“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/cycling-the-leelanau-wine-trail/ http://www.lpwines.com/wine/cycling-the-leelanau-wine-trail/#comments Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:50:38 +0000 lpwines http://www.lpwines.com/wine/?p=1166 Last fall in late October, Lee Levitt took a solo cycling tour of the Leelanau Peninsula wine trail. His extensive article has been published in the tourism section of the Jerusalem Post. It captures the intimate feel of our tasting rooms in the off-season and is well worth a read:

It was just Kelly, the long bar, and me.

I was on a solo cycling tour of the Leelanau Peninsula wine trail in north-west Michigan. The Ciccone winery, a few miles south of the arty village of Suttons Bay, is one of around 20 on the peninsula, which offers the greatest concentration of wineries in Michigan.

It sits on the 45th parallel that cuts through some of the world's greatest wine-producing areas, including Alsace, Bordeaux and Burgundy in France, and is surrounded by lake water, giving it a moderate year-round temperature.

Click to read on!

Photo: Ciccone Vineyards by photoshoparama

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]

I found out this past weekend that you don't have to know a lot about wine to enjoy it. For an adult getaway mini vacation my husband and I, my two brothers and their wives took off to beautiful upper Michigan to the Traverse City Bay area and surrounding Leelanau Peninsula. This is known as the wine touring destination with many award winning wines to taste in addition to the spectacular views of Grand Traverse Bay.

With a choice of 17 wineries to choose from, a casino, and the most beautiful scenery put on this earth, we were truly looking forward to a fantastic trip.

Read the entire post "Follow the Wine Trail of Grand Traverse Bay"

Photo credit: Ciconne Vineyards by artsy_T

"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.

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.

The schedule is as follows:

FRIDAY THEMED TASTINGS (12-4 PM)
All participants in Friday's themed tastings will have their wines featured at the Closing Reception on Saturday, September 15 – 7:00 pm. This reception features a diverse offering of entrees and a very large selection of desserts. – Details

Roses light reds (12-1:15 PM)

• Brys
• Leelanau Cellars
• Bowers Harbor Vineyard
• Stone House Bread

Sweeter table wines (1:20-2:35 PM)

• Chateau de Leelanau
• Ciccone
• Good Harbor
• Pleasanton Brick Oven Bakery & Carlson's Fisheries

Crisp, aromatic whites (2:40-3:50 PM)

• L Mawby
• Left Foot Charley
• Chateau Grand Traverse
• Bardenhagen Farm Apples (plus cheese or fish)

SATURDAY THEMED TASTINGS (12-4 PM)
All participants in Saturday's themed tastings will have their wines featured at the Great Lakes Grills South Opening Reception on Thursday, September 13 – 6:00 pm. – Details

Full, complex whites (12-1:15 PM)

• Chateau Fontaine
• Gills Pier
• Willow
• Brownwood Farms Glaze and Community Connection Farms Chicken

Dessert wines (1:20-2:35 PM)

• Bel Lago
• Chateau Chantal
• Grand Traverse Pie & American Spoon gelato

Bold reds (2:40 – 3:50 PM)

• Shady Lane
• Black Star Farms
• Peninsula Cellars
• Aamon Orchards (plus sausage/bison)

Thursday's Opening Reception wineries:
Chateau Fontaine, Gills Pier, Willow, Bel Lago, Chateau Chantal, Shady Lane, Black Star Farms, Peninsula Cellars

Saturday's Grand Reception wineries:
Brys, Leelanau Cellars, Bowers Harbor Vineyard, Chateau de Leelanau, Ciccone, Good Harbor, L Mawby, Left Foot Charley, Chateau Grand Traverse

We look forward to seeing you there!

This year, weekend guests will be divided into two tour groups, with one
traveling to Longview, Shady Lane and Ciccone and the other visiting
Leelanau Cellars, Black Star Farms and L. Mawby during the day on Saturday.

Later that evening, an exquisite 6-course winemaker dinner will be held at
Nonna's, with paired for each course from the local wineries. This is the
first winemaker dinner for Mario Deruda, The Homestead's new executive chef.
This year's menu includes:

• Bresaola E Rugola (oil and lemon marinated air cured beef served with
  baby rugola)
• Finocchio E Arancie (fresh fennel, oranges and berries in triple sec
  dressing)
• Quaglia Con Polenta (pan roasted European quail served with grilled
  polenta and mushroom sauce)
• Farfalle Alla Paesana (bow tie pasta tossed with lightly spiced tomato
  sauce, onion, bacon and fresh herbs topped with aged ricotta cheese)
• Sorbetta Al Limone (lemon sorbet)
• Herb Coated Roasted Rack of Veal (served with radicchio/balsamic vinegar
  sauce)
• Cannoli Alla Siciliana (cannoli shells filled with sweet ricotta and
  chocolate chips)

This time of year, the colors of Leelanau Peninsula are at their finest as
the rolling hills and wooded valleys are awash in nature's color. Autumn -
the harvest season – is the perfect time to tour the vineyards and taste the
spectacular wines of Leelanau.

