WINE, WHINE, WIN (Week of October 18)

 

After a couple of years of caution and as we were facing an ever declining wine rack, we believed it was time to go a'wining through the north country. Reds, pinks, whites, purples coupled with red, orange, yellow - Fall is the perfect time to combine beauty and bounty. We even snared another couple to ride along, warning them to be prepared to make multiple stops and bring your checkbook. Our record I believe is 9 or 10 vinyards, but we managed eight. Full Disclosure: The OH is the designated driver so he partakes sparingly and we are fully equipped with carbs and water. However with three of us indulging we often got different flights and were able to share more flavors. (Win Win part)

As this was an educational trip as well, we made a first stop at Sleeping Bear Park as our friends had never had the pleasure. A bit nippy and rain threatening, but actually perfect weather as you do have to hike a bit to see "Mama Bear" and the Manitou Islands (Her deceased cubs). Though threats were made, no one went down the 400 ft cliff described by the volunteer as climbing the steps of a  45 floor building, in sand, without a handrail.  

No, that's not a guy barfing. It's an arrow.  Three grand to rescue your sorry butt, so we speculated on the method of rescue. I'm saying a rope tied around your waist and winched up. Should be painful.

First disappointment is Fall did not cooperate this year and the prettier dresses that trees don this time of year were apparently still in storage. And of course, the highly specialized and sought after apple variety, that onlygrows up here, was also depleted.  One year we're too early, one year too late - curses. Of course I always have to ask an apple stand queen what is that apple that only grows up here in a limited way as I can never remember the name. They always know though. Good news, its' called such and such, only grown by Mr. So and o, and yes they are all gone now. Settled for some other oddball varieties and a crumb cherry pie for the stop in Manistee to see the newlyweds.

Pandemic rules and the necessity to earn back some of the lost revenue from lock-down led to some expected increases and changed procedures.  Gone are the days of belly up to the bar to be regaled with fascinating stories about this vintage which is flavored with apricot, grapefruit, smoke and bat crap nuances. I missed that. As veteran winers, I knew which one opened first (Peninsula) and we made it there with 3 minutes to spare enjoying the place to ourselves. First rule-credit cards on entry and pexi-glass barriers.  However our "barkeep" was convivial and had stories about the wine and the old converted schoolhouse they resided in, which was of great interest to our teacher friend. He did introduce me to an "under the counter limited" wine called something like limburger or whatever, which is a bit of an aquired taste. Limited stock got me and I bought a bottle that I will only share with a confirmed and adventurous wino.

Chauteau Chantel is always the second stop, due to its outdoor beauty, but I have been snootified by them for the last time. No personal touch, no stories and a taunt that perhaps their prices were too high for me, Wow, as even. I always thought they were snotty, but this was confirmed by our companions so I can cross personal paranoia off my list. Next stop Brys Estate which did not disappoint except that we were confined to our table and a waitress, who at least knew the wines. Could not pass up the Sauvignon Blanc even though the grapes are imported. 

 Quick stop at Mari to see what merch (merchandise) they had as their owners are dropping $100s of 1,000s  on their televised treasure hunt at Oak Island Canada. Again nothing to see here folks, just give me your credit card, ummm no.  Onto our favorite - Shady Lane- which now consists of a couple of tables and waitresses who know nothing of the wine. Very limited varieties as well. Actually all the vinyards had very limited varieties - not sure the reason on that one. Although they are ecstatic over the 2021 crop which apparently will be abundant and delicious-so keep that in mind when looking the next couple of years. 

Tasting prices were all over the board from $12 to $22!. That last one was Ciccone's owned by Madonna's family. As she was not there, we did not linger or pay the ransom amount, just used the restroom.  Which brings me to another surprise. All the restrooms were spectacular. Each unique, comfortable and beautifully appointed. I see an illustrated book in my future.  

As I was looking forward to my "naked chardonnay" at Bluestone we savored that for one of the last stops. Imagine my chagrin when checking in at the host stand (they all had them) to be asked if we had a reservation. At a wine tasting? "We try to provide a more intimate experience". I thought we were trying to avoid "intimate experiences" due to covidee. "We are all booked up; do you want to get on the wait list?" Freakin' wait list? Out in the boonies, miles from town and we have to wait in the car and get a text as obviously there is no bar to wait at.  Oh well, shockingly for me to agree, we decided to give them a try.  Within five minutes we were in (huh?). Totally worth it and as promised an intimate experience with an informed and humorous sommelier. I asked if he rented out to parties as I would definitely use him.

Final stop at Bel Lago to "see the lake" as it's just a small place.  However it now sports quite an elaborate outdoor layout.  Vinyard folks were busy during lock down creating all these awesome outdoor venues. The inside was totally remodeled as well so we enjoyed the final flight of the day with a newbie host, but eager and accomodating.

Couple of side notes. As our hotel was right across the street from Red Mesa, an excellent mexican restaurant, we took our lives in our paws and scurried across US 31 for dinner. After margaritas at the bar our table was ready and we were informed we needed to wear our masks to our table. Been there for half an hour, sitting at the bar and needed a mask for our 20 foot walk to the table. Oh well. Also as we were bubbling over with conversation we did not notice our entree was taking longer than usual. So they comped us $10 apiece for the inconvenience. Another Win! Hit the Park Hotel for a drink at the Beacon Bar at the very top of the hotel-always one of my rituals. However upon asking at the front desk if the bar was open we heard "not since  last November" and congrats for the asking the most frequent question we get here.  LOL.

All and all, convivial travel buddies and a successful hunt for the reds, whites and purples of October.

Oh yeah, we did let the OH drink at dinner as we were walking...