Shady Lane Cellars’ Brio

Bottoms Up

By Lynda Wheatley | Aug. 8, 2020

We’ve been appreciating Kasey Wierzba’s work at Shady Lane Cellars since she took over as head winemaker in 2016. Working entirely from 100-percent estate-grown grapes, her commitment to the quality of her vineyard’s fruits is obvious (especially, we think, in her exceptional Pinor Noir Rosé, a strawberry beauty in both hue and forward flavors). So color us ecstatic when we discovered Shady Lane had the foresight to go beyond the bottle this summer to create Brio, in which they’re canning some of Wierzba’s magic in not one but three on-the-go options: the bright and vivacious Bubbly Vibes, heritage-apple Cider, and Rosé (table wine; not the noir we adore but an equally worthwhile all-day-rosé that also brings fresh berries and tangerine to the taste buds). We highly recommend trying all three at their tasting room’s covered outdoor bar or vast park-like backyard, then picking up a four-pack ($26) of your favorite to take home. Can’t make it there this summer? The outdoor patio, with fireplace, is just as lovely in fall. Find the trio of Brios at local retailers and their winery and tasting room at 9580 E. Shady Lane, south of Suttons Bay. (231) 947-8865, www.shadylanecellars.com