“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

Thanks everyone for entering. We had two entries in our Taste the Passion ticket giveaway that stood our for the photos that they included with their entries.

Sarah said:

In September, I spent a much anticipated long weekend in wine country with my aunt and my cousin. I only hope these photos reflect the relaxation, fun, and sheer joy this trip brought to me – if not for Taste the Passion, then sometime very soon!

Can't wait to head back again.

Kathleen wrote…

What I love about your wine and wineries. Well, where shall I begin. There isn't a season better then another when taking a wine tour or daily trip to Leelanau peninsula.

The spring brings the beautiful blossoms. The fall brings the spectacular colors. The winter shows us glistening icicles, and of course summer brings us the warm sun. All of this combined with the sweet, tart and dry tasting of wines and the wonderful hospitality from the staff pouring for us and winery owners, well … just about sums it up.

I had a sister and her family visiting from florida this past May. I had to introduce them to the Leelanau Peninsula and its wineries. Then in August, my other sister came to Michigan, along with family members living here locally. Again, a trip to Leelanau a must. I think I was most excited showing off the wineries. Relatives and friends went back home with memories and praise on how much they enjoyed the trip, the tastes and the wineries, along with graciousness of staff, at our stops.

We all had such great times. Your wines and wineries are spectacular. From a rich bodied Merlot to a sweet tasting dessert or Ice wine, there is something for every palate out there. Thanks for the great times and I hope to have many more with old and new friends. I have enclosed a few of many pictures of some friends on some of our trips throughout this past year.

Both Kathy & Sarah will receive a pair of tickets – join our mailing list to the left to get a chance at other ticket giveaways and get your tickets to Taste the Passion today!

Some of our lodging partners are offering special packages for the Taste the Passion weekend. We will continue to add packages to this page as we receive the information.

Leelanau Vacation Rentals
Spend the perfect weekend at one of our beautiful homes, cottages, or Homestead condominiums for Taste The Passion Wine Tour and receive your wine tour tickets at half the price! You could even get the third night for free if your schedule allows. Please contact our office 231-334-6100 or 800-309-5045 to make a reservation or get more information. You can view pictures, descriptions, rates and availability of our more than 120 properties on our website http://lvrrentals.com/.

The Homestead Resort

Enjoy two night lodging at The Homestead and tickets to the Leelanau Peninsula Vintner’s Assn. Taste the Passion event. From only $49 per person, per night (based on double occupancy). And, for only $25 per person, per night, you can add lift tickets for skiing or riding from arrival to departure on Bay Mountain at The Homestead. For reservations call 231.334.5100.

Whaleback Inn

Taste the Passion at Whaleback Inn! Enjoy a quiet, relaxing getaway in the heart of Leelanau County Wine country. Your package includes two nights lodging, 2 complimentary Taste the Passion tickets and a bottle of Leelanau Peninsula wine. You may choose a room with a lake view, whirlpool or a cozy wood fireplace. Please view our website at www.whalebackinn.com and call us at 800-942-5322.

Traverse Bay Inn

Enjoy this great February Leelanau Peninsula wine event and treat you and your sweetheart to great accommodations at the Traverse Bay Inn. Third Night FREE when staying two nights… can't stay the third night? Just plan on a leisurely morning and a late check out on your departure day. Just $193 + taxes for a King Jacuzzi Suite, first come first serve, when they are gone Queen or Fireplace Suites will be available.

Package Includes:
Two Nights Lodging for two PLUS the Third Night FREE if you like. Complimentary bottle of our Private Label Champagne, a rose, and two souvenir glasses along with Two Taste the Passion tickets! Only available by calling 800-968-2646 or 231-938-2646.

Holiday Inn West Bay

Beat the Valentines Day rush and join us for a Taste The passion Wine Chocolate Wine Tour on Leelanau Peninsula. February 6 & 7, 2009. Two tickets for the wine tour (2 day event), and one night’s stay at the Holiday Inn West Bay for $95.00 per night less 8% tax. Make it a two day romantic weekend and add additional night at the Holiday Inn West Bay for only $65.00 per night plus 8% tax.

Tickets include 2 day pass on Leelanau Peninsula wine trail, taste of chocolate at each winery, and much much more.

Bayshore Resort

Taste the Passion with Bayshore Resort! Our package includes a romantic stay at the Bayshore Resort, on West Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City (pool – whirlpool, spa in room options) enjoy a deluxe continental breakfast, before you begin the Taste the Passion Wine Trail event in Leelanau County. Starting at $115 plus tax per room, including 2 Taste the Passion tickets. Visit www.bayshore-resort.com or call 800-634-4401

The Inn at Black Star Farms

Treat yourself and that special someone to the full wine trail experience!  Stay at the Inn at Black Star Farms February 5-6 for LPVA’s Taste the Passion weekend.  Immerse yourselves in romantic luxury with full gourmet breakfasts, hospitality hour with wine and hors d’oeuvres, bottle of our House wine, private sauna and Jacuzzi room, Aveda toiletries and more!  For just $100 in addition to low-season room rates, receive two tickets for the Taste the Passion event and $50 toward your dinner at our new Hearth and Vine restaurant, featuring wood-fired oven cuisine in an intimate setting.  Limited availability and our rooms book fast for this weekend!  Please call our friendly Innkeepers at 231.944.1251

The Best Western Four Seasons
The Best Western Four Seasons has a great deal you can not resist. Our Taste the Passion Package for February 6th and 7th will include; 2 nights lodging in a Hot Tub Room, 2 tickets to the Event with a 2pm checkout, all at the great rate of $209.90 plus tax for 2 adults. Please check out our website at www.traversecitylodging.com for more details and a list of our wonderful amenities or call our hotel directly at (231) 946-8424 or (888) 499-3060.

