Joe and Erica Krajkiewcz started their wine journey like many others; wine lovers having a dream of owning a winery, trying their hand at wine making, and then making the dream a reality. It started with the planting of their first grapes on family property around Freesoil, MI. Joe is not only an owner, but also the winemaker.

Freesoil is the location for their micro-orchard, where Joe’s father “planted a half dozen apple trees about 35 years ago. They started making hard cider from them a few years ago. When they planted the vineyard in 2016, they also planted about 40 cider-specific apple trees.”

In 2017 they planted the Fennville vineyard (currently a little over 3 acres) and in 2018 established Michigan Wine Company and built the tasting room. Between the two vineyards (Freesoil and Fennville) they grow Riesling, Traminette, Cayuga White, Frontenac Blanc, Seyval Blanc, and Itasca. In addition, they have a few newer plantings of Grüner Veltliner and Blaufränkisch.

K Vineyards (Fennville) is part of the Fennville AVA and Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) verified. This is a verification process for farmers interested in managing the pollution concerns and its impact on the environment.

We enjoyed having the opportunity to meet Joe and finding out a bit about the vineyards and wine. It’s always a pleasure to speak to winery owners and staff, especially when they are enthusiastic about what they do. Betsy was our server for this visit, and she was amazing. She is both very friendly and knowledgeable and took care to make our visit rememberable. Sue also stepped in at times and was equally as superb.

One big advantage of visiting a winery with friends is that all can take part in the tasting, make their own selections, and then share so everyone can try more. We tried twelve of the twenty three wines on their menu, along with one of the seven ciders.

Here are my personal favorites, with some of the winemaker notes , as well as my own.

• 2022 CAB XL – It is a dry “Bordeaux styled blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petite Pearl where the sum is greater than the parts.” Aged in French oak for 21 months. This was my absolute favorite. I am a big fan of both Cabs, and any Bordeaux style wine.
• 2023 Trilogy – “A blend of three red grape varieties from two different vineyards in Hudsonville, MI. Marquette, Frontenac Noir, and Petite Pearl all bring something unique to this blend.” All three grape varieties were developed at the University of Minnesota as hybrids to withstand the colder midwest climate. The softer tannins from the latter two help balance those of the Marquette, enhancing the dark fruit profiles for this medium-bodied wine.
• 2022 Regency – “A blend of six red grape varieties. 52% Regent, 23% Petite Pearl, 15% Marquette, 6% Noiret, 3% Frontenac, 1% Cabernet Franc.” It was barrel aged and is medium-bodied. Regent is a hybrid developed in Germany in 1996 to be disease resistant and cold-hardy, making it well-suited for the midwest. It along with the other midwest varieties with a touch of the Cab Franc, make this an interesting and very good wine.
• Itaska – “Crisp with melon/grapefruit. Like Cabernet Sauvignon meets Chardonnay.” I liked this because it was less citric and the fruit flavors really come through. Itaska is a “newer American hybrid variety with highly touted winemaking potential. Released to nurseries by the University of Minnesota in 2017. Our Itasca was planted in 2019 and we will be expanding our block in 2020.”
• 2022 Riesling – “Semi-Dry, 2% RS, Estate grown at K Vineyards. Our Fennville vineyard is built around our love of Riesling. This is our third vintage! Crisp, clean, and mouthwatering.” I really enjoyed this Riesling. The low residual sugar makes it less sweet and crisp.
• Perry – This cider is made from 100% pears. Bartlett, Bosc, & D’anjou. One of the best ciders I have ever had. No doubt with the full flavor of pears. Easy drinking for sure.

More can be found about the varieties available on their website.

The winery has a regular schedule of food trucks on site, and other events. They also provide group private tours and tastings. There is ample outdoor seating on the covered patio and picnic tables out back near the vineyard. A great place to relax and enjoy a tasting, a glass or bottle, and the outdoors.

I’d like to thank Joe, Betsy, and Sue for their engaging hospitality. We will definitely return for another visit when again in the area.

Michigan Wine Co, 6781 124th Ave, Fennville, MI 49408

Scott Morris

The post Michigan Wine Co., Fennville MI first appeared on CU4Wine & More.

The vineyard is also primarily the largest grape grower in the country, with over 630 hectares (1,556 acres). They grow approximately 30 varieties, and produce over 170 different wines.

Tours and tastings are available in the Castle Cellar A.D. 1430 under the Valtice Castle. The unique Castle cellar is from 1430 and one of the oldest and largest wine cellars in the Czech Republic. Wines can be purchased in the Wine Barn vinoteque (“Vinařská stodola”) and Wine Emergency (“Vinařská pohotovost) shop in the winery area.

