We are always looking for local options. Michigan winemaking has come a long way. Michigan has three wine regions; the northwest along Old Mission Point and the Leland Peninsula, The Southwest clustered around St. Joeseph and Niles, and the Thumb region along Saginaw Bay. We have made Michigan wine tasting tours part of our travel bucket list about every other year. Check these delicious Michigan wines for your next Barbeque or party.
Great Hall Noir – Cherry Republic – Glen Arbor
This mix of 98% Pinot Noir and 2% Cherry lends a dark fruit, and oak aromas add dimension with spicy blackberry and black cherry fruit prevailing on the well-defined palate. Oak barrel-aged for 21 months.Great for rich foods like roast beef and steak.
Arcturos Sur Lie Chardonnay 2016 – Black Star Farms – Old Mission Peninsula
This is an unoaked Chardonnay from the 2016 vintage. There are flinty and steely aromas combined with classic Chardonnay fruit flavors of apple, citrus, and pear. This is a wonderful medium-bodied dry Chardonnay. Great for savory foods, cheeses, roast chicken, and pork.
2016 Chardonnay RLS Reserve – Bowers Harbor Vineyards – Old Mission Peninsula
Hard to find and a bit expensive than most white wines from the Old Mission Peninsula. This wine took silver in the 2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Noted lemongrass nose. Surprisingly complex. Good accompanied with pork or fish.
30 Year Vineyard Anniversary Reserve Chardonnay – Chateau Chantal – Old Mission Peninsula
Barrel fermented Chardonnay from a vineyard planted in 1986. Oaky with fruit notes. Paired with seafood and poultry. Highly recommended.
Cherry White – Cherry Republic Winery – Glen Arbor
This 95% Pinot Grigio and 5% Cherry wine offers a clean and amusing white. Best when accompanying seafood or chicken dishes. Could be a good dessert choice or along with a cheese plate.
Dry Reisling
Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar
This Riesling has a true German character with its sharp, refreshing body. The closest Riesling we have tasted similar to that we enjoyed near Wiesbaden along the Rhine River. This vintage has a light floral aroma in the nose with clear peach and apricot fruit characteristics on the palate and ends clean with no lingering aftertaste.
Capriccio Dry Red
Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar
For a long time, Michigan wines tended to be white and sweet. As the Michigan vineyards mature and experiment, we see some excellent full-body reds enter the picture. It has a big jammy berry fruit flavor with a subtle backbone of tannin.
Related Reading for Michigan Wines and Wine Tours
