Brys Estate’s Spiked Hot Cider (& Hot New Trail!)

Tastemaker

By Lynda Wheatley | Jan. 2, 2021

Per the governor’s order, tasting rooms are closed to indoor wine and food service through Jan. 15, but that doesn’t mean Brys Estate’s gorgeous Old Mission Peninsula property — or its inspired libations — are off-limits. Just one day after Christmas, the inventive estate crew opened a new winter trail on Brys’ 111 snowy acres (open to the public only during normal business hours, 11am–5pm daily).

Whether you hike, snowshoe, or XC ski the easy mile-long vineyard loop or add on the additional 1/2 mile through Brys’ snowy wooded valleys and sleeping lavender fields, you can enhance your trek with a cup of your favorite Brys wine ($8–$11) or our new favorite, their trailside Spiked Hot Cider ($8), made with the estate’s own Estate Dry Riesling, apple cider, brown sugar, and mulling spices.

Want to go warmer and longer? Add a Brys insulated tumbler, on sale for $7, and a Cheese & Charcuterie box ($15), then sit yourself down at one of their new outdoor tabletop firepits and make a chill afternoon of it. Find Brys Estate at 3309 Blue Water Rd., in Traverse City. (231) 223-9303, www.brysestate.com