I was not able to take a tour, but did visit the tasting room at the winery. The server spoke English well, which helped me a great deal, but when it comes to tasting wine, that would not have mattered.

The tasting room has a beautiful rustic wood and brick interior.

A selection of twelve wines were available to taste on the day of my visit. Of those I chose the following:

• 2022 Rulandské Šedé, Oranžové víno (Pinot Gris, Orange Wine) – This is considered a semi-dry wine, but I found it very refreshing for my typically dry preference. The wine is considered “orange” because of the color obtained from the additional time that the skins remain on the grapes during fermentation. This also provides a bit more tannins and for me an even better flavor than a fully white Pinot Gris.
• 2022 Neuburské Pozdní Sběr (Neuburger, Late Harvest) – This was my first time trying the Neuburger variety, which originated out of Austria. This is a full-bodied white wine, with notes of topical fruit and some minerality. It’s very refreshing and one that I could sip on anytime.
• 2023 Sylvánské zelené, Premium Collection (Sylvanian Greens) – This wine has won several awards, including a gold medal at the renowned international wine competition Berliner Wine Trophy. It is a dry wine, a bit higher acidity, but well balanced. It is an easy drinking variety, also new to me.
• 2022 Merlot, Premium Collection – This Merlot is one of the best I have had in a while. It’s medium-bodied, a bit higher in acidity than expected with nice tannins. Flavors of dark fruit and chocolate.

All of the wines were wonderful. I wish I had more time to try many more of them. Unfortunately, these wines are not available in the United States.

With so many different varieties and wines being produced, the tasting room shop area has a unique way of displaying the wines. Each one is displayed along with many details about the wine, including the ventage, sugar, acidity, alcohol, village, tract,, awards, and a map showing the growing region.

Château Valtice holds many types of events, engages in various wine related outreach opportunities, and has a venue available for hosting private parties and events. Given more time, I’d definitely take a full tour and try as many wines as possible.

Château Valtice, Vinařská 407, 69 142, Valtice, Czech Republic

Scott Morris

The post Château Valtice; Valtice, Czech Republic first appeared on CU4Wine & More.

Z Alexander Brown is named for its owner, Zac Brown. Most people know Zac as an internationally known singer, songwriter and musician but are unaware of his connection to wine. In 2016 he joined the Delicato Family in producing these rich, bold, and full-bodied wines all sourced from family-owned vineyards located in California’s North Coast. Zac creates the Uncaged wines alongside Winemaker John Killebrew, who has been with the Delicato Family for many years.

The Uncaged wine series label stands out with its beautiful image of an owl. According to the producer, “The owl is a guardian of the vine, and myths say it is present when the spirit is set free.”  They have specially designed owl nesting boxes in the vineyards to help with rodent control, allowing them to eliminate unnatural methods of protecting the vines and fruit.

The Uncaged series includes six wines. In addition to the three that I’m highlighting here there are three others including Chardonnay, Whiskey barrel aged Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir.

Recently I purchased the following wines together, so I could share some of the wonderful qualities of each.

2023 Sauvignon Blanc (91 points, Wine Enthusiast) – This wine has citrus and grassy flavors found in most Sauvignon Blancs, but they are more subdued and allow more tropical fruit, apple, and floral flavors to shine through.

2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (90 points, Wine Enthusiast) – This wine has everything I love in a Cab. It is bold, full-bodied, with lush flavors of dark fruit, coffee, and a dusty undertone. It has a solid structure of firm tannins and higher acidity, making it easy to drink and want more.

2021 Proprietary Red Blend (90 points, Wine Enthusiast) – This blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah delivers a rich combination of dark fruit flavors, including black cherry, which I love, along with some tobacco and oak.

I appreciate the passion that Zac Brown has for wine and bringing it together with people and food. Speaking of food, you can find some alluring recipes on the website.

Scott Morris

The post Z. Alexander Brown, Bold and Beautiful Wines first appeared on CU4Wine & More.

We arrived on a weekday in the fall when it was slow, so we were fortunate to spend much time visiting with Susan. As she guided me through a tasting of a fight of 5 wines, she discussed the vineyard and their family’s history in winemaking.

Jim started working at Oliver Winery in 1976 in the lab and cellar, and a year later became their winemaker, where he stayed until 1982. He left there to start his own winery in 1983. In addition to operating his own winery, Jim and his son, John, wrote a book entitled Indiana Wine: A History (Published by Indiana University Press, 2001).  One of Jim’s most outstanding achievements has been his petition to the Federal government in 2006 to designate the unglaciated portion of South Central Indiana as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) called the “Indiana Uplands”. That petition was approved in 2013. One of the benefits of the AVA is that wineries using grapes grown in the Indiana Uplands can use the term “Estate Bottled” on the label.

