As an added attraction this year, the US Navy Blue Angels Festival Air Show will take place during Cherries d'Vine and you'll have a great view of the action!

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Vintage Michigan Club
Join the Vintage Michigan Club and discover Michigan's best-kept secret! Enjoy your favorite Michigan wines and reward yourself with special savings. With your lifetime membership you will receive these terrific benefits:

• Discounts at participating wineries, wine retailers, and restaurants across the state. View the list of participating businesses (PDF).
• Complimentary Michigan Wines Corkscrew or Etched Michigan Bottle Stopper.
• Michigan Wine Country magazine, an annual publication with maps to Michigan's wineries, interesting articles, and all the information you need to enjoy Michigan's wine country.
• Monthly email newsletter with the latest Michigan wine-related information.
• Discounts for selected Michigan wine festivals and events.

Click here to sign up by mail (PDF)

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Because each tasting portion will be only about 1 or 2 fluid ounces, and the average bottle of wine contains 25 ounces, figure one bottle of each wine for a tasting for eight to 10 people.

Chill the white wines two to three hours before serving.

At each table, serve cubed cheese, bread, mixed olives, seedless grapes and artisan crackers. When putting together the cheese plate, creamy cheeses go better with white wines and hard cheeses with red.

Continue reading "Plan your own wine-tasting party"

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A new twist this year is an online portion to their Silent Auction - click here to bid online through eBay!

For more information or to reserve tickets, contact LCC at 231-256-7841 or visit the Leelanau Children's Center web site.

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Stay three nights for the price of two!

2008 Harvest Stompede 9/20-21/2008

2008 Toast The Season 11/8-9/2008 & 11/15/-16/2008

2009 Taste The Passion 2/7-8/2009

Offer subject to availablility. Saturday night stay required. Reservations required. All other conditions apply.

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We are also hosting a number of live bands on select Friday nights for your listening pleasure. The band BO BOSSA is scheduled for Friday, June 27th. Other dates are July 25th, August 29th, September 26th and October 24th. Please make plans to join us in wine and song!

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More at the Leland Chamber of Commerce web site including the 2008 Leland Wine & Food Festival poster and this Leland Wine Festival photo gallery. Here's another Leland Wine Festival gallery at Flickr.

Photo: Dan Explains by Andy McFarlane

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SWISS ONION SOUP

Yield 5 Cups

Ingredients
2 Cups Water
5 Tblsp Butter
1 Tsp Garlic Puree
3 Cups Onion – thinly sliced
¾ Tsp Dry Mustard
½ Tsp Salt
3 Tblsp Flour
1 ½ Cups Milk – Scalded
1 ½ Cups Swiss Cheese – Shredded
½ Tsp Horseradish
1 Tblsp Dry Sherry
½ Tsp Black Pepper – Ground
½ Tsp Soy Sauce
3 Drops Tabasco Sauce
2 Shakes Worcestershire Sauce

Preparation
In a saucepan, combine water, 2 Tblsp Butter, garlic puree, onion slices, mustard and salt; cover and simmer over low heat until onions are tender, about 20 minutes. Scald milk. In a separate saucepan, make a roux by melting remaining 3 Tblsp butter and stirring in flour, cooking while stirring over low heat for 5 minutes. Add scalded milk to roux, mixing well to make a medium thick cream sauce. Then slowly add shredded cheese to sauce, mixing until melted. Add horseradish and sherry to cheese sauce and combine the cheese sauce with contents of saucepan containing onions, mixing thoroughly. Mix in pepper, soy, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauces.

Hints
Scalded milk must be hot when added to the roux, to make cream sauce thicken quickly.

This soup may be stored frozen and sealed for 2-3 months.

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Gill's Pier Winery owners Kris and Ryan Sterkenburg were anxious after the frost hit last Tuesday, May 28th on the Leelanau Peninsula. "The four and half acres of estate grapes consisting of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling were spared frost damage thankfully", said Ryan after an inspection of the vines on Thursday. Lower level fields did suffer some bud damage.

Kris and Ryan take pride in their estate wines and announce the release of their 2008 Riesling. You can visit with Kris, Ryan and their staff for wine tasting at their winery located between Northport and Leland on Manitou Trail.

In the photo form earlier this spring, Bel Lago's Charley Edson counts buds on canes to determine winter frost damage.

