We caught the 0700 drawbridge opening in Charlevoix for a trip around the East Arm of the Grand Traverse Bay, past Mission Point in the center of the Bay, and on south to the Clinch Muncipal Marina in downtown TC.
When we arrived in TC we docked as quickly as possible because of our exciting afternoon plans (see below). The landing was more stressful than usual due to winds and moving to a second slip to avoid damage from an overhanging roof. But with good help from Ray and Diane who arrived by foot as we arrived by boat, we got tied up and ready for a time of wine tasting hosted by friends Bob and Kristen, who live in TC.
The six of us hopped in Bob’s SUV and headed for lunch at a B&B / vineyard owned by their friends. It was a special time to enjoy tasty food and select local wines at this beautiful property overlooking the Bay.
We then moved on to the nearby Chardonnary Shores Vineyards in Sutton’s Bay, owned by friends Allen and Bonnie. Last Fall we had the unique experience of joining Allen and Bonnie, Bob and Kristen and others to harvest the 2020 crop at Chardonnay Shores Vineyards. The vineyard and Allen and Bonnie’s beautiful home are on a bluff overlooking the Bay.
Allen and Bonnie walked us through the vineyard and explained planting, fertilizing, pruning, tucking, air-blasting, checking sugar content, concrete aging, and other steps in the process of growing top Chardonnay grapes. They treated us to their estate-grown wines and home-made snacks, and we then walked down to the beach to take in the sun and find a few Petoskey Stones along the shore.
We finished the evening at the Brengman Brothers vineyard restaurant, with tasty pizza, delicious wine, good conversation, and a tour of the Brengman Brothers winery – including the concrete cask used to age CSV’s estate-grown Chardonnays.
It was an over-the-top day of sightseeing, enjoying the hospitality of Bob and Kristen, and Allen and Bonnie, and tasting excellent food and wine. We experienced the vineyards, winery, scenery and the tastes of Grand Traverse Bay like royalty! What an exceptional treat!
I’ve had that Chardonnay made in Sutton’s bag. It’s good!
What an awesome day you and Rhonda had with good friends and good wine and beautiful scenery!! Tell Rhonda I love her black and white top.