Cherry Creek Cellars - It was a hot, hot day in Michigan when we approached this winery in Albion. We noticed one family sitting outside having a picnic as we walked in the door. We were greeted by a friendly young man and he offered us a tasting. We looked at the wine list and started with some semi-dry wines. While we were tasting, we noticed a row of wine bottles sitting on the end of the counter displaying all of their wines. What caught our attention was the labels. Cherry Creek has some of the most beautiful and interesting labels I've seen. I collect labels from the wine that I drink. My mother has become quite the expert at removing them for me. I'm using them to paper a wall in my dining room (I got this idea from Fisher Ridge Winery in West Virginia...they have a whole bathroom done in wine labels). When I saw the labels at Cherry Creek, I knew I would need a few for myself.

Our host looked pretty young. Curiosity got the best of me and I asked him how old he was. He didn't look like he could possibly be old enough to drink wine. He told me he was 18. Not old enough to drink wine...but old enough to pour wine. 

We were the only customers when we walked in, but after our first couple of samples, the tasting room was suddenly packed. What really impressed me was the way our young host handled the sudden crowd. He did a great job of making everyone feel welcome and taken care of. He had to ring-up a customer making a purchase and assured me he would be right back with another sample. I told him not to worry about us...we were in no hurry. 

Beside having beautiful labels...Cherry Creek has some excellent wine. Gary bought several bottles to take home with him. I think he ended up purchasing more than me which is unusual. He doesn't drink as much wine at his house as I do at mine (he's more of a beer drinker in the evening...but I drink a glass of wine every night before bed). I'm usually the major wine purchaser, but Gary hasn't stopped telling people about their wonderful cherry wine since we returned home. Visited 6/25/2005.  

Cherry Creek Cellars does have a small tasting room, but they do offer wonderful service and excellent wine. If you are in the Albion area...you certainly won't want to pass up a visit to this charming winery. Favorites: Michigan Cherry and Apple.

Contessa Wine Cellars - Perched on a hill in Coloma, Michigan, this beautiful winery was one of our favorite stops in the area. The elegant tasting room, inspired by an Italian Villa, was absolutely gorgeous...plus their third-generation winemaker has certainly honed his craft and is producing some excellent wine. Offering free daily wine-tasting, this is one winery you shouldn't miss when visiting southwestern Michigan.

We entered the building and took a seat at the ornate tasting bar. One man was working behind the counter...and I believe he was the winemaker. Although there were a few other people tasting and a small group of people inquiring about the best place to have a vineyard wedding in southwest Michigan, he was still very attentive to us and made sure everyone had some of his attention during their tasting experience. The wine list was quite diverse offering several reds, whites, one blush and even a couple of fruit wines. I found all of the wines to be of high quality craftsmanship. One of my favorites was Bianco Bella...a semi-sweet French-American blend. The 3% residual sugar gave it just a touch of sweetness and I loved the floral aroma.

Although we couldn't stay any longer than our tasting, it certainly would be a nice place to stay and enjoy a bottle of wine. We noticed a nice seating area outside, and with their hilltop location the view was lovely. We also saw a sign letting visitors know that the deli at the bottom of the hill would deliver food for those staying to enjoy the surroundings. Visited 10/8/2008. 

Lone Oak Vineyard Estate - This small winery is located in Grass Lake, Michigan. When we drove up, there were many cars there, but we soon noticed that there was a party taking place on the grounds. We walked in the door to the tasting room and there were several people inside. I found it odd that some of them were drinking beer...but we later found out that the owner's daughter had graduated from high school and the party was for her. Family and friends had gathered in the tasting room...but soon cleared out and went back out to join the party once we arrived.

We took a seat at the counter and we were greeted by the owner. I wasn't sure what wines we would be able to try. I visited the Lone Oak website before our visit and noticed that many of their wines were labeled as "sold out". We were informed that their website hadn't been updated in awhile and they had several for us to choose from. We started out with some semi-dry wines and worked our way through. Many of the wines they had in stock were not to our liking, but they did have one gem. A red raspberry dessert wine. It was absolutely incredible. The wonderful flavor bursts in your mouth and awakens your senses. I usually won't purchase dessert wines. I have a hard time paying so much for such small bottles, but I knew this one had to come home with me.

We purchased a couple of bottles of the red raspberry and took a look around the tasting room. They must have a hunter in the family. A large bear rug hanging on the wall was for sale, along with a wolverine and a few other animals. (I did notice on this trip to Michigan that hunting must be pretty huge in the area...you don't see much of this kind of thing in southern Ohio).

Looking back...we actually hurried through this tasting. We were the only customers on the premises and party-goers kept coming in and out to use the restroom. We normally like to relax a little more and talk to the winemaker...getting more information on the wines and the history of the winery. We did feel a little out of place and didn't stay as long as we normally would. Maybe on a different day we would have had a more enjoyable experience. Favorite: Red Raspberry. Visited 6/25/2005.

Pentamere Winery - This boutique winery is located in downtown Tecumseh, Michigan. When I walked inside, I was impressed with the marvelous renovations that had taken place in this older building. I could tell great care had been taken in designing every square inch - it was immaculate. Within seconds of our arrival, our host emerged from the back of the building and greeted us. He invited us to step up to the tasting counter and sample the wines.

We started out with some dry reds...which Pentamere does very well. Their Chambourcin is out-of-this world. We moved through our tasting into the semi-sweet wines, which weren't quite as sweet as I would have liked. They did offer one fruit wine in the semi-sweet range that I enjoyed. Just enough sweetness to make it a great sipping wine.

After our tasting, we purchased a few bottles and headed on our way. Pentamere's downtown location is beautiful and interesting...but with no vineyards or scenery...there's not much of a reason to stay very long. Favorites: Chambourcin and Mystic Apple. Visited 6/25/2005.

Sandhill Crane Vineyards - WOW! Who can resist sipping wine in a gorgeous tasting room where every detail has been attended to - from the beautiful decor, to the intricate lighting and the copper top tasting bar? That's what you find when you walk into this winery located in Jackson, Michigan. 

We were impressed from the moment we walked in the door of Sandhill Crane...and remained impressed throughout our visit. We were immediately welcomed and treated to a personal tasting by the very friendly woman behind the counter. We took our time sampling many of the wines and taking in the immaculate surroundings of the tasting room. Every time I turned around, there was something new and interesting to look at that I hadn't noticed before. This winery has a wide selection of wines that is sure to please anyone. 

Gary and I agreed on one bottle to purchase and share on the premises. We took our wine and glasses outdoors and found a nice table beneath a shade tree. The setting is rural and very relaxing. We sat outside for awhile, took in the view of the vineyards and watched a few visitors come and go from the winery. The winery dog, Rosie, even stopped by to say hello while we were finishing up the wine. After a short stroll in the vineyards, we returned to the tasting room to purchase a few bottles to take home with us.

Our visit to Sandhill Crane Vineyards was most enjoyable. I would love to return sometime with friends to show them how great a winery visit can be. Their wines are a bit more expensive than other wineries in the area...but it's well worth it. They have fabulous wine, the friendliest people, and gorgeous, relaxing surroundings. Favorites: Blushing Crane and Rhapsody in Red. Visited 6/25/2005.

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