As we continue to celebrate Michigan Wine Month with 30 days of Michigan Wine, I’d like to share a little bit about one my new favorites – Chateau De Leelanau! The CDL tasting room is one of the very first wineries you come to when you start your Michigan wine tasting tour on Leelanau Peninsula. As you roll north on M-22, you will see the large barn shaped tasting room on your left, and I highly recommend you stop on your next tour. The tasting room was recently renovated, and is open and spacious with a rustic charm. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and if you’re lucky enough, owner Matt Gregory (a fellow Spartan – Go Green!) will be back behind the counter pouring his signature libations.
The CDL wine collection has something for everyone. My current favorites are:
Bianca
A soft white with hints of pear and grapefruit, perfect for the summer
Hawkins Red
Dryer style, light bodied red with a strawberry nose and a hint of pepper at the end
Solem Farm Red
This is a great gateway wine for someone who is not a big fan of dry, bold reds. It has just the slightest sweetness to it, yet still great flavor
Peach Fizz
Peaches and bubbles, need I say more?!
All the CDL wines and ciders are pretty fantastic! Matt actually grew up on Leelanau Peninsula, and his family has farmed the land, mostly apple and cherry orchards for generations. He convinced them that they should try their hand at wine making, and has used their vast experience to produce award winning wine and ciders. The CDL vineyards are actually set away from the tasting room farther north on the peninsula. Last time I was up that way, I was able to tour the vineyards, and they are absolutely stunning! Rolling hills with views of the water on both sides. We had the most amazing picnic lunch with sandwiches from my new favorite, the Fishtown Village Cheese Shanty, and CDL Hard Apple Cider. Let’s just say that was one of my most favorite days ever. Good friends, good wine, good food, and amazing views! If a tasting room were ever built there, I don’t think I would ever leave!
Next time you start your drive up M-22, make absolutely sure you stop at Chateau de Leelanau! And if you’re down in the southern part of the state, you can taste and purchase their wine at the Michigan By The Bottle tasting room in Shelby Township.
