Tastemakers: Michigan blueberries/ Chateau Fontaine

Michigan Blueberries

There are certain traditions and rituals that I look forward to each year. One of those is our late August visit to Benzie County. As a fast-paced family of four, this is one of those reconnect weekends. It includes a stop at the Cherry Bowl Drive In, Trick Dog Gallery and Coffee Shop in Elberta, along with an afternoon at the Elberta Beach and dinner at the Cabbage Shed. The next day will include a visit to Gwen Frostic’s gallery and print shop, and then off to Frankfort Beach before an early dinner at the Betsie Bay Inn.
On our way back to Traverse City we will make a two-hour stop at the Baatz Blueberry Farm near the Cherry Bowl Drive In. This is a great family activity and we harvest several pounds each year. The first order of business once we return home is to make fresh homemade blueberry muffins. We enjoy fresh blueberries throughout the week in our oatmeal and pancakes, and over the top of Moomer’s vanilla ice cream. I take a couple of bottles of True North Vodka from the Grand Traverse Distillery and infuse them with fresh blueberries.
Michigan leads the nation in blueberry production, producing 35% of the blueberries consumed here in the U.S. In all, 65 million tons will be harvested in Michigan this year.
There is considerable evidence that the antioxidants in blueberries actually do fight off what are called “free radicals,” from smog, cigarette smoke and other agents that are damaging to your body that cause or accelerate aging. Recent research from the National Institute of Health (NIH) suggests that the consumption of blueberries not only can help prevent some of the problems associated with aging, but -- get this -- they also can reverse some of these effects.
The Baatz Blueberry U-pick Farm is open from August 1 till the first frost. Call 231-325-3046 for directions.

Chateau Fontaine


Last week at the 2008 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition on the campus of Michigan State University, Chateau Fontaine came away as the competitions big winner. The Leelanau Peninsula winery took home five Gold medals, including a Double Gold for their 2006 Pinot Gris and a Best of Class Gold in the Dry White Wine category for their 2007 Dry White Riesling.
Chateau Fontaine’s achievement comes as no surprise to those who have been fans of the winery since they opened about 10 years ago. Rooted at their success are the passion and commitment of the proprietors/winemakers Dan and Lucie Matthies.
During my seven years as the spokesperson for the Leelanau Peninsula wine industry, Chateau Fontaine was constantly among the favorite stops for visitors along the Leelanau Peninsula wine trail. Their secret: In addition to making great wine, Dan and Lucie are always in the tasting room, sharing their passion and enthusiasm for their wine, the Leelanau Peninsula and their fellow winemakers.
The White Riesling from Chateau Fontaine traditionally has been slightly sweeter than their 2007 version which is dry. Riesling is one of the most food-friendly wines out there. Pair this wine with summer salads that include green apples and Leelanau Cheese Company Raclette, and with all types of grilled fish and seafood. The 2006 Pinot Gris is fruit forward and very aromatic. while first taste says this is a summer wine, it will pair well with fall foods and during the winter around the fireplace.
It should be noted that Chateau Fontaine took home a Bronze for their 2006 Woodland Red. This will be a Gold Medal wine in a couple of years. Limited production of red wine forces area wineries to release these wines in their infancy. I purchased a case of the 2004 Woodland Red and put half of it in my cellar.
A couple of weeks ago I hosted a Michigan Wine event for about 400 people and pulled three cases of “library” wines from my cellar. The 2004 Woodland Red was one of the stars of the evening, along with Pinot Noir’s from the region from 1998 and 2001. Both red and white wines from Northern Michigan cellar very well. Ask the winemaker for cellaring guidance. You will be rewarded with a local wine that matures in the bottle. Congrats to Dan, Lucie and their wine dog Nick (he has his own wine now) on a fantastic showing at the 2008 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition.
For additional information on the winery located between Cedar and Lake Leelanau, visit chateaufontaine.com or call 231-256-0000. View On Our Website