What’s New For ’22? Summery News From Leelanau’s Wine Country
Wine-sipping season is officially upon us. Last year’s work, sweat and vines are in the bottles and it’s time to enjoy the labor of love. With planting, product releases, and renovations underway at several Leelanau Peninsula wineries, we reached out to a handful to see what was new for ’22:
Dune Bird Winery
Dune Bird’s brand new Rosé has just landed! Dune Bird managing partner/owner Nicole White says this sunset-hued sipper is best “paired with sunshine, laughter, boats and for sure: shorts.” Consider this an easy-drinking beach- patio- or boat wine. Dune Bird also has a full coffee bar in the tasting room. The 24-hour-steeped cold brew — which we hear is a locals' go-to — will be in constant rotation for the warmer months, as will iced oat milk lattes. Renovations are also underway at this winery-turned alpaca farm-turned winery: The Whites are converting the property's former alpaca barn into a “barndominium.” Watch their Facebook stories for updates.
MAWBY Vineyards and Winery
MAWBY in Suttons Bay is offering four new wines for summertime: Freestyle, Neon, Eff Nat and Sandpainting X — which is their 10th iteration of this bottle-fermented beauty. Every year it is a little different and this time it’s inspired by German-style Sekt wines. This year’s blend is 80 percent Riesling and 20 percent Pinot Gris from Leelanau County. (They suggest you enjoy it with whitefish tacos or popcorn!)
Another new product alert: An aperitif made from Riesling, called Domaine Leelanau Yarrow (pictured above). The Riesling is infused with lemon verbena, yarrow and elderflower all grown here in Northern Michigan. This light beverage, meant to spark the appetite, can be enjoyed on its own, with sparkling water or with a splash of sparkling wine.
Green Bird Organic Cellars & Farm
Try Green Bird’s new “ginger pear” wine, made from organic pears from Gene and Kathy Garthe’s farm right up the road in Northport, and fresh ginger from Meadowlark Farm in Lake Leelanau. Plus, they are featuring a new rye whiskey barrel-aged cider made with their own Ida Red apples and aged in a Northern Latitudes barrel. Learn more about this out-of-the-way farm and winery’s sustainable growing practices here.
Chateau Fontaine
Wednesdays just got better at Chateau Fontaine in Lake Leelanau: The winemakers now have a bite to graze on with your wine and “Wine Club Wednesday.” Enjoy half off a glass of wine, free large cheese ball with crackers and 20 percent off a case of wine for club members on Wednesdays.
Good Harbor Vineyards
Good Harbor has given their tasting room a brand new pop of color and a remodel, which includes an extended bar area with a new marble bar; renovated bathrooms, seating area and retail area; plus a new electric fireplace. Also in the works is a new wall mural you will see as you walk in the front door.
The winemakers have a several new wines released this season: Albariño, Zweigelt, 2021 Pinot Blanc, 2021 Pinot Noir Rose and a 2020 Pinot Noir Zweigelt. (You can learn more about them on their blog.) They have also added new small plate options: an artisanal charcuterie board and a snack plate that includes pretzel crisps and locally made Leelanau Cheese Fromage Blanc.
Aurora Cellars
New this summer: “Cellar Sunday” events, featuring a food and drink special, plus live music once a month. Check out Rhett & John this Sunday, June 12. Aurora Cellars also has new wines released this season: Sparkling Pinot Grigio “Leora,” 2020 Pinot Noir, 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, and 2021 Rose. (Here is a blog for more tasting notes on the wines.) The tasting room added to its food menu a snack board with asiago-artichoke spread made by The Cheese Lady and crostini, potato chips and artisan olives.
Shady Lane Cellars
Making its debut in 2022 at Shady Lane Cellars is a wine slushy! Similar to the popular “Frosé...theirs is called a FroBlanc. The recipe features their Coop de Blanc as its base which is made with 100 percent Vignole grapes, which has fermenting aromatics of juicy pineapple, tangerine, honey, white flowers, and ginger. The wine is whirled together with a refreshing lemon syrup and frozen.
Rove Estate
Rove has added new local food offerings to their patio menu, and just released seven (yes, seven) new wines. On the farm, they are planting six more acres of vines, (pictured above) including more of their best-selling varietals, as well as new ones. The product of these new vines should be in glasses in 3-plus years.
Black Star Farms
Black Star Farms is re-opening their Hearth & Vine Café in Suttons Bay this month, with a completely new menu, new front of house team and all new culinary team. They are now perfecting their menu — whitefish pâté, apple beet, and a braised beef sandwich topped with a BSF red wine BBQ sauce will all make an appearance — and stay tuned for the grand re-opening date here.
Leland Wine & Food Fest
After a two-year hiatus, the Leland Wine & Food Festival is back, this Saturday June 11, from 12-6 pm with a venue change and special “come-and-go” entry for 2022. Due to continuing construction in the Leland Harbor and Fishtown, the 35th Leland Wine and Food Festival will take place at The Leland Lodge. The festival, hosted by the Leland Chamber of Commerce, is offering “come-and-go” wristbands that allow guests to leave to explore the beaches, shopping district and Historic Fishtown, and return to the main event as many times as they wish. 5-Ton Tours will offer festivalgoers rides between the village and The Lodge. The Leland Lodge will host non-stop live music at the festival which also features 12 Leelanau wineries, a brewery and various local food vendors. Tickets are $30 advance and $40 at the event.