Susan told us that, only by chance, they found that Butler Winery was referenced in the book Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, including their Origins and Flavours (Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding, José Vouillamoz, by Allen Lane (Penguin) in the UK and Ecco (Harper Collins) in the US in October 2012). In that book, Butler Winery is mentioned as a US grower of Chambourcin and Chardonel grape varieties. The Butlers would not have known about this had it not been that a customer brought it to their attention.

The vineyard is a little over 5 acres, where they grow Chardonel, Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Vignoles, Chambourcin, and Norton. Susan mentioned that they have previously had two plantings of Cabernet Franc but lost both to the cold. In addition, they have neighbors Rodney and Nancy Anderson at Foggy Ridge Vineyard who grow Marquette and Traminette  for them.

The wines produced by Butler Winery include a good selection of dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wines (both white and red), along with selections of fruit and fortified wines. Many of the wines use 100% estate grown grapes or include them in a blend, while some of the fruit used is sources externally, largely from New York. One of the near-term goals is to expand use of local fruit sources, and increase sustainability practices.

Jim and Susan’s son, Andy Butler and his wife Mabel Ojeda are the winemakers for Butler Winery. They met while living and working in Napa Valley. Andy’s background is in winemaking in different climates including Indiana and California, while Mabel has experience working with a variety of harvests from around the world in locations such as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, France, Switzerland, and of course California. They also have a side project of their own called Found Wine Company through which they produce small batches of Mission (a South American variety) and Reisling.

I recently watched an episode of No Dishes Podcast (S5 E8) in which Andy and Mabel discussed Butler Winery, their own background and history, along with wine varieties and production. It is very entertaining and educational.

For my tasting on this visit I sampled the following wines, for which I’ve included their descriptions and a few of (my notes). Check out all of their wines on their website.

• White Select – Crisp & awesome. Great with fish & chicken dishes. A dry, white wine made with Cayuga grapes and aged in stainless steel.
• Seyval Blanc – Fruit forward dry white wine. Notes of pears in the aroma.
• Variant – A dry red wine aged in French oak barrels. A blend of Chambourcin and Marquette. Lingering cherry aftertaste.  (This was one of my purchases.)
• 2023 Fusion – A dry red blend of Norton, Marquette, and carbonic macerated Dechaunac. Light yet firm tannin, with earthy texture reminiscent of river stones, and notes of strawberry and raspberry. (This was one of my purchases.)
• Solera [5] – This multi-year blend of estate-grown Chambourcin is barrel aged in French Oak Barrels. A dry and luscious wine that will be the perfect complement to any evening. (This was a blend of 5 vintages.)

As we were preparing to leave, Jim came into the tasting room. After speaking to him for a few minutes, he invited us to see the operations. He took us to the production and storage room, where they also have a small lab.

Jim also showed us their rustic style barrel storage room, which is used for private tastings.

The winery has a patio and covered pavilion that is available for use and used for events. In addition, visitors are welcome to walk among the vineyards and around the pond.

One of the great things about Butler Winery is that they are open during the seasonal months Monday-Saturday from 10am-6pm and Sunday from 12:00-6pm. This made it possible for us to visit due to our travel schedule. Many small wineries are closed several days during the week.

I am very appreciative of the hospitality shown by Jim and Susan. They are truly knowledgeable, engaging, and charming hosts.

Butler Winery; 6200 E. Robinson Rd., Bloomington, IN 47408

Scott Morris

The post Butler Winery, Bloomington IN first appeared on CU4Wine & More.

From the moment you enter the drive, you are greeted by a beautiful stone sign and a tree lined lane. The main visitors’ area has a large rustic building that houses the main tasting room and shop, timber frame tasting room, and three-season pergola. The exterior is beautiful with lush gardens, a hillside picnic area, and patio.

Oliver Winery is the oldest and largest winery in Indiana, one of the top 30 largest wineries in the U.S., and was voted #3 tasting room in the U.S. by Newsweek Readers’ Choice in September 2024.

Over 50 years ago, Professor William Oliver’s interest led him to start a vineyard in the Indiana Uplands AVA. He was instrumental in passing the Indiana Small Winery Act that passed in 1971, allowing for the creation of small wineries in Indiana. Oliver Winery opened in 1972. 

The winery has evolved as needed over the decades to grow yet continue to produce the magnificent wines for which it is known. This may involve anything from removing vines not producing well to the recent $12.6 million expansion to meet increasing demand as they now distribute to 42 states nationwide.