Located just a half hour drive to of all 15 of the Leelanau Peninsula's
wineries, The Homestead has earned a reputation as Northwest Michigan's
premier wine country destination. This year marks the sixth year of a
partnership with the Leelanau Peninsula Vintner's Association (LPVA) that
features seasonal wine tours and dinners.

The Harvest Wine Tour weekend package includes breakfast each morning, a
boxed lunch along the tour route on Saturday and the evening dinner. Guests
also receive a souvenir wine key and wine tasting journal to use during the
tour. Gratuities for the meals are included. Rates start at $161 per person,
per night for two adults. Space is limited to 49 couples.

The Homestead is a waterfront resort community located in the heart of the
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a unit of the National Park Service.
Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake
Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers guests pools, tennis and
golf in the summer; downhill and cross country skiing in the winter; and
shops, restaurants and meeting centers in all season of the year.

For more information about the Harvest Wine Tour Weekend or other packages,
call 231.334.5100 or visit www.thehomesteadresort.com

Best of Class Winners

Semi-Dry White
Gill's Pier – 2006 Riesling

Semi-Dry/Sweet Red
Leelanau Cellars – Great Lakes Red

Dry Red
Longview – 2005 Cabernet Franc Vintner Reserve

Double Gold Medals

Gill's Pier
2006 Riesling

Longview
2005 Cabernet Franc Vintner Reserve

Gold Medals

Bel Lago
2006 Auxerrois
2006 Late Harvest Pinot Grigio
Brillante Sparkling Wine

Black Star Farms
2004 Black Star Farms
Sparkling Wine

L. Mawby
Cremant

Leelanau Cellars
Great Lakes Red Cranberry

Longview
2006 Rustic White
2006 Pinot Noir

Shady Lane Cellars
2005 Pinot Grigio

Silver Medals

Bel Lago
2005 Tempesta
2006 Pinot Grigio/ Chardonnay
Bel Lago Red Wine

Black Star Farms
2004 Leorie Vineyard Merlot/Cabernet Franc
2005 Arcturos Sur Lie Chardonnay
2006 Arcturos Dry Riesling

Chateau de Leelanau Vineyard and Winery
2006 Pinot Grigio

Chateau Fontaine
2005 Pinot Noir
2006 Woodland White

Ciccone Vineyard & Winery
2006 Cabernet Franc

Gill's Pier
2005 Cabernet Franc/Merlot
2006 Leelanau Conservancy Houdek Dunes Whitewater

Good Harbor Vineyards
2005 White Riesling
2006 White Riesling

L. Mawby
Blanc de Blanc
Consort
Sandpiper

Leelanau Cellars
2006 Semi-Dry Riesling
2006 Baco Noir
2006 Pinot Grigio

Longview
2006 Cherry Wine
2006 Riesling
2006 Pinot Gris

Shady Lane Cellars
2005 Serenity
2005 Pinot Noir Reserve
2005 Sparkling Riesling
2005 Cabernet Franc
2006 Semi-Dry Riesling
2006 Pinot Noir Rosé

Bronze Medals

Bel Lago
2002 Brut Sparkling Wine
2005 Riesling
2006 Pinot Grigio

Black Star Farms
2005 Arcturos Pinot Gris
2005 Arcturos Pinot Noir
2005 Arcturos Barrel Aged Chardonnay
2005 Arcturos Cabernet Franc
2006 Arcturos Late Harvest Riesling
2006 Arcturos Pinot Noir Rose
Sirus White

Chateau de Leelanau Vineyard and Winery
2004 Riesling Select Harvest
2005 Pinot Gris

Chateau Fontaine
2006 White Riesling

Gill's Pier
2005 Paragon
Cheerio Cherry

Good Harbor Vineyards
2005 Maréchal Foch Rosé
2005 Pinot Grigio Reserve
2006 Pinot Grigio
Harbor Red

L. Mawby
Blanc de Noir

Leelanau Cellars
2006 Dry Riesling
2006 Vignoles

Longview
2006 Northern De-Light

Shady Lane Cellars
2000 Brut
2005 Lake Harvest Vignoles
Roost

Willow Vineyards
2006 Pinot Noir

You can get a full list of award winning Michigan wines from the Michigan Wine & Grape Industry Council.

Our member wineries will soon be posting news & events – stay tuned!