So much attention, and rightfully so, is going toward the fine wines being turned out on Michigan's Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas in Northern Lower Michigan. I visit there often. In a an effort to zig rather than zag, my wife and I took a tour along the Lake Michigan Wine Trail in Southwest Michigan this past Labor Day Weekend. We visited 6 wineries; Domaine Berrien, Lemon Creek, Free Run Cellars, Round Barn, Tabor Hill, and Karma Vista. It was a perfect day for a ride and wine tour with sunny skies and 72 degrees. As would be expected on Labor Day weekend, crowds were heavy at times. That didn't deter us or the gracious hosts at each of the wineries. Mix in some fruit and chocolate and it was a perfect day!

It was harvest season so some varietals were at their peak and ready for harvest with others just waiting for a kiss of sunshine and a few more days of warm weather. With each trip we make to wineries around the state, it becomes increasingly clear that Michigan wines are pleasing to our palette. As noted on the sign above the entrance to Tabor Hill, "Drink Wine, Laugh Often, Live Long."