In addition to its own vineyard, the winery also sources fruit from California, Oregon, Washington State, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. This includes such fruit as blackberries, apples, cherry juice, and orange blossom honey, but also includes classic vinifera (Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reisling, Gewürztraminer, etc.).

Creekbend Vineyard, located nearby, is where they grow their own grape varieties, including Catawba, Vidal Blanc, Vignoles, Chambourcin, and a few table grapes. Some of these vines date back to 2001.

My visit was on a Monday, so things were a bit slower, which made my bar-side wine tasting, guided by Caroline, very enjoyable. I appreciated her knowledge of the winery and wines, and it was nice to find that her enthusiasm with wine in general matches mine.

My tasting included the following, which includes the winery’s notes as well as a few of my own.

2022 Sauvignon Blanc – “Classic flavors of citrus, melon and tangy gooseberries highlight this crisp, dry white. The flavor and aromas are classic — citrus, melon and gooseberry. Crafted from fruit sourced from San Bernabe Vineyard in Monterey, California.” One of my favorite white varieties. So refreshing. Was one of my purchases.

2023 Creekbend III – “A winemaker’s favorite, this wine shows off Creekbend Vineyard’s ability to grow grapes with full ripeness and flavor. Both stainless steel and barrel fermentation create an exotic blend of our best white varieties: barrel-fermented Vignoles and Chardonel, along with portions of stainless-steel fermented Vidal Blanc.” This blend is amazing. The combination of fruit flavors along with a hint of vanilla and oak make it truly enjoyable.

2022 Creekbend Chamboucin – “Chambourcin is one of Oliver Winery’s signature Creekbend wines, crafted from grapes grown at our Indiana vineyard. It’s an approachable favorite among dry-red wine lovers. Crop load, sun exposure, and patience are integral to growing great Chambourcin. In the cellar, minimalist winemaking and barrel aging create an elegant, balanced wine.”  Chambourcin is one of my favorite Midwest varieties, when the wine is well made. This is in probably the top three that I’ve ever tried. A masterpiece, and one of my purchases, of course.

Dry Red Blend – “We like blends because they allow us to show off our creative side. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah form the foundation of this classic, thoughtful blend.” 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah.

2022 Shiraz – ”Our Shiraz is inspired by the fruit-forward styles popularized by Australian winemakers. We like it on special occasions or “just because.” Serve at room temperature, and enjoy by the grill, around the fire, and anywhere in between.” Loved this one. Aged one year in new oak. This was one of my purchases.

2022 Cabernet Sauvignon – “An approachable Cab. Expect rich fruit, bright aromatics and big, yet soft tannins. This dry red will age nicely for 10 years. Using grapes sourced from Lodi and Paso Robles, California..” One of my favorite varieties. I’m always pleased to find Cabs made so well in the Midwest.

Colts Collection Red Blend – “This limited edition wine, the second vintage in our series of our Colts Collection wines, is a smooth and sippable dry red. Berry aromas, rich flavors of currant and spice, subtle tannins, and a lasting finish are hallmarks of this dry red. This limited-edition wine is the second vintage in our series of our Colts Collection wines.” 60% Syrah, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.

2017 Creekbend Tawny – “Aromas of dates and vanilla lead to mature flavors of fig and walnut in our fourth vintage of this copper-colored dessert wine. Enjoy this 375ml Creekbend Vineyard delicacy with decadent desserts or for after-supper sipping. 50% Chambourcin, 50% Vignoles.” Although very sweet, the flavors are rich and the delivery is subtle, which you would not expect in a tawny. It’s aged for 2 years in small barrels for more intense flavors. This was one of my purchases.

The website contains many more details about the wines available than most wineries. I find this extremely helpful.

Even though this is my first experience with Oliver Winery, I can tell that as it continues to grow, it has not lost focus on producing great wines.

This visit to Oliver Winery was a wonderful experience. I’d like to thank Caroline for her hospitality. I look forward to making another trip there in the future.

Oliver Winery, 200 E Winery Rd, Bloomington, IN 47404

Scott Morris

The post Oliver Winery, Bloomington IN first appeared on CU4Wine & More.

Talon Winery has two locations. The winery was established by Harriett Allan and her late husband in 1999 on their 300 acre Fair View Farm in Lexington. There the “Homestead Tasting Room” is located in the original farmhouse built in 1790. Fair View Farm was originally a cattle and tobacco farm until its purchase. Talon’s “Ca”Barn”et Barrel Barn” was converted from a working tobacco barn to an elegant and wedding and event venue that hosts close to 100 weddings and events each year. My stop was not at the Lexington location, but I would like to stop there in the future for a visit.

