Many Chicagoans are familiar with the wineries of nearby southwest Michigan, which provide a nice day-trip destination. But Michigan’s wine country extends further north, as well, with nearly 15 wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula.
Wine Escapes: Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula
Chicago
In September, the Leelanau Peninsula Vintner’s Association hosts its annual Harvest Stompede, where participants can choose a 5K run or walk of a 7-mile run through the area’s vineyards. The race is, of course, accompanied by a wine tasting tour. If there’s anything that can get us to run, it’s a glass or two of wine at the end. And running through a scenic vineyard can’t be too bad either.
Also in September is the Epicurean Classic in Traverse City, Mich. The two-day event includes cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, receptions and dinners and draws chefs from as far away as Stockholm and Trinidad. This year’s presenters include grilling expert Diane Morgan and Chicago’s Carlyn Berghoff, CEO of Berghoff Catering & Restaurant Group.
The Leelanau Peninsula is about a five-hour drive from Chicago.
- Leelanau Peninsula Vintner's Association
- Harvest Stompede
- Epicurean Classic
- Up North Foodies: Celebrating Northern Michigan Food and Drink
Related: Grilling Questions for Diane Morgan: How to Clean a Grill?
(Images: lpwines and schopie1, licensed under Creative Commons)
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It's about time Northern Michigan got some love.
view harchangel's profile
Last weekend I discovered Black Star Farms, a winery in Suttons Bay, at the Journeyman Cafe in Fennville, Mich. We went back a few days later just to enjoy another bottle. Delicious and distinctive! Now I need to find out how to buy it retail.
view Janine at Rustic Kitchen's profile
Joanna, thanks for linking to Up North Foodies. We started the site to celebrate the local food and drink of Northern Michigan after witnessing just how much there was to celebrate!
That includes wineries on both the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas, as well as in downtown Traverse City. These wines are winning awards, as did Leelanau Cheese's aged raclette...best cheese in America last year.
The interest in local foods is captured by local CSA farms with waiting lists, top chefs featuring local foods in their restaurants, a new local business that tackles the distribution logistics of getting local foods to commercial customers, programs underway to connect local farmers to area schools, and more.
But the foodie love goes beyond just the local. Just look at the continued success of the Traverse Epicurean Classic. The event brings in top chefs from around the country, offering classes, chef's dinners at area restaurants, tastings, receptions, etc. It's always jam-packed, educational and delicious.
There really IS a lot to celebrate about Northern Michigan! (Don't even get me started on the Traverse City Film Festival!)
view Paula at Up North Foodies's profile
Thanks for the love -- Northern Michigan is a GREAT place for wine, food and lots of fun.
In fact, we're starting a new magazine your readers may be interested in -- The 45th - wine, food and leisure in Northern Michigan. You can learn more at http://www.the45th.net
view John @ The 45th's profile