The hot, humid days of summer are slowly giving way to milder days and cool evenings. This is a wonderful time to tour Michigan wine country and attend a few tasting events. Visit www.michiganwines.com to get more details on these and all the other fabulous events throughout the year.
New Buffalo Harvest and Wine Fest — October 8
Lion’s Park, New Buffalo
The New Buffalo Business Association and the Four Winds Casino are hosting the 5th annual “New Buffalo Harvest & Wine Fest” from noon to 10pm. Representing all that the season has to offer, the Harvest & Wine Fest boasts an abundance of local treats including a copious farmer’s market, world-class wines from Southwest Michigan, tasty fare from area restaurants, hayrides, a pumpkin patch and more. Suggested donation at the gate is $5 per person — children 12 and under are FREE. Visit www.newbuffalo.org for more information.
Wine Country Tour — October 9
East Lansing to Southwest Michigan
Michigan State University and Lansing Community College have joined together to offer a day-long bus tour to some of western Michigan’s wineries. Visits to several Southwest Michigan wineries including Tabor Hill Winery are planned. The tour includes transportation, lunch and an experienced guide. The return trip home will include a stop to pick up food to go. Cost is $159, with lunch included. Call 517-355-4562 to reserve your spot.
Greater Lansing Wine Opener — October 20
Eagle Eye Golf Club, Bath
Indulge in the finer things at Eagle Eye Golf Club and support a great cause, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Guests will sip fine wines from five different regions, including Michigan, dine on delicious local cuisine and peruse the wonderful items in the live and silent auction in a unique setting. Guests attending the VIP Reception will enjoy exclusive fare before heading into the Wine Opener. Live music and celebrity pourers complete the evening making it unforgettable for all who attend. Cocktail attire please. $60 ($65 at door) for main tasting; $100 ($110 at door) VIP Tasting; VIP tasting begins at 6:00. Visit www.ccf.org for more information.
The Big Grape Tour — November 5-6
Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail
Join us for a day of wine, food, and fun as we travel by motorcoach from one Wine Trail winery to another, five in all. Each winery will be featuring one of their best wines paired with food. Following the wine and food pairings, we will check into the Marriott at Eagle Crest in Ypsilanti followed by dinner and dancing. This is one event you won’t want to miss! Registration Deadline: October 5. Purchase tickets online at www.pioneerwinetrail.com.
Toast the Season — November 5-6 & November 12-13
Leelanau Peninsula Wineries
The tour is self guided and you may visit 8 of our 18 member wineries each day in whatever order you desire between the hours of 11am to 5pm Saturday and noon to 5pm Sunday. The tour features a special wine pour accompanied by holiday themed gourmet food at each of the 18 Leelanau Peninsula member wineries. At your starting winery you will be given a commemorative glass, an LPVA holiday ornament and a holiday gift bag featuring local, fair trade and organic food and more! More information at www.lpwines.com/toast.
Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival — November 17-19
DeVos Place, Grand Rapids
Over 100 wineries from around the world will provide samples of as many as 1,200 assorted wines — including some hard to find, top shelf vintages. Brewmasters and distillers will also to be on hand providing tastes of their hand-crafted beverages. Chefs from eight of the area’s top restaurants prepare and serve samples of their culinary specialties. Six select restaurants partner with distinguished wineries and breweries for special Pairings — gourmet multi-course meals served on-site in a casual yet intimate “bar top” setting. Tickets are $30-$40 each and may be purchased in advance online at www.grwinefestival.com, or at the Festival on a first-come, first-served basis.
Great Macaroni & Cheese Bake-Off — November 26
Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula
Local restaurants have turned the classic comfort food dish of Macaroni and Cheese into culinary marvels! This rich and creamy fare is paired with wines from Old Mission – Rieslings, Pinot Grigios, Chardonnays and more. Taste what our local chefs have come up with this year! Tickets are $40 and will be available online at www.wineriesofoldmission.com.