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Why Green Cuisine?
Green Cuisine is an expression of Food For Thought's philosophy. It is our effort to bring greater awareness to the benefit of local food and sustainable business practices. Visitors will be able to sample some of the best products of local food and beverage artisans, tour Food For Thought's organic farm and green buildings as well as socialize, learn and have fun in a beautiful setting.
This is a "zero-waste" event. What does "zero-waste" mean?

As in all things sustainable "zero-waste" is a process, not a destination. The goal is for all the waste generated from the event to be either reusable, recyclable or compostable. Utensils, drinking cups and plastic bags are made from corn and compostable. Plates are also made from non-bleached recycled content and along with the food scraps are added to our onsite composting piles where we compost 100% of our food waste from our food facility along with approximately 7 tons of cardboard every year. This compost is then used on our organic farm and the organic farms of local farmers that grow crops for us. Last year we had close to 1000 people eating, drinking and socializing which resulted in less than one ounce of waste.

FOOD/BEVERAGE VENDORS:
La Becasse
Oryana
Grocers Daughter Chocolate
Higher Grounds Trading Co.
Chateau Chantal
Black Star Farms
Cherry Republic
Ciccone Vineyard and Winery
Shady Lane Vineyards
Trattoria Stella
Short's Brewery
Light of Day Organics
L. Mawby Vineyard
Cherry Stop
Shetler Dairy
Pleasanton Brick Oven Bakery
Honor Family Market
Six Lugs
The Red Heads

GREEN LIFESTYLE/AWARENESS:
Green Island
Northwoods Energy Alternatives
Little Artshram
Wings of Wonder

OTHER SUPPORT:
MUSIC: Seth and Daisy May
DESIGN: Chelsea Bay Wills
HORSE TAXI: Bob and Kathy Schutt
PARKING: Moonshadow Farm (Robb Bollenberg & Jeanne Strathman)

To learn more about Green Cuisine, email: green-cuisine@foodforthought.net or call 231-326-5444

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Also check out this interview with Linda Jones regarding the Wine Summit on by Tom Kramer on Interlochen Public Radio.

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Michigan wineries could be ideally positioned to capitalize on the locavore trend–but they might have to be a little sneaky about it at first. That paradox emerged at the second annual Northern Michigan Wine Summit on April 28, a promotional and tasting gathering of 20 wineries from the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas in northwest Michigan.

Locavores–the growing ranks of the environmentally and edibility-conscious who deliberately seek out food and drink produced locally–would seem ideal prospective customers for regional wineries. But these still fight skepticism about Michigan wine, despite increasing critical acclaim and a flourishing industry, now up to nearly 60 wineries.

Continue reading: Wines & Vines

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There are so many things to do and see in the area and we hope the guide will help you plan your visit to Leelanau!

The photo is Window Shopping by KT of Lake Orion. KT is one of the photographers with photos in our Leelanau Wine group on the photo sharing site Flickr has a cool photo in the brochure - please feel welcome to add your own photos of Leelanau wineries & wine touring
to the group!

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Wine Country Weddings & Corporate Events
Beach Weddings, Corporate retreats, Family reunions, Fruitful fund raisers, Vows in the Vineyards. "Just add water to your next event". Event experts representing unique waterfront event locations.
13685 SW Bayshore Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 941-7060

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Main Street Gallery
Leland's premier fine art gallery featuring welded steel sculpture, driftwood carvings, oil paintings, pastels, watercolors, wood turnings, glass and a great collection of outdoor yard art. All original work. Open daily May-December.
307 S. Main Street, Leland, MI 49654
(231) 256-7787

Mary Fuscaldo/Rimwalk Studio
Beautiful pastel landscapes by award-winning artist. Studio/gallery open daily or by appointment. On Wine Trail between Bel Lago and Chateau Fontaine.
4249 S. Whitehill Drive (off Hohnke Rd.), Cedar, MI 49621
(231) 256-2237

Michigan Artists Gallery
MAG is a gallery featuring an eclectic mix of fine art, contemporary folk art, regional photography, & wearable fiber art. Featuring award winning Michigan artists, MAG was named "one of three essential art venues: in the Traverse City area in "100 Best Art Towns in America" & Best Gallery in Leelanau County 2008 by Northern Express Reader Survey. Open year around.
P.O. Box 272, 309 N. St. Joseph Ave., Suttons Bay, MI 49682
(231) 271-4922

MyNorth.com
My North.com is for people who love Up North. It's the online home of Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine, where visitors can find tonight's dinner spot, rent a cottage, plan a wine tour, locate a quaint B&B or just dream about it.
148 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 941-8174

