I remember bringing back Pinot Noir home on my first and second visit and while some started getting the wine varietally correct they were thin. The wines were certainly more thin than the market would support in any substantial way.

I’ve been an advocate for Michigan wines and made my fourth visit to the area last fall. A lot of investment, education and determination has really skyrocketed improvements. The tasting rooms represent significant investments while the improvemnt in the wines shows a serious dedication to making great wines.

Well, progressive growers in Leelanau and Mission Bay haven’t given up on Pinot Noir at all, focus has clearly shsifted to Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The area’s white wines were outstanding and have slowly gained recognition beyond Michigan. At first it was Riesling getting the attention and now its tasty unoaked Chardonnays and Pinot Blanc.

But the difficult-to-grow Pinot Noir is starting to mature. I tasted Pinot at several wineries – the best last time,, seeveral years ago, was Blustone. They were out in October when I was there. Black Star Farms Pinot was ok but there was one clear winner. Verterra Winery, on the Lake Michigian coast had some of the best whites and the single best Pinot I tasted.

Paul Hamelin, Verterra owner and a leader for northern Michigan wine has a 2018 Pinot that reminds me more of California than Oregon or Burgundy. I brought home a bottle and opened it tonight, April 9. It was varietally correct and certainly not thin more like a body of a good Sonoma Valley Pinot Noir.

The wines, across the board, are now worth your weekend getaway of a special trip. There is golfing, water sports, a couple great restaurants in Traverse city – along with the Traverse City Pie Company.

And now I saw with even more confidence, Michigan wines worth your trip.