The original winery is celebrating its 25 year Anniversary right now, while Shelbyville location is celebrating its 15th. Prior to its opening in 2009, the Shelbyville tasting house was a just a normal house. “The garage was converted into a unique, one-of-a-kind Barrel Vaulted ceiling tasting room where guests can enjoy Talon wines. The rest of the house was rehabilitated to create a gift shop, private event room and a large porch that overlooks a limestone rock quarry on acres of beautiful land.”

Upon arrival at the winery, we ere greeted by Sheila, who was extremely pleasant and a wonderful guide through the wines. She has been with the winery for 9 years, and was not only knowledgeable about the wines and winery, but also shared her preferences and favorites.

Because wine is for sharing, it’s always a pleasure to visit with others who are taking part with their own tasting. We were fortunate to have the chance to share our experience with Jose and his wife, who were traveling from Florida to Wisconsin.

The tasting room is designed with a barrel vaulted ceiling, as mentioned before, and the rest of the decor throughout the room and shop displays beautiful woodwork and features that are both elegant and cozy.

William Mullett has been with Talon since 2014, originally as an Assistant and then in 2017 became the Winemaker. He is originally from the area and He has studied Viticulture, Agriculture and wine-making since 2010. He also has research experience from the University of Kentucky and has judged many wine competitions. 

At Talon, six wines are included in a tasting. So, before you start counting the list of those I tried below, yes, I had two tastings! I’ve included the winery’s tasting notes along with my own:

• Chardonnay (dry) – Flavors of apple & pear, creamy vanilla & oak nose. Pairs with seafood & salad.
• Moondance (dry)- Pinot Gris, caramel & pear nose. Bright & citrusy with a crisp apple finish.
• Vidal Blanc (dry) – Estate Vidal Blanc. Bright & refreshing with tropical fruit tones. Sunshine in a glass. Pairs with spicy dishes & BBQ.
• Rogue (slightly off dry) – Estate Traminette aged in Bourbon Barrels. Smooth with notes of honey & caramel. Perfect to accompany a charcuterie board. Aging a white wine like Traminette in Bourbon Barrels is very interesting. This was my first, and it was very easy drinking. Smooth as described.
• ​Diamond (sweet) – Flamboyant, dazzlingly sweet. Pairs with a candlelit dinner & late night chats. I’m not big on sweet wines, but had to try the Diamond variety again. This one is the best I’ve had so far. This was one of my purchases.
• Merlot (dry) – KY Oak Barrel aged. Bright, earthy & oaky with hints of cherry. Enjoy with lean meats & veggies. This Merlot is truly medium-bodied, and although not as robust as I typically prefer, it was very good.
• Monarch (dry) – Cabernet Franc, a lively red aged in KY oak. Sweet berry nose with flavors of plum & tobacco. Enjoy with steak or roasted veggies. One of my favorites here. The oak was light (enhanced with oak chips and not barrels), with earthy notes and rich flavors. Excellent, and one of my purchases.
• Cabernet Sauvignon (dry) – Full-bodied, aged in KY Oak. Jammy, with flavors of preserved cherry & black currant. Best served with red meat. I enjoy a bold Cabernet Sauvegnon, and even though this was a bit lighter, it was very good. This was one of my purchases.
• Equestrian Series (dry) – The Equestrian Series is an artistic tribute to Kentucky’s equine culture. Oaky and smokey, a spice-lover’s dream. This 100% Malbec wine gives off aromas of spiced vanilla caramel with a berry & plum finish. Although a bit more oaky than some of the other reds, it did not overtake the wonderful flavors. This is a blend of Malbecs from various sources, and very good.
• Southern Rosé (dry) – Light & refreshing with a rose nose. Flavors of strawberry & cherry. Pairs with spicy food or as a sangria. This is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Malbec. It is very light.
• Coyote Red (sweet) – Semi-sweet estate blend with a heavy black cherry profile. Bright, crisp & smooth – great by itself or mixed in with a fall flavored sangria. I purchased this one for a friend.
• Blueberry Port (sweet) – Port-style dessert wine aged in Bourbon Barrels. A burst of Blueberry with a warm Bourbon finish. Sometimes ports can be harsh due to the high alcohol content. This is the first fruit port I have had, and it was excellent. It is full of flavor, and even though it still has more alcohol, it would be very easy to consume more quickly than a sip at a time!

In addition to these wines, they have a many more varieties and fruit wines available on their website shop.

