Vined & Dined

May 10, 2015

Though tasting rooms in our region may be second to none, the best vineyard experiences this season will happen outdoors, among the vines – a trend that highlights area vineyards’ expanding relationship with local restaurants, chefs and farmers.

Dining in the Vines, an annual series of culinary collaboration between Bowers Harbor Vineyards and the Boathouse Restaurant, begins in early July and runs through mid-autumn.

These multi-course meals feature local food and wine pairings enhanced by the warm evening breeze and the setting sun on the Bower’s Harbor Vineyards estate.

The series was born from the desire of vineyard proprietor Spencer Stegenga and restaurant owner Doug Kosch to work together, and has since ripened into something even more substantial.

"This will be the eighth or ninth year of doing it," said Justin Leshinsky, Bower’s Harbor Vineyards director of sales. "It turned out to be us showcasing our estate-grown wines with all locally grown foods and produce."

"Pretty much everything that’s on [the menu], except for the lobster, is from Old Mission Peninsula," Leshinsky continued.

In addition to lobster, the five-course meals include pan seared scallops, strawberry Brie salad and other delectable dishes all paired with wines grown on the property.

While many of the attendees are local, Leshinsky said Bowers frequently sees tourists who come for an afternoon tasting and decide to return to experience dinner in the vineyard.

For Leshinsky, the opportunity to introduce guests to the wines of the region is more important than the event itself.

"It’s great to be able to educate people, not only on growing grapes, but growing grapes in northern Michigan and tasting our passion," he explained. "Keep it local, keep it sustainable and keep it going forward for many generations."

"We’re the second winery on Old Mission Peninsula," said Leshinsky. "We have 25 years under our belts and, so, to showcase our property and the beauty of it and the history of it...is incredible."

Leshinsky advises reserving places as soon as possible, as the events increase in popularity each year.

Those looking for a more casual experience from these hosts may appreciate Swine and Wine. The first of this year’s events will be held May 24 and will feature pit-roasted pork, potato salad and piles of other grilled goodness.

"For this event, we leave the wine bottles on the table," Leshinsky joked.

The vineyard and restaurant also co-host several lobster boils, where rolled up sleeves meet riesling and rosé in an earthy atmosphere.

Across the bay from Bowers Harbor, L. Mawby Vineyards takes a slightly different approach to enticing patrons to dine in the vines.

Mawby’s TentBar, open every Saturday from noon to 5pm through September, allows guests the opportunity to enjoy the vineyard in a casual manner.

"It’s a great place to be outside [and] people love to be outside," said owner Larry Mawby. "Where our TentBar is is right adjacent to the vineyard, so it’s an opportunity for folks to sit outside under a tent and look at the vines, chat with their friends and sip some bubbly."

Along with the assortment of Mawby sparkling wines available at the TentBar, guests will be able to enjoy food prepared by Harbor 22, beginning at the end of May.

Harbor 22 will be serving seasonal, local produce, as well as their traditional food truck fare, such as gremolata breaded whitefish tacos and applewood bacon and Romano mac and cheese.

Karen Simpson, Harbor 22 owner, explained the restaurant’s chef believes in strong personal relationships between farmers, restaurateurs and winemakers – something she feels is demonstrated by their ongoing collaboration with Mawby.

Simpson said it seemed an obvious connection to savor locally produced wines and food while experiencing the beauty of the fields that produced them.

"Well, why not?" she said. "We’re surrounded by beautiful farms and we’re surrounded by beautiful water."

Beyond showcasing local food and wine, Mawby said the origin of TentBar stemmed from a desire to educate guests about sparkling wine production.

"We did lunches and dinners for over 20 years, and that was the whole idea," said Mawby. "To make people comfortable in the vineyard and to get them to see sparkling wine as a complete part of the meal."

The switch from occasional dinners to the TentBar occurred a few years ago, when the winery hoped to appeal to a changing crowd of wine enthusiasts.

It was also an effort to make L. Mawby feel more accessible to patrons, said Tasting Room Manager Don Hartwig. In this less formal setting, he feels patrons are more at ease asking questions about the wines.

Guests who love TentBar’s location, but are looking for a sit-down dining experience, will be excited to hear that Big Little Wines, which shares Mawby’s production facilities, plans to host at least two summer vineyard dinners later this season.

While Co-owner of Big Little Wines Peter Laing said he is still finalizing details of the events, he indicated they will feature local food and talent from establishments like Loma Farms and Harvest.

Like his vintner colleagues, Laing lauded the benefits of closing the farm to table circle by enjoying a shared meal out in the fields.

"It ties the dinner together with the land and the place where we are," he said. "Just being among the vines gives people more of an appreciation for what goes into the finished product."

2015 Dining in the Vines Events July 9 and 30, August 15 and 29, and September 5, 19 and 26. $99 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited to 50 people and the events fill fast. To reserve seats visit: dininginthevines.com or call the Boathouse at 231-223-4030.

Bower’s Swine and Wine event May 24, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. $55 per person, includes dinner, tax, gratuity, 3 drink tickets, and souvenir glass. To reserve seats call the Boathouse at 231-223-4030. For more visit: bowersharbor.com/news-events

Bower’s Lobster Boil event June 26 at 6:30 p.m. $75 per person, includes dinner, tax, gratuity, 3 drink tickets, and souvenir glass. To reserve seats call the Boathouse at 231-223-4030. For a full event menu visit: bowersharbor.com/ news-events.

L.Mawby TentBar with food by Harbor 22 Saturdays from noon until 5 pm., Memorial Day weekend through September 6. For more visit:lmawby.com/visit/tentbar/

Big Little Wines Summer Vineyard Dinner Proposed for late summer. Final dates, times and menu will be available at biglittlewines.com shortly. For additional information call 231-714-4854 or email at: info@biglittlewines.com