Wine
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 …
When passing near Seymour IN on I-75, I suggest a visit to Chateau de Pique. This is a beautiful winery, brewery, and event center with many surprises. So, it is properly named as in French the name means “castle of curiosity”. Gregg Pardieck, owner, is a former pilot, and started the winery in 2007. The …
For some time now my wife has purchased olive oil from Grovestone in Champaign, IL. Recently we took advantage of an opportunity to attend a cooking class and wine tasting there with a group of wonderful friends. The event was led by Owner, Loui Liagridonis, who was an excellent and enthusiastic host. He educated us …
I always like visiting wineries that provide a unique experience. Although this winery has many of the things that perk my attention, such as a rustic environment, family owned operation, and excellent wines, it is even more unique because it is new and located just outside my home town of Altamont, IL. Barn & Bottle …
My wife and I traveled to Davenport IA to check out an art exhibit, and decided to spend the weekend to see other sites in the Quad Cities area. Of course, if there are wineries around, I’ll find and give them a try. Wide River Winery has a location in Davenport, but they also have …
It’s not beer or wine, but mead. I have tried mead before but not even close to the quality and variety as I I found when my wife and I visited Bootleg Hill Honey Meads. We were fortunate to arrive mid-day when it was slow and we could take time to visit with co-founder, Keene …
I’ve had the opportunity to taste a few Cooper’s Hawk wines at various events in the past , but on a recent trip through Springfield IL my wife and I took time to visit and have an early dinner at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant. The location itself is very classy with separate entrances directly …
When searching online for new wine experiences to check out, the word “Stave” immediately pops off the screen. Fortunately, such a search recently led me to Stave Wine Bar & Market. When you step off the street into Stave, you are walking into a casual yet classy environment that instantly says “wine bar”. The market …