Wine
Usually, I spend time researching wineries before I make a visit. This was not true on a recent visit to Oliver Winery in Bloomington IN. I was happy that I made the detour as this is an exceptional winery with a rich history and a fantastic selection of wines. From the moment you enter the …
While planning my recent trip to Tennessee, I knew that a stop along the way should be Talon Winery in Shelbyville KY. The drive alone through Kentucky is beautiful, but there are many wineries worth visiting, as they have so much to offer the visitor and local community. Talon Winery has two locations. The winery …
I’ve visited some very unique wineries in the past. Some that produce only fruit wines and others that had restaurants with items like “pie flights”. Recently I visited Rising Sons Winery where with their tasting they also include their own bourbon and wine infused jams and jellies, or chocolates and Kentucky cheeses if desired. Rising …
I’m finally getting the chance to check out more wineries in Kentucky. In doing so I’m finding that many are able to produce some excellent wines from the Midwest varieties as well as sourced varieties from other locations. One amazing find is lover’s Lovers Leap Vineyard & Winery. Even before you enter the lane you …
A visit to Hickory Creek Winery provided much more than just a tasting and some background on the wines and winery. It was so much more entertaining and educational because of Jamie DeVinney, our server, who is officially their Senior Tasting Consultant. It’s always a pleasure when staff take time to sit and visit with …
Recently while on my way home from a visit to Michigan, I had the chance to make a quick stop by the Lazy Ballerina Winery tasting room in Bridgman MI. I had the pleasure of meeting Lauren Kniebes, who is co-owner of the winery with Melanie Owen. Lazy Ballerina is the only woman owned winery …
Cogdal Vineyards is located a 1/2 mile off Lake Michigan off of the scenic Blue Star Highway, just north of South Haven MI. It was a beautiful drive in October at the time of this visit by me and my wife. The property has a rich history, from the early years of being farmed by …
The visit to Crane’s Pie, Pantry, Restaurant, and Winery with friends did not begin with a discussion of a wine tasting, but instead a “pie flight”! Yes, a sample of four of their pies. The Crane family purchased the farm in 1916 and in 1967 started promoting Crane Orchards with fruit baskets and then producing …
While taking a tour to several wineries in southwest Michigan, I had the pleasure of visiting Modales Vineyards & Winery with several friends, and it was an exceptional experience. My most pleasurable wine experiences come from interacting with the owners and staff, and learning about the history and philosophies in winemaking and hospitality. During this …
Fall is a wonderful time to visit the Lake Michigan coast of Michigan. The southwest area of the state hosts two American Viticultural Areas (AVA) that produce amazing varieties of grapes, some of which grow better there than other Midwest regions. These include the Fennville and Lake Michigan Shore AVAs. Because of the climate and …