Although Benzie County's St. Ambrose Cellars primary focus is on honey-based meads, they also produce a line of grape wines that can't be ignored. One in particular, the St. Ambrose Cellars 2011 Cabernet Franc, is a delicious, varietal-correct wine, made from grapes grown in the Lake Michigan Shore Appellation. Earthy and rich, the medium-bodied…
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Cynthiana, also known as Norton, is the oldest native North American variety in commercial cultivation today. Popular in the mid-Atlantic and southern states, Cynthiana has found a home in Georgia, and especially at Three Sisters Vineyards. Established in 1996 and bonded in 2000, Three Sisters Vineyards is Lumpkin County's first vineyard…
View moreThe back label of wine bottles can be valuable real estate. Unfortunately, this area is often overlooked. I recently opened an old favorite from my cellar, the Millbrook Cabernet Franc. Nearly 6 years ago, I tried my first New York wine, a Millbrook Pinot Noir. Ironically, I was staying at…
View moreWhat happens when a winemaking hobby becomes too big? If you're David Butkovich, you open a winery and follow your dream of producing wines. Located on 20 acres in Mattawan, Michigan, Cody Kresta Vineyard and Winery opened their doors in 2010. But the dream of winemaking started before then. A third-generation grape grower,…
View moreIf you like meads and haven't tasted an example from St. Ambrose Cellars, you are truly missing out. Located in Beulah, Michigan, St. Ambrose Cellars produces a variety of estate meads, traditional grape wines and honeys at Sleeping Bear Farms, one of the largest apiaries in the state with 7,000 bee hives. What…
View moreFall is my favorite time of year in Orlando when the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival makes its annual appearance. The popular event offers locals and tourists the opportunity to taste their way around the world on an unforgettable tour of eclectic cultures, global cuisines and wine offerings. Among…
View moreI had the opportunity to participate in the Finger Lakes 2012 Vintage Riesling Launch this past weekend, courtesy of the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance. Riesling Hour is a virtual annual event where participants gather across the globe to taste (and discuss) the current Riesling vintage. The event hashtag, #FLXwine, was the #2 trending…
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