Comfort Inn
Our Taste the Passion package includes lodging on Friday and Saturday nights in a King Hot Tub Room, with Taste the Passion tickets for (2)
for just $190 plus tax. If you prefer a room with two queen beds, the price for the package would be $170 plus tax. With either package, stay Sunday night with us for just $25. To make reservations, please call us at 231-778-8000.

Traverse Victorian Inn
1 night in room of choice with 2 tickets to Taste the Passion $89.95, additional night $69.95. Rooms are 2 doubles or 1 king w/ 2 person whirlpool tub. All rooms come with gas log fireplace. For reservations, please call 231.947.5525

Photo credit: Taste the Passion 2008 by lpwines.com

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!

You can also check out some photos from Jesamin Califf of Emery & Company Photography in her Taste the Passion slideshow (or view the set).

If you want to get in on our next wine tour, head over to our trail events page!

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

• Bel Lago will be serving warm, Spiced Cherry Wine along with Triple Chocolate Cake topped with Balaton Cherry Sauce
• L. Mawby is serving chocolate hazelnut croissant with a "savory" dusting served with WET
• Leelanau Cellars is pouring Pinot Noir with Pulled Pork sandwiches
• Good Harbor is pouring Pinot Noir with Savory basil tomato soup with spiced oyster crackers
• Tandem Cider will have a special Ida Honey Cider on tap with "Tandem Sliders"
• Cherry Republic is serving "Chipolte Chocolate BBQ Beef Sandwich" served with coleslaw accompanied by their Cherry Red
• Forty-Five North will be pouring our Pinot Noir Rose Nouveau paired with a Gorgonzola cheese spread made with our Cherry Port
• Willow is serving Chocolate Raspberry Salad with 2007 Pinot Noir
• Good Neighbor Organic is having Murdock's Fudge create a Chocolate, Cherry Pecan Cluster to celebrate their new Cherry Hard Cider
• Silver Leaf is serving Cherry Almond Chocolate Clusters and is pairing it with the semi-dry riesling they are introducing!
• Ciccone Vineyard and Winery is pouring 2006 Dolcetto served along with a hearty vegetarian minestrone soup

Tickets for the event are $30 and for every 2 purchased you can receive 1 free if requested.

Visit our Taste the Passion page for details.

Photo credit: Shady Lane Peach Cobbler by lpwines

Guests will enjoy tasting hand-made chocolates and specialty cheeses while viewing a small collection of Glen Arbor Art Association member art. Cash bar featuring Leelanau wines will be available. $5 entry fee will be donated to the Glen Arbor Art Association Scholarship Fund.

On Saturday and Sunday, celebrate wine, chocolate and love with the Leelanau Peninsula Vintner's Associations, Taste the Passion event. You'll be given a souvenir glass to take along on a tasting tour where each winery will offer a special pour and chocolate treat. Many wineries are also hosting special events that celebrate the beauty and fun of winter in Leelanau! Taste the Passion tickets are $30 per person. For a limited time you can take advantage of our buy 2 tickets get one free Share the Passion promotion.

For lodging packages, including tickets, call 231.334.5100.

In addition to the Friday night mixer at the Homestead, many of the wineries along the wine trail are hosting special events including snowshoeing, cross country skiing, the 2nd Annual North American Snow Angel Championships and an evening party at Ciccone winery.

Poster designed by Leelanau Communications

You can click to view our set of photos from the  2008 Taste the Passion Wine Tour (view slideshow). If you have some to share, please join the Leelanau Wine group on Flickr!

Here are the the door prizes from Taste the Passion. Thanks to the businesses who donated great gifts and to everyone who participated in a fabulous weekend!

The Rachael Eubanks party received lodging at the Holiday Inn West Bay in Traverse City and dinner for 2 at Hanna in downtown Traverse City.

The Joseph Rich party received lodging at the Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor and dinner for 2 at Trattoria Funistrada in Burdickville.

The Thomas Cadwalader party received lodging at the Whaleback Inn of Leland and dinner for 2 at Samuel's in Suttons Bay.

All door prize winners will be contacted and certificates will be mailed.

2 nights lodging at the Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor and dinner for 2 at Trattoria Funistrada in Burdickville.

2 nights lodging at the Holiday Inn West Bay in Traverse City and dinner for 2 at Hanna in downtown Traverse City.

2 nights lodging at the Whaleback Inn of Leland and dinner for 2 at Samuel's in Suttons Bay.

The names of the lucky winners will be available at 2 PM on Sunday, February 10 at each of the wineries!

Photo: Camembert Cheese Fondue courtesy Samuel's.