Sunday, August 27, 2006
Pioneer Wine Trail, a pioneering start!
Most blogs and reviews of Michigan wines would probably start with the wines and wineries of the Leelanau & Old Mission Peninsulas in northern Michigan near Traverse City. However, I live 4-5 hours away from those wineries, and travel opportunities are somewhat limited with the high price of gas these days. Fortunately, a new group of wineries has risen nearly on my doorstep in the last 10 years, the SE Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail (www.pioneerwinetrail.com). The Trail consists of 6 wineries and 3 tasting rooms stretching from around Lansing through Parma and Jackson to Tecumseh and Dundee. The wineries are typically small family-owned affairs, many who have been making wine at home for several years before deciding to turn commercial. I find myself attracted to the owners and winemakers of these wineries because they are truly wine pioneers in Michigan’s newest wine-growing region. A decade ago, most people probably would have scoffed at the idea that one could grow wine grapes in southeast Michigan, far away from the tempering climate of Lake Michigan, let alone make quality wines from the fruit’s of one’s labor. However, Kip & Dennise Barber of Lone Oak Estate Vineyards and the other winemakers have proven them wrong.
Last February, I first ventured out to explore these wineries, visiting Lone Oak Estates, Sandhill Crane Vineyards, and Pentamere Winery. To be honest, I was expecting to taste a lot of insipid, sweet wines, but I was stunned to taste many well-made wines, both white and red, that were very reasonably priced. Almost a case of wine made its way into my cellar from that first visit, although I’ll admit that I’ve since drunk my way through it. Oh well, that only means I have to go back and revisit often and regale you with my adventures.
My friends and co-workers have been curious about my experience at these wineries, especially if the wines were comparable to wines from California and other wine-producing region. I would have to admit that no, the wines of the Pioneer Trail are not quite on par with California wines, and frankly, I wouldn’t expect them to be. After all, these wineries have been making wine for a relatively very short period of time, and while significant growth has occurred, there is room for a great deal of more learning and exploration. I would firmly state that these wines are different and unique, focusing on the terrior of the grapes and fruit grown throughout Michigan. So don’t expect a merlot from Sandhill Crane Vineyards to come close to the silky, full, fruity merlots from California or Washington. The pricing of these wines is a definite plus in their favor as well. I am far more lenient on a wine that is priced for less than $15, than am I of a wine asking more than $20. For the more budget minded wine drinker, a large percentage of the wines along the Pioneer Wine Trail are cheap enough to enjoy during everyday drinking, and do not reach the price level where serious consideration must be made if the wine really approaches the quality level of the advertised price. This is one of my biggest complaints about the wineries around Traverse City and the reason why I usually purchase very little wine when I visit. On the other hand, I have readily purchased almost two cases of wine during two visits to the ‘Trail. The results speak for themselves!
Over the next few posts, I will describe each of the wineries that I have visited in more detail, as well as some of their wines. I’m planning on taking a trip to Indiana this weekend to pick up some equipment for my fall winemaking, and by gosh, Cherry Creek Cellars is right along the way (I hate it when visits are that convenient). That will leave only one winery left to visit in the Pioneer Trail, and then maybe I’ll be able to bring myself to enter one of the St. Julian tasting rooms.
More on other visits and wines soon.
Cheers,
A Student
Last February, I first ventured out to explore these wineries, visiting Lone Oak Estates, Sandhill Crane Vineyards, and Pentamere Winery. To be honest, I was expecting to taste a lot of insipid, sweet wines, but I was stunned to taste many well-made wines, both white and red, that were very reasonably priced. Almost a case of wine made its way into my cellar from that first visit, although I’ll admit that I’ve since drunk my way through it. Oh well, that only means I have to go back and revisit often and regale you with my adventures.
My friends and co-workers have been curious about my experience at these wineries, especially if the wines were comparable to wines from California and other wine-producing region. I would have to admit that no, the wines of the Pioneer Trail are not quite on par with California wines, and frankly, I wouldn’t expect them to be. After all, these wineries have been making wine for a relatively very short period of time, and while significant growth has occurred, there is room for a great deal of more learning and exploration. I would firmly state that these wines are different and unique, focusing on the terrior of the grapes and fruit grown throughout Michigan. So don’t expect a merlot from Sandhill Crane Vineyards to come close to the silky, full, fruity merlots from California or Washington. The pricing of these wines is a definite plus in their favor as well. I am far more lenient on a wine that is priced for less than $15, than am I of a wine asking more than $20. For the more budget minded wine drinker, a large percentage of the wines along the Pioneer Wine Trail are cheap enough to enjoy during everyday drinking, and do not reach the price level where serious consideration must be made if the wine really approaches the quality level of the advertised price. This is one of my biggest complaints about the wineries around Traverse City and the reason why I usually purchase very little wine when I visit. On the other hand, I have readily purchased almost two cases of wine during two visits to the ‘Trail. The results speak for themselves!
Over the next few posts, I will describe each of the wineries that I have visited in more detail, as well as some of their wines. I’m planning on taking a trip to Indiana this weekend to pick up some equipment for my fall winemaking, and by gosh, Cherry Creek Cellars is right along the way (I hate it when visits are that convenient). That will leave only one winery left to visit in the Pioneer Trail, and then maybe I’ll be able to bring myself to enter one of the St. Julian tasting rooms.
More on other visits and wines soon.
Cheers,
A Student
