Drink Entertaining Food & Drink Guides Local Guides

The Holiday Guide to Michigan Wines

December 21, 2018

The holidays are synonymous with delicious foods and good spirits (we’re talking the kind with a generous ABV). While some prefer eggnog or a hot chocolate with toasty marshmallows, what really pulls a holiday festivity together is sharing a bottle of wine.

With so many wineries throughout the Mitten State, it is easy to serve or gift a locally-produced wine that suits every palate, budget, and occasion.

 Rosé wines are not just for summer! Switch it up and bring a bottle of the pink stuff to your next holiday party.

Rosé wines are not just for summer! Switch it up and bring a bottle of the pink stuff to your next holiday party.

Michigan Favorites: Under $20

Don’t worry if you already spent your entire holiday budget. We have a few low-budget, high-flavor picks you will love. First is a semi-dry Fenn Valley Lakeshore Demi-Sec ($9) that bursts with floral and apple fruit character. Delicious, local, and under $10? We’re in.

If you’re craving a red, the smooth yet bright fruity blend of flavors in Chateau Chantal Naughty Red ($14) hits all the right notes.

Black Star Farms Arcturos Pinot Noir Rosé ($15.50) proves that rosés are not just a spring and summer wine. The dry pink wine will surprise you with bright fruit flavors, crisp finish, and versatility with food.

 No need to search Napa Valley, Italy, or France for the perfect bottle for your holiday dinner party. Michigan has plenty to choose from!

No need to search Napa Valley, Italy, or France for the perfect bottle for your holiday dinner party. Michigan has plenty to choose from!

Michigan Favorites: $30 and Up

At the $30 and up price point, you are able to find a diverse selection of wines for your holiday festivities (even if it is watching Hallmark Christmas movies on the couch – no judgment). The 2017 Glacier’s Edge Vineyard Wyncroft Blaufrankisch ($30) can be described as a cross between a Pinot Noir and a Petite Sirah and is reminiscent of a mixed berry pie, making it the perfect cozy holiday wine. Pair it with something rich like your go-to wild game dish or something chocolatey.

 The agricultural diversity throughout the Mitten State makes it perfect for the 125+ Michigan wineries.

The agricultural diversity throughout the Mitten State makes it perfect for the 125+ Michigan wineries.

You and your loved ones can also indulge in the Bordeaux-style blend, Black Star Farms 2015 Leorie Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Franc ($49.50). With notes of dark berries, coffee, and oak, can you find a more perfect wintertime wine?

Michigan Favorites: Splurge Wines (Over $50)

Looking to drop a few extra dollars on something really special? 2 Lads Cabernet Franc Reserve ($75) doesn’t mess around. With specially-reserved grapes and oak barrel-fermentation, this wine’s warm mix of cinnamon, anise, vanilla, and rum raisin notes makes it worth the extra cash.

You could also grab a rare ice wine that will feel like the most decadent dessert. Chateau Grand Traverse 2016 Riesling Ice Wine ($75) features ultra-ripe Riesling grapes that were pressed when frozen to create a flavor unlike anything you have ever tried.

Great Holiday Gift Wines

A bottle of wine is the perfect one-size-fits-all gift for anyone on your shopping list. We love Fenn Valley’s 42 Ice Wine ($22) for the loved one with a sweet tooth. A glass of this ice wine tastes like dessert with its blend of fruity notes including peaches, mangos, apricots, honey, raisins, and violet. Another favorite pick is L. Mawby Sandpainting 8 ($31), a sparkling wine that is perfect for any festivity. It is aged, crisp, slightly fruity, and perfect for a holiday dinner!

If your Secret Santa is a lover of unique flavors, grab a bottle of St. Julian Mint Moo-low Chocolate Wine ($15). The perplexing mix of cream, mint, and chocolate in a glass of wine is surely something they haven’t tried before!

 The Gilmore Collection restaurants’ wine lists are ever-changing and growing. Haven’t stopped by in awhile? You’re sure to find something new that you’ll love!

The Gilmore Collection restaurants’ wine lists are ever-changing and growing. Haven’t stopped by in awhile? You’re sure to find something new that you’ll love!

Great Wines to Bring to a Holiday Dinner or Party

Picking the perfect wine that everyone will enjoy when passed around a holiday party or dinnertime can be stressful. The unique, Christmas cookie-like flavors of the St. Julian Solera Cream Sherry ($14) pairs perfectly with a dessert course due to its butterscotch and pecan aromas. A delicious and seasonal wine that you’ll want to open at any point in the party is Warner Vineyards’ Holiberry ($14). The blend of white wine and cranberry screams “happy holidays!”

The Best Tips for Holiday Wine Shopping

Don’t over think it. Yes, some wines pair better with certain foods than others, but if you’re drinking what you like and celebrating with people that you love, then nothing else really matters right? However, if you’re wanting a good all-purpose holiday wine, you can’t go wrong with a fruit wine or a bubbly. They’re crowd pleasers and great for festive celebrations.

If you are looking to uncork and unwind his holiday season, your favorite Gilmore Collection restaurants are happy to pour you the perfect glass of wine. Check out the drink menus at your favorite Gilmore restaurant and stop by for a mid-week boost!

You Might Also Like