The State Theatre
Take in a movie at this beautifully restored, year-round art-house movie theater in downtown Traverse City, owned and operated by the Traverse City Film Festival. Patrons enjoy Just Great Movies on the big screen with comfortable seating, inexpensive concessions, and truly excellent popcorn.
233 East Front Street, Traverse City MI 49684
(231) 947-4800

Suttons Bay Galleries
Consultants and Dealers in Fine Art since 1984. Specializing in 15th-20th Century Works. Featuring: Russell Chatham, Albert H. Krehbiel, and Bill Hosner Paintings.
102 E. Jefferson St., P.O. Box 15, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
(231) 271-4444

Treeline Gallery
Contemporary art gallery featuring area, Midwestern, and California artists. Lindalee's painted glassware. Artist designed cards. Treeline features Charles Murphy, Kathleen Kalinowski and Kathleen Putnam.
103 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 754, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
(231) 271-5363

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By The Bay Transportation
Public Wine Tours available daily mid-June through mid-October. Call or email for details.
431 Welch Court, Traverse City, MI 49684
(866) 80-TOURS

Geo Bikes
There's not a better way to see the county. Bicycles, snowshoes, cross-country skis. Rentals and service. Mountain bikes, recumbent, parts on hand. Same day service. Corner of River at Grand.
102 S. Grand Avenue, Leland, MI 49654
(231) 256-9696

Learn Great Foods
Agriculinary adventures! Small-group introductions to farms and food artisans of all kinds. Cooking classes/dinners in historic inns and herb gardens. The "taste of place".
Box 1515, Bay View, MI 49770
(231) 758-3407

New York Luxury Limo of Grand Traverse
Luxury transportation at affordable rates! Featuring late model limousines and party coaches for your wine tour pleasure. State certified and insured. Call for your reservations!
5030 Village Lane Court, Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 935-1933

Wine Country Luxury Limo Wine Tours
Fun wine savvy chauffeurs. Join a scheduled wine tour, host a group tour, wedding shuttles, bachelor/ette parties or a night on the town! Hotel pickup.
13685 SW Bayshore Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 271-VINE

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Baa Baa ZuZu
Boiled wool garments and accessories made from reclaimed woolens. Each piece is individually created, hand-stitched, trimmed with vintage buttons and is a one-of-a-kind design.
1006 S. Sawmill Road, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 (M-22 south of Leland, east on Schomberg)
(231) 256-7176

Leelanau Cigar
Finest cherry brandy, apple brandy cigars. Located in historic Suttons Bay. Relax with a Leelanau cigar.
310 Front Street, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
(231) 271-1005

Leland Michigan Chamber of Commerce
Experience the charm of Leland and historic Fishtown. Fine dining, unique shopping, beaches, marina, museums, art galleries featuring local artists, charter fishing, Manitou Island trips.
P.O. Box 741, Leland, MI 49654
(231) 256-0079

Downtown Traverse City
A thriving community of shops, restaurants and boutiques with a small town commitment to customer service. Visit galleries with a flair for local arts and crafts, unique gift and apparel shops, a variety of restaurants from casual to fine dining, microbreweries, spas and salons. Entertainment venues include the Old Town Playhouse, City Opera House and the State Theatre. Experience Downtown Traverse City! For a full calendar of events or to purchase Downtown Gift Certificates visit the Downtown website.
(231) 922-2050

Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce
Local shops, restaurants, lodging and things to do in Suttons Bay. Check our website for more details.
P.O. Box 46, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
(231) 271-5077

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The Bluebird
Leland's icon, great food and friends since 1927. Summer: Open Daily. Winter: "Ethnic Feasts" and amazing wines. Award winning dinners and Sunday brunch. On the river in Leland.
102 E. River Street, Leland, MI 49654
(231) 256-9081

Cedar Rustic Inn
On the LPVA Wine Trail next to Longview tasting room. Regional American fare, full bar, patio dining. Breakfast, lunch & dinner 7 days May-Oct. Closed Tues. Nov.-April. Pizza-to-go beginning Memorial Day!
8699 Good Harbor Trail, Cedar, MI 49621
(231) 228-2282

Funistrada
Well rendered Italian classics like Veal Saltimbocca, Broiled Rib Chops, Piccatas, and a wide range of seafood and pastas. Full bar and wine list. Reservations suggested.
4566 W. MacFarlane Road, Burdickville; Maple City MI 49664 (near Glen Arbor)
(231) 334-3900

