Browsers that can not handle javascript will not be able to access some features of this site.
Skip Navigation
Michigan Department of Agriculture Michigan.gov
Michigan.gov HomeMDA Home | Sitemap | Contact MDA | Keywords | FAQ | Online Services | eMDA
Printer Friendly Version Printer Friendly   Text Only Version Text Version Email this page Email Page
Michigan Sparkling Wines for Anytime!

Whether you call them champagne, bubbly or just plain fizz, they are just the thing for your New Year celebration, or any important event. Here are some sparkling ideas; and best of all, they come from right here in Michigan.

From the experts at Wine Spectator and the Beverage Testing Institute to the person on the street, the word has spread that Michigan produces some of the best champagne-type wines anywhere. And they come in so many different styles that you will surely find something to enjoy. Let's start with the sparkling wines that have impressed the wine writers, then move on to those that are just good, clean fun.

Sparkling Wine LabelLarry Mawby at L. Mawby Vineyards in Suttons Bay is Michigan's most well-known maker of bubbly. He has a style for nearly every taste. One wine that gets a lot of attention - it was Best Sparkling Wine at the Michigan State Fair Wine and Spirits Competition - is Mille. This is a dry, vintage-dated sparkling wine made almost exclusively from Pinot Noir. A wine like this is sometimes called a "blanc de noir" because it is a white wine made from dark grapes. It is big and flavorful and very highly regarded by Champagne lovers.

Larry also makes a Blanc de Blanc that is very popular. As the name implies, this is made exclusively from white grapes - in this case, Chardonnay. This is a lighter and very attractive wine with a broad appeal.

Another top dry, vintage-dated sparkler is made by Bel Lago, near Cedar. Their vintage Brut is made from the more typical combination of both red and white grapes. Other dry Michigan fizzies that have been highly rated are Tabor Hill's Grand Mark, Good Harbor's Moonstruck, Round Barn Winery's Artesia and Fenn Valley's Premier Cuvee.

Sparkling Wine LabelSeveral wineries make sparkling wine from Riesling grapes. These are dry but have the typical Riesling aromatic qualities. People who try them just love them. Look for versions made by Shady Lane Cellars and Chateau de Leelanau  to complement your New Year's buffet table.

Then there's the fun stuff ... sparkling wines that are impossible to dislike.

Topping the list of the most popular holiday bubblies are Sparkling Raspberry and Passionate Peach from St. Julian. Even the experts are impressed - they have more gold medals than the U.S. Olympic Team. You get the true taste of the fruit and moderate sweetness. Just plain delicious.

Sparkling Wine LabelAnother very popular and more traditional fizzy is Carpe Diem from Chateau Chantal. This is mostly Chardonnay with just enough Pinot Noir to give it a lovely rose' color. It is the best-selling wine at the winery.

Celebrate the new year by serving and sharing one of Michigan's award-winning sparkling treasures. For more information about the wines and wineries of Michigan, or to receive a complimentary Michigan Wine Country magazine, contact the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council at (800) 292-3939 or www.michiganwines.com.

Related Content
 •  2008 Michigan Wine Magazine Available
 •  Michigan Wine Resources
 •  Michigan Commission of Agriculture Resolution on Wine Shipment
 •  The Best Michigan Wines Hang with the Best in the Country
 •  State develops international markets for Michigan wines
 •  25th Anniversary Michigan State Fair Wine and Spirits Competition welcomes national wine judges
 •  Taste Your Way Through Michigan's Scenic Wine Country

Michigan.gov Home | MDA Home | Contact MDA | State Web Sites | FAQ
Privacy Policy | Link Policy | Accessibility Policy | Security Policy | Michigan News | Michigan.gov Survey

Copyright © 2001-2008 State of Michigan