Between the Vines

This dynamic dry sparkling wine is gloriously vibrant and finely balanced. Flowing seamlessly through the palate are notes of crisp Granny Smith apples, nectarines, hints of grapefruit, Asian pears, and lemon-lime citrus accents dancing around a spine of Fngling acidity. Vivacious from bright start to lingering finish. SRP: $21 | Food pairing: Thai chicken leLuce wraps | www.blackstarfarms.com

Black Star Farms 2019 Arcturos Cabernet Franc | Michigan

The scent of a walk through a field of black and red berries comes to mind at first sniff. Flavors of red raspberries, blackberries, sweet pipe tobacco, Montmorency cherries, and graphite interlace, supported by approachable tannins. Smoothly textured and the finish dazzles with a dusFng of biLersweet chocolate. SRP: $28 | Food pairing: SpagheT and meatballs | www.blackstarfarms.com

Black Star Farms | 2021 Arcturos Dry Riesling | Michigan

Scents of wet stones in a babbling brook clearly speak Riesling. MulFlayered and well-structured with a brilliant display of white peaches, nectarines, and McIntosh apples interplaying with a pinch of lemon herbs and a thread of minerality. Lime zest kicks in mid palate through the memorable finish. Approachable now, while promising plenty of years ahead. SRP: $19 | Food pairing: Steamed mussels in a white wine/buLer broth | www.blackstarfarms.com

Blustone Vineyards | 2020 “LaFtude” | Leelanau Peninsula

Here is a zesty white blend cra\ed of Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Grüner Veltliner. The expressive stone fruit aroma leads to peach pie, passion fruit and star fruit notes interlacing with lively lemon lime accents as it traverses the palate. A pleasing squeeze of orange peeks through on the stylish finish. SRP: $24 | Food pairing: Pan seared scallops www.blustonevineyard.com

Blustone Vineyards 2021 “Blu Secco” | Leelanau Peninsula

Scents of aromaFc honeysuckle start you off with this crisp sparkling wine cra\ed of Glera (primary grape for Prosecco in the Veneto region of Italy) and Pinot Grigio. Tickling the palate are flavors of yellow apples, summer nectarines, subtle spice, and Asian pears. Nicely balanced with ideal acidity and the effervescent finish is perfectly refreshing. SRP: $28 | Food pairing: Pad Thai | www.blustonevineyard.com

St. Julian 2021 Braganini Reserve Mountain Road White Blend | Lake Michigan Shore

This energizing blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Gris delivers a bright citrus and stone fruit aroma that whisks you right into the glass. Enlivening in the mouth with juicy layers of grapefruit, kiwi, stone fruit, Shamrock apples and citrussy accents, and the finish is a pure delight. SRP: $22 Food pairing: Shredded chicken salad www.stjulian.com

St. Julian NV Ciao Bolle! | Lake Michigan Shore

Here is a refreshing and buoyant bubbly cra\ed of Cabernet Sauvignon and MarqueLe. Fresh red fruit aromas start the party going. This dry sparkling wine unveils fresh strawberries, a splash of blood orange, raspberry coulis, pink grapefruit juice, and a touch of spice frolicking on the palate. Well balanced with a radiant finish. SRP: $16 | Food pairing: Nicoise salad | www.stjulian.com

St. Julian 2020 Braganini Reserve Syrah | Lake Michigan Shore

This delighiully aromaFc wine conveys intense dark berry fruits and spicy notes on the nose. Sumptuous and pleasurable from entry through the palate, which showcases blackberries, black plums, spiciness, fresh tobacco, and oak nuances, with hints of black licorice drops chiming in on the flavorsome close. SRP: $35 | Food pairing: Grilled baby back ribs | www.stjulian.com

Bel Lago Vineyard & Winery 2018 Chardonnay | Leelanau Peninsula

Here’s an engaging Chardonnay with citrus blossom scents wa\ing from the glass. Honeycrisp apples, Meyer lemon, roasted almonds, and Comice pears waltz onto the palate in smooth form. Well-integrated barrel spice and a touch of minerality add dimension, and crisp acidity keeps the wine in fine balance through the lingering finale. SRP: $24 | Food pairing: Creamy shrimp bucaFni pasta | www.bellagowine.com

French Valley Vineyard 2017 Merlot | Leelanau Peninsula

This beauFfully cra\ed Merlot opens with aromas of blueberries on the nose. Broadening on the palate are layers of black plum, blueberry pie, fresh tobacco, subtle oak, and brown spices. Well-structured and deeply flavored with velvety tannins. Hints of mocha top off the classy package on the extended close. SRP: $48 | Food pairing: Sirloin Fp roast | www.fvvineyard.com

Brys Vineyard & Winery 2021 Estate Reserve Off-Dry Riesling | Old Mission Peninsula

The expressive aroma of fresh cut peaches and tropical notes is capFvaFng. Juicy peaches remain consistent on the spirited palate, joining passion fruit, a thread of minerality, orange blossom, sun-ripened apricots, and bright lemon-lime accents. Exquisitely balanced and vibrant through the persistent finish. SRP: $22 | Food pairing: Crab carbonara | www.brysestate.com

Brys Vineyard & Winery 2021 Estate Reserve Pinot Gris | Old Mission Peninsula

This elegant wine offers purity of varietal expression. Scents of honeycomb and fresh squeezed citrus lead to layers of nectarines, creamy pears, lemon meringue pie, and a suggesFon of ginger supported by crisp acidity. The texture is saFn smooth as the wine sails to a long-lasFng final sip. SRP: $24 | Food pairing: Salmon with lemon dill sauce | www.brysestate.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

Wine Barrel Watch

A timely gift made from French and Austrian oak barrels which are transformed into a wearable work of art for wine lovers. Available at https://tinyurl.com/ mtdhbppf MSRP: $299

Birthstone wine stopper

The perfect gift for any Michigan wine. This colorful wine bottle stopper will preserve your wine in style. Available at https://tinyurl.com/45ve6sak | MSRP: $28

Insulated Wine & Cheese Bag

Insulated to keep your wine cold and refreshing, this tote will get your drinks (and snacks if you choose) to any function stylishly and at the perfect temperature. Available at https://tinyurl.com/mwmf72bb MSRP: $59.95