Hickory Creek Winery, Buchanan MI

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 you and share not only their experience with the winery, but as in Jamie’s case some of his own history in the hospitality business.

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