Between the Vines

This beau<fully cra=ed Itasca (white hybrid grape with Frontenac Gris as a parent) opens with aromas of fresh squeezed citrus and honeycomb. Nicely balanced and vibrant as fresh pears, Meyer lemon, quince paste, and casaba melon enliven the palate. Stylish and lively through the sa<sfying finish. SRP: $25 | Food pairing: Grilled chicken with melon/cucumber/red onion salsa | www.youngbloodvineyard.com

Youngblood Winery | 2021 MarqueTe, Michigan

A cap<va<ng aroma draws you into the glass. Deligh<ng the palate are layers of boysenberry, hints of tobacco, plum, and black currant jam, and an ideal level of acidity balancing the rich fruit. A thread of spiciness adds depth from the first sip to the lingering last one. SRP: $28 | Food pairing: Blackened snapper www.youngbloodvineyard.com

Brengman Brothers Crain Hill Vineyard | 2021 Ar<st Series Pinot Noir, Leelanau Peninsula

Fresh picked cherries and earthy scents are en<cing. Graceful on the palate with well-defined flavors of red raspberries, Sweetheart cherries, earthiness, a pinch of herbs, and nicely managed oak spice from French oak barrel aging. Silky smooth with a touch of Sunkist orange on the las<ng finish. SRP: $40 | Food pairing: Portobello mushroom gra<n | www.brengmanbrothers.com

Brengman Brothers Crain Hill Vineyard | 2021 Gary’s Reserve Gewürztraminer, Leelanau Peninsula

A beau<ful expression of Gewürz here, star<ng with the fragrant jasmine aroma<c. Coa<ng the mouth are flavors of lychee, ginger snaps, a hint of grilled pineapple, and candied grapefruit peel. Lush with fine balancing acidity steering the wine to a persistent finish. SRP: $32 | Food pairing: Tuna tartare | www.brengmanbrothers.com

Good Harbor Vineyards | 2022 Unoaked Chardonnay, Leelanau Peninsula

The mouthwatering aroma gets the juices flowing. Burs<ng with succulence on the palate, the purity of fruit shines with citrus-laced Granny Smith apples, pomelo, and lemon mint <sane. Brisk acidity transports the wine on a delicious ride to the exhilara<ng finish. SRP: $17 | Food pairing: California sushi rolls | www.goodharbor.com

Good Harbor Vineyards | 2022 Tocai Friulano, Leelanau Peninsula

The lip-smacking aroma is intriguing at first swirl. A grape more widely grown in northeastern Italy, this one from Michigan is highly impressive. Medium bodied, lively and dry, it showcases crisp pears, grapefruit, florals, lemon verbena, crushed green peppercorns and minerality, and ends with a bright finale. SRP: $24 | Food pairing: Stuffed ar<chokes | www.goodharbor.com

Good Harbor Vineyards | 2020 Pinot Noir/Zweigelt, Leelanau Peninsula

Zweigelt (a cross of Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent, widely grown in Austria) makes up 60% of this fascina<ng blend. It boasts a rosebud and cherry aroma that leads to a mouthful of deliciousness. Santa Rosa plums, Lapin cherries, crushed pink peppercorns, and a whisper of vanilla float elegantly across the palate to a lively finish. SRP: $45 | Food pairing: Duck pappardelle pasta | www.goodharbor.com

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Aurora Cellars | 2021 Dry Riesling , Leelanau Peninsula

Scents of delicate white flowers and river rocks lead to a palate brimming with fresh summer peaches, McIntosh apples, citrus blossom, lemon-lime ice, and a touch of kiwi. Lean and minerally with brisk acidity and hints of lemon zest on the perky finish. SRP: $24 | Food pairing: Seafood boil | www.auroracellars.com

Aurora Cellars | 2022 Pinot Noir Rosé, Leelanau Peninsula

Red fruits on the nose explode like luminous fireworks on the palate. Strawberries, raspberries and red cherries swirl with hints of blood orange and watermelon. Sleek and refreshing as it traverses the palate from the first vivid sip to the glowing last swallow. SRP: $24 | Food pairing: Strawberry/ spinach/goat cheese salad | www.auroracellars.com

Aurora Cellars | 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Leelanau Peninsula

The expressive citrusy aroma awakens the senses. The wine is vivacious on the palate as grapefruit, gooseberries, Meyer lemon and a hint of salinity meld seamlessly. Brisk acidity is ever present, and underlying herbaceousness lingers through the thirst-quenching finish. SRP: $24 | Food pairing: Lemon buTer baked haddock | www.auroracellars.com

St. Julian | 2020 Braganini Reserve Blaufränkisch, Lake Michigan Shore

This velvety smooth dry red struts forth with a confident, juicy black fruit aroma. Rich with an ideal level of acidity maintaining balance, it oozes warm olallieberry pie, fresh blackberries and a touch of spice, and the long finish offers a heavenly note of melted dark chocolate. SRP: $24.99 | Food pairing: Tradi<onal lamb stew | www.stjulian.com

Blustone Vineyards | 2021 BLU Sparkling Riesling , Leelanau Peninsula

This fresh, lustrous sparkling Riesling dances on the tongue with its delighjul effervescence. Bright and flavorful with elements of Honeycrisp apple, Bosc pear, honeysuckle, a note of oyster shell salinity, and a generous twist of lime that lingers on the final sip. SRP: $24 | Food pairing: Smoked salmon and caper canapés | www.blustonevineyards.com

About The Author

Ellen Landis, CS, CSW, is a published wine writer, certified sommelier, wine educator and professional wine judge. She spent four years as a sommelier at the Ritz Carlton and sixteen years as Wine Director/Sommelier at the award winning boutique hotel she and her husband built and operated in Half Moon Bay, CA. They recently sold the hotel to devote more time to the world of wine. Contact Ellen at ellen@ellenonwine.com

Prosecco Candle

The new Prosecco Candle by Rewined is made of natural soy wax offering 70+ hours of burn time. Rewined uses hand-cut wine bottles. The candle offers notes of fresh pear, green apple and floral aromas. Available at https:// tinyurl.com/25unxuk6 MSRP: $29.99

Walnut corkscrew

The corkscrew of choice for waiters and sommeliers, this opener is comfortable and easy to use. A two-step operation uses the bottle as a leverage point to remove corks quickly and easily. The corkscrew folds together for ease of transportation and storage. Available at https://tinyurl.com/yyur6bkn | MSRP: $24.99

Cheers Wine Tub

Perfect for outdoor entertaining, this large country inspired painted galvanized ice tub will keep your beverages cold and toast your guests. Cheers to you! Available at https://tinyurl.com/4a6ak4td MSRP: $49.99