In addition to the event venues at the Lexington location, both locations have other picnic areas, porches or indoor sitting areas where you can enjoy wine by a flight, glass, or bottle. They also have many live weekend music events, and the evening we were at the Shelbyville location it was Trivia Night.

I’d like to thank Sheila for her hospitality, and hope to get a chance to visit the Lexington location soon.

Talon Winery – Lexington, 7086 Tates Creek Road, Lexington KY 40515
Talon Winery – Shelbyville, 400 Gordon Ln, Shelbyville, KY 40065

Scott Morris

The post Talon Winery, Shelbyville KY first appeared on CU4Wine & More.

Rising Sun’s winery is owned by Francine and Joey Sloane. the former dairy and horse farm was purchased by them in 1996, but the Sloan family’s Italian heritage and love of wine had predetermined the farm’s fate. This heritage is tied to Joey’s Italian immigrant grandparents, Cataldo and Maria Marinaro.

From the early days, the Sloan’s sons Peyton, Logan and Jordan have been involved; from the first plantings in the vineyard through today’s operation of the vineyard and winery.

In 1999 the vineyard was planted with seven different varieties of grapes. After many years of nurturing the winery began in a tent there on the farm in 2012. The winery, which includes the tasting room and covered pavilion, is located in a converted barn.

Most all of the wines produced by Rising Sun Winery are from estate or Kentucky grown grapes, with the exception of a few that are from sourced grapes, such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from California and Diamond from New York.

Rising Sons Winery’s winemaking operations have been moved offsite where they partner with Prodogy Vineyards & Winery for production and storage.

Francine was our host for this visit and tasting. She is extremely friendly and outgoing, and as an owner, very proud of what the family has accomplished. The tasting room became pretty busy, but she claimed to be a one-woman-show, while confessing that there are plenty of friends and family that will pop up to help when needed.

My selections for the tasting included the following (winery notes shown):

• CHARDONEL (DRY WHITE) – Similar to a Chardonnay, but housed on oak.  Oak flavor is subtle.  This is a medium bodied white wine.  Has a little spicy flavor, yet rich and crisp.  Kentucky grown, but not estate. Very refreshing. One of my purchases.
• VIDAL BLANC (DRY WHITE) – This wine is also made in stainless steel.  It has a lighter body and a natural sweetness.  Similar to a Sauvignon Blanc, but a more crisp flavor.  
• CHAMBOURCIN (DRY RED) – This earthy, medium bodied red has modest tannins and strong herbaceous flavors with notes of black pepper, cherry, spice. 
• PINOT NOIR (DRY RED) – A lighter bodied red with complex flavors of cherry, raspberry, spice, and forest floor.
• ROSE’ LADY (CHAMBOURCIN – SWEET ROSE’) – This rose’ has a 4% residual sugar. Has tones of black cherry and subtle spice.
• DIAMOND GIRL – (SWEET WHITE) – An assertive floral and fresh grape aroma. The Diamond variety is a cross between Concord and Iona grapes. Originating in New York. Sweeter than my typical purchase, but ad to get a bottle for my daughter.

Wait, did someone say bourbon and wine infused jams and jellies?! Rising Sons Winery has a several that are included with the wine pairing. The ones I tried are:

• Paw-Paw Bourban Jam
• Francine’s FusionWine Jelly
• Peach Sangria Wine Jelly
• Strawberry Sangria Wine Jelly

Be sure to check out their online store for more.

The back of this wine bottle label conveys the message from Joey Sloan as to the meaning of the winery name and pride taken in it.

Thank you to Francine for the hospitality and enthusiasm in which she helped and served all of the guests.

Rising Sons Winery, 975 Frankfort Rd Lawrenceburg, KY.

Scott Morris

The post Rising Sons Winery, Lawrenceburg KY first appeared on CU4Wine & More.

Even before you enter the lane you will see the tasting room and production facility on the distant hillside along with the vineyards. In the forefront is the Pavilion, which is the 60′ x 80′ wedding venue that seats up to 200 guests along with a bar and dressing facilities.

Lovers Leap Vineyard & Winery is owned by David and Patty Sivinski, along with President, Brian Sivinski.

The vineyards were originally planted in 1994 and consist of 25 acres of grapes: Aromella, Vignoles, Cynthiana/Norton, Chambourcin, Crimson Cabernet and Petite Pearl. A few varieties have been lost due to recent weather conditions, so future plantings are planned.

In addition to estate grown, varieties are also produced from grapes sourced from other regions, like Washington State and New York. Some of the wines planned for bottling in the next few years include Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, and Sangiovese. These are in addition to the Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Malbec, Mourvèdre, Merlot, Vidal Blanc, and other varieties already available.

