Michigan is home to over 110 wineries with 64 wineries using Michigan grapes. If you are not able visit individual wineries, check out some of the festivals.

This weekend (Aug 29 & 30) is the 9^th Annual Wine and Food Festival in the Detroit suburb of Rochester Hills. Kroger, a large grocery store chain, is sponsoring this event. A large tent with foods prepared by chefs from the International Culinary School at the Art Institutes of Michigan features Michigan locally grown foods. Small paper plates were available with a different sample on each. After walking through the food tent visitors will find that wineries and distributors set up small tents for showcasing wines. Black Star Farms from Leelanau Peninsula and Chateau Chantal from Old Mission Peninsula were offering samples. Fenn Valley also offered a great tasting. I really enjoy the Riesling from Fenn Valley.

More Michigan wine festivals are taking place this fall. Michigan Wines website has an easy to use calendar website of wine events.  In September look for Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival, Wine & Food Celebration on Old Mission Peninsula, and Harvest Stompede. In November, consider visiting the annual Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival.

Enjoy visiting a festival with friends and family while meeting other wine enthusiasts.

Cheers! Kathy