Think Red: Fall Color and Michigan Wine

In the most beautiful areas of the Great Lakes State, visitors can enjoy fall color and the bounty of vineyard harvests at more than 60 wineries. Whether the destination is Harbor Country, Irish Hills or the scenic peninsulas near Traverse City, visitors will find award-winning wines to sample in their autumn travels. Judges at the 2009 Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition were especially impressed with the quality of red wines from 2007, and many of these limited-edition reds are available only at the wineries.

The opportunity to "try before you buy" is another good reason to make a trip to winery tasting rooms. For those who can't get away to tour during the autumn color season, there are year-round tasting opportunities. When the crowds clear between November and April, winemakers and tasting room staff are less busy and visitors are treated to extra attention. Many tasting rooms have a limited off-season schedule, so you'll want to check winery web sites or call before you travel to confirm hours of operation.

There are many events this fall that provide opportunities to meet winemakers and sample a variety of Michigan wines, including the New Buffalo Wine & Harvest Festival, October 10 and Food, Wine and All That Jazz, October 30 at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Wineries also host wine dinners, vineyard tours and trail events to celebrate the harvest.

To request a complimentary Michigan Wine Country magazine, with maps to the wineries, visit www.michiganwines.com.