Winemaker Robert Wonacott, a native of California, has a story similar to many other wine makers. He previously had a career that took him to locations where he was introduced to the wines and vineyards in those regions, such as Western Australia, the Netherlands, France, and Germany. He returned to the United States and after pursuing education in viticulture and enology, planted his own vineyard in Texas and opened Eperon Winery in 2010 in Texas. He has gone on to consult with other wineries and has helped produce many award-wining wines.

The tasting room has a beautiful rustic exterior that has a wraparound porch with outdoor seating. Inside there is a large lounge off the tasting bar. One wall is adorned with staves from a wine barrels that adds a very unique touch to the interior, like the same style sign at the drive entrance.

During our visit, my wife and I had the pleasure to be served by Selene Hutchinson-Zuffi, Tasting Room Manager and Event Coordinator, and Matthew. Both were very knowledgeable and gracious hosts.

Although they have preselected Barrel Room tastings, provided by appointment only, I only took part in the Tasting Room tasting. They have the standard tasting for $15, but thankfully I took advantage of the upgrade to include the Reserve Wines for an additional $7. It was well worth it.

My tasting included the following. I’ve included the winery’s tasting notes along with my own:

• 2018 Chardonnay (dry) – This stainless Chardonnay is light and crisp expressing apple, white peach and citrus with hints of ginger and spice. I truly enjoy Chardonnay, whether oaked or in stainless steel. This one is dry as expected and very refreshing.
• Win-Place-Show Red (dry)- This dry red blend of American, French-American, Hybrid and purely European grapes is very easy on the palate. Smooth in texture and profoundly complex, this is a solid, dry table red for any day or occasion. The blend is Chambourcin, Cynthiana (Norton), Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. It was amazing and one of my purchases for the day.
• 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (dry) – Often a pleasant surprise to new visitors to Kentucky, our Cabernet Sauvignon has a well-developed tannic structure and a beautiful fruit offering backed by balanced acidity. A nose of violets and dark fruit begin the introduction, as flavors of cherries sprinkled with chocolate are all followed by a solid and glorious finish. Cabernet Sauvignon has always been one of my favorite red varieties, so I always try it wherever I go.
• ​ 2016 Estate Reserve Chambourcin – This “fruit-forward” French-American hybrid, grown in our estate vineyards from 25 year old plantings is bold and beautiful. Deep, dark berry essences, full and round textures along with hints cedar and vanilla give this wine its memorable complexity. Chambourcin is probably my favorite red US Midwest varieties.
• 2019 Mourvèdre Reserve – Mourvèdre also known as Monastrell, originated in Spain and is thought to have been brought to that region by the Phoenicians centuries ago. Look for cherry, earthy minerality as well as spice. Moervedre is one of my favorite varieties. Although used in blends around the world, especially with Grenache and Syrah (GSM), I enjoy the single variety wines that are very dry and tannic in nature, as well as the GSMs. This was definitely one of my purchases.
• Grand Reserve Cabernet Franc – This Non-vintage Cabernet Franc is 100% Cabernet Franc, but it’s a blend of 50% Kentucky Cabernet Franc from 2013 aged ten years in Kentucky oak. The other 50% is 2021 Cabernet Franc from Washington State; the two compliment each other nicely. Cabernet Franc is one of the premiere Bordeaux varieties being grown more and more in the US Midwest and Great Lakes wine regions. Also one of my favorites, and a purchase for the day.
• 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (dry) – This wine was not on the menu. It had just recently been sampled from storage to determine if ready for release. It definitely was!

All of the wines I tries were wonderful. I can’t always say that after a winery visit. I’m anxious to experience the future bottlings of Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, and Sangiovese.

I wish to thank Selene and Matthew for the time they took to speak to us, as well as all of the guess there for a tasting. It’s always a pleasure to be met with kindness, but the knowledge and conversation make the visit so much more inviting.

If after visiting Lovers Leap Vineyard & Winery your travel plans take you south, be sure to take the serene and beautiful drive on Route127, which is a bypass around Lexington. It takes the same amount of time and the view is well worth it.

Lovers Leap Vineyard & Winery, 1180 Lanes Mill Rd, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342

Scott Morris

The post Lovers Leap Vineyard & Winery, Lawrenceburg KY first appeared on CU4Wine & More.

The winery has been in existence since 2006. It was founded by a partnership of grape farmers as a conduit for wines produced from the estate. They built a livery barn to house winemaking operations and a small winemaker’s quarters. 

