Tasting Room Manager Jaclyn Eikey added "This is not business as usual – I think we're all looking forward to creating an exclusive opportunity for intimate evenings at our tasting rooms. We have so much variety that I know everyone will find something new & fun!"

The schedule and list of participating wineries for the next several months is:

Friday, July 10th come and taste the "Fruits of Leelanau": Leelanau County produces some of the finest fruit in the world and this night will provide a showcase for our wines, meads and ciders.

Participating wineries are:

• Bel Lago Vineyard & Winery
• Black Star Farms
• Chateau Fontaine
• Cherry Republic Winery
• Ciccone Vineyard & Winery
• Forty-Five North Vineyard & Winery
• Gill's Pier Vineyard & Winery
• Good Neighbor Organic Vineyard & Winery
• L. Mawby
• Leelanau Wine Cellars
• Shady Lane Cellars
• Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery
• Tandem Ciders

Friday, August 14th come celebrate the Dog Days of Summer: We'll have outside fun for your 4 footed friend and hot deals in our tasting rooms.

Friday, September 11th sail with the Pirates of the Peninsula: Celebrate the Maritime Heritage Alliance's Inaugural Michigan Schooner Festival and hunt for treasure all day long on the Leelanau Peninsula.

This very special night in the series, "Premium Pour", takes place Friday, June 12th – the night before the popular Leland Wine Festival. It's called "Premium Pour" because it gives you a chance to tune up your palate with some top shelf and library wines from Leelanau wineries.

Wineries participating in "Premium Pour" include:

• Bel Lago Vineyard & Winery
• Black Star Farms
• Chateau de Leelanau
• Chateau Fontaine
• Cherry Republic Winery
• Forty-Five North Vineyard & Winery
• Good Neighbor Organic Vineyard & Winery
• Gill's Pier Vineyard & Winery
• L. Mawby
• Leelanau Wine Cellars
• Shady Lane Cellars
• Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery
• Tandem Ciders
• Willow Vineyard

"We think that our Second Fridays will give folks in the area a chance to have a little fun at the end of the work week by visiting their friendly local wineries," said Larry Mawby. "Leelanau is a short drive from Traverse City, so pop on out!"

About the Leland Wine Festival

On Saturday, June 13th one of Michigan's oldest and largest wine festivals takes place from noon to 6 PM in Leland. The day features over 20 wineries and food vendors and music from The Fabulous Horn Dogs. It's a great chance to taste wine and food from Leelanau and kick off the summer.

Thank you to everyone who wore pajamas on Saturday, and even Sunday! Here is the list of winners of the PJ Contest from the 2009 Spring Sip and Savor Event:

Bel Lago's winner for the Most Eye Opening PJs Mary R

Chateau de Leelanau's Most Outrageous winner is Megan Q

Chateau Fontaine's Playboy Mansion winner Gary K, the Bagpiper

Cherry Republic's Most Cherry or Reddest is Jordan M, in the Jordan jersey

Ciccone's Most Awesome 80s winner is Charles U

Gill's Pier Ugliest Flannels winner is Diana W

L Mawby's Most Adorable Couple is Karen and Kirk H

Longview's Best Historical (or in this case Hysterical) Gary V

Silver Leaf's Most Worn winners are Christina B and Jason R

And the BIG winner, with prizes from Good Harbor, Shady Lane, Black Star Farms, and Willow Vineyard, as well as the People's Choice, is Jan R The Lady in the Green Robe!

Congratulations to all of our winners!

Make sure to check out this set of photos of the 2009 Spring Sip and Savor event at the LPVA flickr group.

Paradise Shuttle is offering $25 per person from 5 – 8 on Friday, May 8. That is $10 off the normal rate for wine tours, pick up anywhere in Traverse City – (231) 218-2317

New York Luxury Limos is offering 10% off per person – (231) 935-1933

Wine Country Luxury Limo & Trolley Wine Tours is offering $39 per person with an 11 person minimum, pick up at The Vineyard Inn – (231) 271-VINE

Above The Bay Limousine is offering a 10% discount – (989) 426-7454

Participating wineries are:

• Bel Lago Vineyard & Winery
• Black Star Farms
• Chateau de Leelanau
• Chateau Fontaine
• Cherry Republic Winery
• Ciccone Vineyard & Winery – Will feature an old Hollywood movie theme! Kellie Hammond doing mini-makeovers, movie snacks and more!
• Forty-Five North Vineyard & Winery
• Gill's Pier Vineyard & Winery
• Good Neighbor Organic Vineyard & Winery
• L. Mawby
• Leelanau Wine Cellars
• Shady Lane Cellars
• Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery
• Tandem Ciders
• Willow Vineyard

Coming up this weekend – May 2&3, 2009. Get all the details and tickets from our Sip & Savor page.

Spring Sip & Savor has been designed to provide seasoned wine trail guests or first time visitors with a truly memorable experience that will allow them to celebrate spring, indulge their senses and learn more about Leelanau Peninsula wines. Most importantly it is an event that delivers fun!

