WaterFire Vineyards' Riesling

Bottoms Up

By Anna Faller | Nov. 4, 2023

As temperatures (and leaves) start to fall, you can find us cozied up in the tasting room at WaterFire Vineyards. Opened in 2017, this intimate Torch Lake winery combines homegrown fruit with high cellar standards to craft its pristine wines in small batches. It’s also the first vineyard in the Midwest to be Certified Sustainable, and their 2021 dry Riesling hits the spot in any season. Made from all estate-grown grapes, this shapeshifter of a sip features bright citrus and green apple flavors backed by a softly-vegetal sweetness, all balanced by a pop of mouth-watering acid and a clean, honey-laced finish. Pair it with the last of summer’s veggies, seafood, or—our recent favorite—roasted delicata squash (and maybe a pair of fuzzy slippers). Psst—head up to the winery on Nov. 18 for a family photo session featuring Northern Blessings Alpacas! Grab a bottle of 2021 Riesling ($29.99) at WaterFire Vineyards’ Kewadin tasting room (12180 Sutter Rd.) or online at waterfirewine.com. (231) 498-2753.