In September 2017, Adam McBride, a West Michigan native, purchased the winery. He continues the tradition of hand-crafting world European-style wines. It is still amazing to me that the climate in Michigan is conducive to producing varieties for this style of winemaking. Adam’s interest in wine was sparked while in the Air Force and stationed in a village in Germany’s Mosel Valley. His two years there provided ample opportunity to explore the wineries, vineyards, and learn more about the wine makers and process.

Adam has an MBA from Michigan State, but expanded his education in wine through Napa Valley Wine Academy and the Wine and Spirits Education Trust/WSET (Level 2 & Level 3 Award with Distinction) and a 2020 graduate of the Wine and Viticulture Technology program at Lake Michigan College (with honors).  Both his passion for making quality small batch wines and his education are evident in the wines.

Hickory Creek Winery is located in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA (American Viticulture Area). It has a very small vineyard, so pretty much all of their fruit is sourced, and locally.

The large red barn greets you as you arrive. From there you have the choice of indoor or outdoor experiences. Inside is where you can participate in guided tasting tours, while tastings outside are typically served as flights. Be sure to check out the FAQ on their website, as it provides a great many tips on their busy times, reservation suggestions/requirements, and several tips related to wine tasting etiquette.

As you enter, you will find their shop, tasting bar, several tables, and an area in the barrel room where they host tastings. Outside is a large patio and picnic area. They even have a second floor event room that can accommodate up to 40 people (standing room configuration) or 25 people (seated configuration).

The wines at Hickory Creek winery are mostly dry, which is my preference, although I try everything. The wines I experienced on this visit were:

• 2021 Gruner Veltliner
• 2021 Pinot Noir
• 2021 Blaufränkisch – I was not familiar with this variety. It is a dark-skinned variety of grape, which is late-ripening, produces red wines which are typically rich in tannin and may exhibit a spicy finish. This was my purchase on this visit.
• 2021 Mélange – I love Bordeaux blends. This one is 45% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
• 2021 Merlot-Carménère – 65% Merlot and 35% Carménère

Hickory Creek Winery has an inviting combination of wines and people, which require both to make a visit enjoyable. If I lived in the area, I could see this as a regular stop.

I’d like to thank Jamie for making this a memorable visit, and applaud Adam for his winemaking and success in making his dream a reality.

Hickory Creek Winery, 750 Browntown Rd, Buchanan, MI 49107

Scott Morris

The post Hickory Creek Winery, Buchanan MI first appeared on CU4Wine & More.

The cousins opened Lazy Ballerina Winery in 2015 in St. Joseph MI, and later moved to their current location, which is much larger. In June 2017 they opened the tasting room in Bridgman, which was expanded in Fall 2021 to make room for their “speakeasy” room, where they can host tastings and small events.

Lazy Ballerina Winery hosts a variety of events at both locations including: tastings, food and wine pairing, craft markets, arts and craft classes, food classes, and entertainment.

“Lazy Ballerina” is a term that refers to a type of trellis system that a wine grapevine is grown on.  It is basically a little tilt on the top of the canopy to provide some bunch shading during the hottest part of the day. The two “decided to make the name our own and create a fun, slightly quirky wine brand to appeal to women, dancers (or those that try) and all Michigan wine lovers alike!”

Jason Hayes is the winemaker, and all grapes and fruit are locally sourced from Southwest Michigan.  In addition to wine, they have small batch spirits and hard ciders.

Let me share with you the wines I experienced on this visit, along with the producer’s notes, and my purchased selections*.

• Humane White – With each bottle sold, $10 gets donated to the Humane Society of SW Michigan thanks to matching funds from Honor Credit Union! Residual Sugar: 0%
• Pinot Noir* – “A velvety, smooth red with subtle hints of oak and cherry. Lively and versatile. This one makes a great dinner companion. Residual Sugar: 0%“
• Midnight Swan – “A dark, robust Bordeaux style red blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Spread your wings and expand your palate. Residual Sugar: 0%“
• Rye Rouge* – “A Cabernet Franc aged in Rye barrels from Journeyman Distillery for 100 days.  Residual Sugar: 0%“
• Barrel Rouge – “Our latest bourbon-barrel aged red is Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 100 days in Evan Williams barrels. Complete with a red wax seal.  Residual Sugar: 0%“

I’d like to thank Lauren for her hospitality, and when in Southwestern Michigan again I hope to visit the St. Joseph location.

Lazy Ballerina Winery, 321 State St, St Joseph, MI 49085 & Tasting Room at 4209 Lake St, Bridgman, MI 49106

Scott Morris

The post Lazy Ballerina Winery, St. Joseph & Bridgman MI first appeared on CU4Wine & More.