Fenn Valley 42 Ice Wine

Fenn Valley's 42 Ice Wine is one of my favorite dessert wines. It is silky sweet and a real guest pleaser. At only $15 a bottle, it's also easy on the wallet and one of the best values in Michigan dessert wine. Whether it is a special event or just an opportunity to share something really good with a few friends, 42 can't be beat.

Fenn Valley Vineyard & Wine Cellar is located in Fennville, MI just south of Holland. The winery hosts a number of terrific wine themed events throughout the year. Next up is their annual Chili Cook Off on January 22, 2011. Hundreds take part in this cook off/wine lovers pot luck. See their web site for details.

Summing Up the Year in Wine Tasting

During 2010, I visited nearly 50 wineries and tasting rooms. There was definitely more good than disappointment. The majority were in Michigan and California with some nice surprises in Indiana. Each winery and region has its specialties and unique character. That merits a comment. Michael Schafer, aka The Wine Counselor, told seminar guests at the 2010 Grand Rapids Wine & Food Festival that when you visit a region you should order and learn to appreciate what it is the wineries are trying to do and not hold unrealistic expectations. For instance, the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas of Michigan are producing terrific whites and dessert wines. Many wineries in that area are trying hard to produce reds despite less than ideal climate. Many are now succeeding so give them credit. But don't be disappointed if you are a big red drinker and don't find something to your liking. Try the whites and learn to appreciate them. Michael suggested to do otherwise would be like going to a restaurant in Italy and ordering a Bordeaux. They would run you out of the place! The folks in northern Michigan are a lot more friendly! Again, order and appreciate the wine of the region.

What does 2011 hold? Well, first up will be taking part in the Leelanau Peninsula Vintner's Association's Taste the Passion event on February 5 & 6. I would also like to get to as many Michigan wineries I haven't yet visited. I expect there are about 25 more to go. I also want to revisit Santa Barbara's wine country in April. Hopefully, there will be a summer weekend trip to the Niagara Region in Ontario. I absolutely want to attend the 4th Grand Rapids Wine & Food Festival in November. Hopefully, there will be many impromptu events in between. That's the plan. A great 2011 ahead.

Gourmet Dinner-Sleigh Ride-Elk Viewing Experience at Thunder Bay Resort

Our family enjoyed a terrific experience on December 28th at Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman, Michigan. Hilmman is located about 20 miles from Alpena and the Lake Huron shore. Our adventure began with a horse drawn sleigh ride through the woods to a large log cabin. There, we were treated to a gourmet dinner and wine tasting. During dinner, owner Jack Matthias provided guests with some fascinating information about the elk herd located on the resort property and the challenges over the years as he has worked to maintain this unique visitor experience.

Dinner consisted of 5 courses. The first course was a shrimp cocktail and an apple torte. Next up was a hearty chicken noodle soup. The Thunder Bay Salad, a sweet mix of cabbage made up the third course. Then came the main entree, a crown roast of pork done to perfection and served with


Michigan red potatoes. Finally, the dessert, a white chocolate mousse filled pizzelle topped with raspberry & white chocolate topping. Wine from Stoney Acres Winery in Alpena was provided liberally throughout the meal and paired to match the courses. All warm dishes were cooked on a wood stove by resort co-owner Jan Matthias. Dinner was marvelous and she obviously has the system mastered to provide consistent results.






Then it was back on the sleigh to view the elk. Although the herd, which numbers about 75, is in captivity, its range is substantial due to the large amount of property owned by the resort. We were able to get an up-close view of several cows and their young out in the open as well as several bucks kept behind fencing for our protection. The sleigh drivers provided ample time for guests to photograph these magnificent animals. It was truly a unique family experience!

More photos are available in the Thunder Bay Resort Set on my Flickr site.

Christmas Day Dinner - Beef Wellington and Circa's 2007 Requisite

This was my first attempt at individual Beef Wellington using an almost fail safe recipe provided by my friend Tom and modified slightly from the Emeril Lagasse recipe on Food TV's web site. The tenderloins were a bit bigger than normal causing me to use double the puff pastry called for in the recipe. No problem with that. The masterpieces were cooked to a a perfect 140 degrees F and accompanied by grilled asparagus marinated with fresh orange juice and zest, olive oil, salt and pepper. Throw in some seasoned Michigan red potatoes and it was food heaven.

Our wine accompaniment was Circa Winery's 2007 Requisite. It paired really well and was a joy to share with family. Circa is located on Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula and is among our favorites to visit on frequent trips to the area.

This may be the first of what becomes a long holiday tradition of dining.

Favorite Bed & Breakfast in the Northeast - Willard Street Inn Bed and Breakfast

My wife and and I like to mix up our overnight stays with hotels and bed & breakfast inns. So fat, my favorite one in the Northeast is The Willard Street Inn in Burlington, VT. The Victorian mansion is comfortable and quiet but what I remember most are the breakfasts. We stayed there 3 days and had wonderful breakfast offerings each morning. The photo shows my choice on Day 1 - Scrambled eggs with tomato, spinach and feta served with toasted baguette and Vermont maple cured bacon. Yum!!

Tarte Flambe/Flammekueche

On a trip to Germany and France's Alsace region, I tried a local pub food favorite. In Germany, it's called Flammekueche and in France it's called Tarte Flambe. It tasted the same in both countries (I felt an obligation to do the necessary research). Whatever the name, it's basically a pizza crust topped with creme freche, onions and bacon. I've tried to replicate the dish back here in the States with no luck. Evidently, there is something to do with a very hot oven, good beer, and years of experience that makes it better. Maybe that is just as well. It gives me something to remember and long for in future travels.

Merry Christmas Wine Lovers

We should remember the real reason for the Christmas season, the birth of Jesus. But, as a wine lover, I also know there are many Biblical references to wine and Jesus. This holiday wine message behind the tasting bar at Ciccone Vineyard in Sutton's Bay on  Michigan's Leenanau Peninsula expresses my sentiments. Drink Up!