Hanna
Downtown Traverse City's newest bistro/bar in a century-old firehouse. Great foods simply prepared, emphasizing fresh fish, Italian flat bread pizzas, and a unique wine list.
118 Cass Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 946-8207

La Becasse
Enjoy French country dining in Leelanau county. Wine list features wines from France, California and Michigan. Happily sourcing local ingredients first. Reservations recommended.
9001 S. Dunn's Farm Road; Burdickville, MI 49636 (near Glen Arbor)
(231) 334-3944

The Riverside Inn
Innovative menus feature fresh seafood & local favorites paired with world-renowned wines. Enjoy dinner or Sunday brunch overlooking the Leland River. Seasonal hours. Reservations recommended.
302 River Street, Leland, MI 49654
(231) 256-9971

samuel's
Dinners at 5pm with seasonal brunches. Cooking from scratch featuring local ingredients. The best martini's in the North and a wine guy to make your meal memorable. Reservations appreciated.
Downtown Suttons Bay
(213) 271-6222

Trattoria Stella
A neighborhood bistro specializing in inspired Italian cuisine, using the freshest, local ingredients. One of the area's most extensive wine cellars. Every bottle is hand selected by our owner, who is also a sommelier.
1200 W. 11th Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 (Old State Hospital grounds)
(231) 929-8989

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The Blue Goat
The area's largest selection of fine wines featuring local, domestic and imported wines. An extensive variety of beers and our friendly, knowledgeable staff.
875 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 941-9463

Burritt's Fresh Markets
After your Leelanau Peninsula wine tour, stop in for the finest of steaks or fresh fish for grilling. Also, local wines to accompany your dinner. Open Mon-Sat 9 am - 7 pm.
509 West Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 946-3300

Cedar City Market
Organic & natural foods. Hundreds of beers. Great liquor shelf. Local, domestic and imported wines and champagnes. Local products. In downtown Cedar on the way to the wineries.
8994 S. Kasson Street, Cedar, MI 49621
(231) 228-5415

The Cherry Stop
Specializing in local cherry products and gift items and featuring local wines from both peninsulas.
211 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 929-3990

Cottonwood Springs Farm
Cottonwood Springs Farm/Leelanau Natural Beef offers grass-fed, hormone and antibiotic-free premium ground beef at our unique self-serve site in the heart of Leelanau County.
6192 S. French Road, Cedar, MI 49621
(231) 228-6578

Higher Grounds Trading Co.
Grand Traverse area's artisanal roastery and coffee bar. Visit our cupping room to taste exquisite coffees direct from farming cooperatives around the world!
806 Red Dr., Ste. 150, Grand Traverse Commons, Traverse City, MI 49684
(877) 825-2262

Leelanau Cheese Company
Homemade, European-style Raclette and Fromage Blanc from Leelanau County since 1995. See cheese being made and try a sample.
10844 E. Revold Road, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 (at Black Star Farms)
(231) 271-2600

Leland Mercantile Co.
Local, domestic, international wines. Variety of cheeses. Specialty meats, Carlson's fish, local produce, ribs/chickens, hot/cold sandwiches, deli salads, beer/liquor and ice. A True Leelanau Experience. Above Fishtown.
102 Main Street, Leland, MI 49654
(231) 256-9030

Pedaling Beans Coffeehouse
A bike theme coffeehouse with awesome coffee, lattes, smoothies, frozen and iced drinks. Bagels and daily baked pastries. Outdoor patio seating and free wi-fi. Bike tubes, gifts and specialty food items. Located in Lake Leelanau just east of the Narrows on M-204.
116 E. Philip St., Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
(231) 256-2933

Pleva's Meats
Great taste and healthy for you. The original cherry enhanced meats, sausages, smoked and fresh, snack sticks and jerky. Voted the "Best Homemade Hotdog in Leelanau County" by the Northern Express.
8974 S. Kasson Street, P.O. Box 42; Cedar, MI 49621
(231) 228-5000

The Silvertree Deli & Gourmet Market
The place to go for fine foods and wines. Dine with us or take it home. Stop by and see us, we know you'll be back. Check out our wall of Michigan Wines.
119 St. Joseph Avenue Suttons Bay, MI 49682
(231) 271-2271

Village Cheese Shanty
A never trendy, tourist friendly, palate teasing neighborhood store offering county wines, cheese, lunch and local products that have been nourishing Leelanau for over 25 years! Located in Fishtown.
199 W. River Street, Fishtown, Leland, MI 49654
(231) 256-9141

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