Vineyard 2121
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Vineyard 2121 is a relatively new winery in southwest Michigan. The tasting room opened in 2015. In addition to an array of wines, food is available from their onsite professional kitchen. Visitors are coming from as far away as Grand Rapids, Michigan to enjoy the experience that Vineyard 2121 offers. Wine enthusiasts are encouraged to come and spend the day.
Upon reaching Vineyard 2121, visitors will immediately see a large, white-covered carriage near the red-sided, modern-style tasting room. The facility is located atop a hill overlooking vineyards and a large white event tent. A stairway leads from the visitor parking up to the tasting room.
Inside Vineyard 2121’s tasting room, we discovered a spacious area with a large circular tasting counter. High above the tasting counter a circular blackboard provides information about the wines available and the events. Nearby the tasting counter, numerous tables and chairs encourage people to come and stay awhile and enjoy the experience.
Vineyard 2121 is owned and operated by Debbie and Jeff Pallas who are passionate about the winery and the vineyard. They commented that “people are passionate who are working here.” The Pallas named the winery Vineyard 2121 based on the street address. The logo with 2121 also has six squares with each square representing one of their six children.
Debbie and Jeff have known each other for years. They grew up in this area of Michigan and even went to school together. In 2008, the Pallas purchased the land and eventually started the winery for their retirement. Prior to opening Vineyard 2121 Jeff’s career had been as a landscape architect. After purchasing the property, the Pallas planted raspberries. They also grow currants and blackberries. The property was a former juice farm that grew Concord and Niagara grapes. The owners removed the juice grapevines and replanted wine varieties.
Debbie and Jeff encourage people to visit the tasting room while on vacation. According to them, you will return again to spend the day. “We want you to say wow! and tell your friends. Visitors will love the relaxed atmosphere and stay for the food.”
Currently the wine is produced offsite at another local winery. However, the bottling of wines takes place onsite.
Food at Vineyard 2121
Vineyard 2121 offers two food menus - Wood Fired Pizza and Sus-te-nance. The pizza menu lists seven types of pizzas and an array of toppings, side salads and desserts. The Sus-te-nance menu has several categories including Boards, Paninis and Vineyard Favorites. This last category includes mac-n-cheese, salads, soups, sweets and beverages.
Vineyards
The vineyards consist of 14 acres of grapevines. The property also has two acres of raspberries, currants and black raspberries. The grape varieties growing on the property include: Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Traminette and Seyval. Jeff seeks to limit harvest to two tons per acre. The owners also source grapes from other Michigan vineyards.
Wines
Seyval Blanc Lake Michigan Shore AVA 2016 was produced with estate grown fruit. The wine was a light yellow color with floral and citrus aroma notes. The taste was smooth with grapefruit and a hint of honeysuckle. The finish was crisp with fruit yielding to mineral. Reserve Chardonnay Lake Michigan Shore AVA 2016 was estate grown. The wine was a light yellow color and offered green apple and pear on the aroma and taste. The mouthfeel was smooth. The finish was crisp and fruity. The 2016 Dry Riesling Lake Michigan Shore AVA, produced with estate grown fruit, was a light yellow color. The wine offered notes of floral, tropical fruit, mineral and yellow stone fruit. The finish was crisp with fruit yielding to mineral.
Reserve Cabernet Franc Lake Michigan Shore AVA 2014 was a translucent dark red color. The aroma was of floral and dark fruit. The taste was full-bodied with bold chewy tannins. The wine offered notes of blackberries, plums, spices and pepper. The finish was crisp with a blend of fruit and spice. Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Lake Michigan Shore AVA 2014 was a translucent ruby color. The aroma had notes of dark fruits and spice. The taste was of blackberries, green pepper and tobacco. The wine was full-bodied with medium-bold tannins. The finish was crisp with fruit and spice notes.
Vineyard 2121 produces hard ciders including Hard Apple, Hard Cherry, Hard Spiced and Limited Edition Cider. The Hard Cherry Cider, with 4% residual sugar, was fruity with cherry and almond flavors. There was a hint of tartness.
When planning your visit to Vineyard 2121, add extra time to your schedule to enjoy the Vineyard 2121 experience that includes vineyard views, wine and food. There are numerous events at the tasting room including showers, weddings and parties.
Vineyard 2121 Winery & Tasting Room
4110 Red Arrow Highway
Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022
GPS: N42º 09.1503’ W86º 21.4727’
Article written June 2017
