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Through the Grapevine |
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Grape vines bursting with succulent fruit,
views across West Traverse Bay and award winning wines are all there to be
savored in what I call the little finger (Leelanau Peninsula) of Michigan. Michigan now has thirty wineries that vary in size and offerings from very small family-run to large production ventures. Our state is also the fourth largest grape-growing state. A portion of this production goes into making juices, but a large segment is now used in award winning wines.  Ciccone
Vineyard and WineryThis is a fairly new small picturesque winery located high on a hill with a commanding view of its lush surroundings. A modest contemporary house and an older barn were pretty much all there was when Tony and Joan Ciccone bought the 80-acre property in 1995. They have worked completely on their own since the first planting of 6,000 vines in 1996 to produce wonderful award-winning wines. Joan said, "Nobody will get rich doing what we do (working everything by hand with limited production) but we love it". She said, "It is a labor of love". She spent her previous life as a homemaker indoors, now she loves working outside. Their goal is to sell most of their wine through their new tasting room officially opened in April 2001. They prefer to stay small and limit their production to about 25 acres, Joan said. Currently they have about 16 acres in production. The Ciccone winery currently produces approximately 2,200 cases or 26,400 bottles a year on 16,000 vines. Tony is the Scientist with his nicely equipped lab, deciding when the grapes are the sweetest and ready for harvest. By 1998 they were not only selling their wines, but they had won four awards from the Grand Rapids Taster's Guild, including a gold medal for their Cabernet Franc. The estate white wines they sell are Gururztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, while red offerings are Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc Dolcetto and Leelatage. The Leelatage is a nice blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. They also offer a Cherricetto, this is a fusion of Traverse City cherries and Dolcetto. Cherri-Noir, a blend of Pinot Noir and cherries, is another sweet dessert wine that is supposed to be great with chocolate. I really have to try that combination. Joan and Tony are proud to tell everyone how much is done by hand to make their wines special. All of the vines are manually pruned, tied, fertilized and harvested. Most of the final process is manual including Joan's job of filling the wine bottles from a bladder type apparatus that looks like a milking machine. At harvest time the freshly hand cut grape clusters go directly into the stemmer, manned by Tony. This kind of freshness they feel is an advantage to being small and that fresh produces better flavor. Joan said that family and friends often help in the harvest. When the hard work is done, they have a big party to celebrate. Future plans for the winery include planting a few more acres and providing a charming place for wedding and events. The tasting room currently can host parties up to about sixty-five people. They are currently considering updating their barn for larger events. Blackstar Farms An award winning winery, horse farm, Inn and creamery combined makes a nice weekend visit. It is reminiscent of an Inn of yesteryear, where you could board your horse, stay the night, enjoy a hearty breakfast and have a sip or two of wine.  The
main building doesn't look old fashioned, in fact it looks like a Kentucky
horse farm transported to Michigan. The name of the farm was taken from
the beautiful black star in the Foyer of the Inn. Donald Coe, one of the
owners said they just couldn't see naming an elegant winery for the
previous owner, Barry Boone (get it…Boone's Farm).One of the unique items that Blackstar sells as part of the scrumptious lineup is Pear and its Spirit. This is a bottle of Pear Brandy with a pear in the bottle. How do they do that, you ask? Well, they place the bottles over the pear blossoms in the orchard around the beginning of June. The pear grows inside the bottle! The pear is harvested, bottle and all. Then pear brandy from the current year harvest is added (after cleaning, of course). If you drop by for a taste of their wines, make sure to include A Capella Ice Wine. In 2000 this wine won a gold medal over 1251 wines at the 2002 Grand Harvest Awards Competition and it went to the White House recently to accompany dessert at the annual Governors Conference in Washington, DC. The Inn is entered through a grand foyer with a marble floor with the central black star and a sweeping curved staircase. The seven guestrooms that vary in size are contemporary in design and some have fireplaces and Jacuzzis. They all are very comfortable and include private baths, luxurious linens, complimentary bottle of wine and cozy robes. The Inn features an indoor pool, library, the Mimosa Room for the included breakfast and the Pegasus Lounge for wine and cheese prior to dinner reservations. The horse farm encourages people staying at the Inn to bring their horses to ride the nearby trails or participate in one of the events at the farm. Leelanau Peninsula Vintners The Ciccone Winery and Blackstar Farms are two of ten wineries that belong to the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners. The other wineries are Shady Lane Cellars, Chateau de Leelanau Vineyard and Winery, Willow Vineyard, L. Mawby, Leelanau Wine Cellars, Good Harbor Vineyards, Chateau Fontaine and Bel Lago Vineyard and Winery. This group plans and hosts some fun events for wine enthusiasts. Last year I was present during the fall Harvest Stompede. This wonderful event includes a special engraved wineglass, wine tastings at all of the wineries and savory hors de oeuvres. There are wonderful bed and breakfasts, views and restaurants along with the wineries in the area. If you would like to plan a wonderful weekend trip, check out one of these treasures of the Leelanau Peninsula. Don't forget your camera and some room in the trunk of your car for a few bottles or a case or two of wine. |
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All art, photos and written material is the
copyright of Sandra (Sandie) K. Parrott
and cannot be used without permission from the owner.
