Bonafide Wines
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Bonafide Wines can be discovered at the Mission Table Restaurant in the former Bowers Harbor Inn and the adjacent restaurant, The Jolly Pumpkin. Wines include a large selection of white wines produced with Old Mission Peninsula grapes. Enjoy the ambiance of the location on Bowers Harbor as well as in the restaurants.
Travelers can taste and purchase Bonafide Wines at The Mission Table Restaurant and The Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant. Bonafide wines are produced close by at Peninsula Cellars. In addition to the Bonafide Wine brand, visitors may be interested in the microbrewery and micro distillery on the property. The wine portfolio was started this year.
The Jolly Pumpkin is for casual dining. Casual fine dining is available in the Mission Table Restaurant. This gives guests the option to choose how they want to dine. The Mission Table menu offers locally grown food. One of the menu options is a five-course tasting alone or paired with wine or beer for an extra charge. The Mission Table wine list includes Bonafide wines and wines from Old Mission Peninsula. A typical tasting menu includes Sautéed Pork Belly, Seared Halibut, Rocket Arugula Salad, Braised Beef Shortrib and Warm Spiced Apple Cake. This tasting menu changes with the season and what is locally available.
History
A lumber baron, J.W. Stickney and his wife, Genevive, built the historic building in the 1880’s as a summer retreat. The site is on Old Mission Peninsula near West Grand Traverse Bay. Eventually the property became the Bowers Harbor Inn, a destination for fine dining. Jon Carlson and Greg Lobdell purchased the property in 2006. They have worked to protect the historic property buildings, land and seashore. In addition they have added a microbrewery and distillery as well as renovating the Inn and restaurants. An event facility was added for private events including weddings.
Bonafide Wines
Our wine tasting was accompanied by four selections the chef sent out.
Rosé Wines
Rosé 2009 was a Cabernet Franc with an aroma that was fruity with notes of red berries. In addition the taste reflected red berries. The fruity finish was crisp.
White Wines
Pinot Grigio 2007 had spice on the aroma. The taste was smooth with a crisp finish. Chardonnay 2009 was unoaked and offered apple nuances on the aroma and taste. The wine offered a crisp finish with apple notes. The Chardonnay matched with grilled asparagus topped with a poached egg and bacon. Gewürztraminer 2008 was floral with notes of roses. The taste had rose, apple and pear nuances. The fruity finish was crisp and dry. Dry Riesling 2009 had fruit salad nuances on the aroma and taste. The finish was crisp and fruity. The wine paired well with scallops. White Blend 2009 was produced with Riesling, Cayuga and Pinot Blanc. This wine also had an aroma and taste with notes of fruit salad. The finish was crisp and fruity. Thus wine was paired with Buffalo Mozzarella salad that included slices of fresh mozzarella and alternating red or yellow tomatoes.
Red Wine
Red Blend 2009 was produced with Cabernet Franc, Baco Noir, Lemberger and Marcehal Foch. The aroma and taste had dark fruit notes with mild tannins on the finish. The Red Blend was paired with short ribs.
Visit Mission Table Bowers Harbor or The Jolly Pumpkin where you can taste wines and food together. If you like to experience a food and wine pairing try the tasting menu at Mission Table. The tasting menu is available during dinner and features five courses paired with beer and wines.
Bonafide Wine
13512 Peninsula Drive
Traverse City, Michigan 49686
GPS: N44º 53.187’ W85º 31.703’