Tickets are just $30 and in addition to wine and food pairings at each winery, they include a commemorative LPVA glass coffee cup and a $10 gift certificate that can be used at any LPVA winery!

Visitors may tour up to 8 wineries on Saturday from 11:00 – 5:00 p.m. and up to 8 wineries on Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Create a little heaven of your own. Pair Tender Ridge Angus beef with your favorite Leelanau Peninsula wine tonight!

Tender Ridge Angus beef is available at your local Glen’s Markets and Family Fare Supermarkets in Michigan.

Many folks asked for the recipe and here it is…

For one bottle of Bel Lago Cherry Wine:
6 whole cloves
10 whole allspice berries
1/4 stick of cinnamon
2 small pieces of a smashed nutmeg

Heat wine and spices slowly to 120 degrees. (I used a crock pot.) Strain out spices. Transfer to a thermos to hold temperature or just serve. Really great with dark chocolate.

It doesn't take much spice to enhance the flavor of Bel Lago Cherry Wine. Less is more!

Parties
A Friday night benefit mixer to kick off the Taste the Passion weekend will be held in the loft at Nonna's Italian Restaurant at The Homestead on Friday, February 6 2009 from 6-8 PM.

Leelanau winery representatives will be in attendance and the evening will include a tasting of chocolates and cheeses with a cash bar featuring Leelanau wines. A $5 entry fee will be donated to the Glen Arbor Artists Association Scholarship Fund, and there will be art on display from member artists as well.

Ciccone Vineyards will be hosting another one of their famous cocktail parties! After Taste the Passion on Saturday night 6-8pm. Taste our premium wines, mingle with the owner/winemaker Tony Ciccone, appetizers and shop to your hearts content! No charge!

Things to do Outdoors
Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery invites you to cross country ski or snowshoe through our vineyard and follow our trails through the woods. Find your way back to enjoy our wine and treats! Unguided trail time will be available from 10am to 5pm on the event weekend. Bring your own equipment. View a map of their ski/snowshoe trail.

Good Neighbor Organic is planning snow shoeing and cross country ski trails as well as be ice skating (we may have 3 x 3 Hockey games going) – The farm is 66 acres so plenty of room for winter fun – - The sledding hill will be groomed and sleds provided for those who want to play – There will also be outdoor fires going to keep you warm!

Gill's Pier is offering an unguided, one-mile morning snowshoe hike through the vineyard and adjoining orchard at 10am on Saturday and 11am on Sunday, with danishes and hot mulled wine for participants. Participants must bring their own snowshoes.

L. Mawby will once again host the North American Snow Angel Championships. You may bring accessories and this competition is open to professionals and amateurs alike.

Tandem Ciders will be hosting a dart game called Legs.

Warm up at Bel Lago! Shoot hoops in the Barrel room with Charlie Edson, our winemaker! 11:00AM-3:30 PM Saturday, 11:30-2:30 Sunday. Make 5 out of 10 free throws and get a certificate for $10.00 off purchases over $20.00. Charlie may even show up with a wine thief!

Regrettably, the chili event and dinner at Black Star Farms have been canceled.

Visit our 'Taste the Passion' page to purchase tickets and also be sure to check out the special lodging packages that are available (tickets are included in these packages).

Photo credit: lpwines

ORDER TICKETS

Join owner and Wine Maker Charlie Edson from Bel Lago in the Leelanau Peninsula at Dusty's Cellar in Okemos, MI on January 27, 2009. Chef Kevin will create a five course meal featuring Michigan foods paired with Charlies wonderful Michigan Wines.

Dipping Sauces for egg rolls – we featured these sauces at Toast the Season 2007. They both pair well with Bel Lago Semi-Dry Riesling.

Apricot Dipping Sauce – Makes 1 cup

½ cup apricot preserves

1 tablespoon water

2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

¼ teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger

Puree all ingredients in a blender until smooth.

Can be made 1 week ahead and chilled covered.

Soy-Ginger Dipping Sauce – Makes 1 1/4 cups

1/2 cup soy sauce

¼ cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)

¼ cup rice vinegar

2 green onions, finely chopped

4 teaspoons minced fresh ginger

We love Balaton Cherries! They are the star of our Cherry wine and Cherry Port. Here is our recipe for Balaton Cherry Sauce. Its great over cheesecake or ice cream.

Balaton Cherry Sauce

1 quart frozen pitted Balaton Cherries (available at Leelanau Fruit in Suttons Bay, or at www.michiganbalatoncherries.com)

¼ – ½ cup sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon water

In a heavy 4 qt saucepan add enough water to cover bottom, about ¼ inch.

Add frozen cherries and simmer over low heat until cherries are thawed.

Stir in ¼ cup sugar, adjust sweetness to personal preference. Dissolve 1 Tablespoon cornstarch in 1 tablespoon water. Stir into sauce. Add more cornstarch if thicker sauce is desired. Simmer 10 minutes more.