We spent this past weekend wine tasting in Traverse City
with friends. Traverse City has quickly started to be known as “wine country”
and the future Napa Valley. The region’s microclimate allows TC to produce
clean and fresh tasting wine that holds its aroma and fruit flavors much better
than the wines produced in hotter climates. Traverse City vineyards are most
highly regarded for their white wines (my favorite!)- Riesling, Pinot Grigio
and Chardonnay - but are now gaining recognition for light red styles as well!
I was surprised at how many lovely blends of Pinot Noir we tasted this weekend.
2Lads 2011 Pinot Noir was one of my favorite pours of the day. We even bought a
bottle to pair with our dinner the following evening! Spending a day touring
the Traverse City wineries makes for a lovely weekend. I hope you all plan a
visit to this special region in Northern Michigan. (It was recently called the
Hamptons of Michigan in this article!).
Chateau Chantal is one of my favorite wineries. Besides their wonderful selection of wine, they also have a spectacular porch to take in the view of the vines and East Bay. On warm summer days, there is no better place to sit outside with a glass of wine and cheese tray to take in the view.
2Lads is one of the newer wineries in Traverse City. The sleek, modern space is remarkably different from the other tasting rooms of the region. According to the staff, the building is made entirely from sustainable materials. The facility also uses a gravity flow and gentle handling technique to transport and age the wine. By using a gentle process, the aromatics, flavors and colors are preserved and help build a complex wine.
Brys Estate has a stunning tasting room decorated with beautiful brick and dark cherry wood. The charming property offers a more quaint and personal experience. Don't be fooled though - Brys wine have won more than 225 national and international awards! Be sure to try their unique ice wine!
Last, but certainly not least, we visited Ciccone Vineyard located on the slopes of Leelanau Peninsula. Ciccone holds a special place in our hearts, as it is the location of our upcoming wedding in June 2013! Don't just visit the tasting room...be sure to explore the beautiful property and take in the barn and maple tree that overlook the vines. Stunning!
Check out all of the wineries in Traverse City here. There are many more to visit, this is just a preview :) Also here are a few of my favorite wine accessories (perfect for holiday gifts I might add!).
Clockwise: Wine Lines Glass Tags; Corckcicle; Door Knob Bottle; Vinturi Deluxe Aerator Set; StopperWine Bites Book; Cool Coat Wine Cooler; Wine Bottle Presenter; Tour Wine Glasses; Wine Napkins