The Round Barn Winery (Review)

One of the things I can say about the Round Barn is that I always seem to have a good time whether I'm with a huge group or with just my wife.

If you see on the map that they're not that close to the highway and byways the criss-cross the state of Michigan don’t let that stop you because that doesn't stop anybody else from going since the Round Barn is nicely situated right in the middle of the Lake Michigan Wine Trail, which is (in my opinion) a must do.

When I first started going there several years ago they were just coming out with their own beer, and the only other thing on the menu besides wine was brandy. Now the Round Barn has entered the arena of vodka, bourbon, and rum as well. All of which are must haves on any drinkers and occasional drinkers list.

There are two tasting rooms. One for strictly beer (but back when I first started going was the main tasting room), and the Barn where you do all the rest. And yes it's round. Depending on the day and the time of the year you may have the place all too yourself or it can be you fighting for a place at the bar. For five dollars a glass (which you get too keep, and when you bring it back your tasting is free) you get too choose from their vast wine list five either white or red wines, one dessert wine, one of any of the spirits, and a beer token to take to the other building for a glass of their

The place is large enough that if you wanted to buy a bottle and just hang out, which on a hot summer day is a great idea (and one I‘ve done on many of occasions), too just kick back and stretch ones legs in the shade.

My only real complaint is that the Round Barn is a little trendy (but what winery isn't now-a-days), and the patrons who seem to have seen the movie "Sideways" one too may times can come off rather snobby. But don't let that deter you from going because most of them are not like that. Just beware that in the summer months that the place is usually packed on the weekends and don't be surprised if you get the errant wedding or two as well.

You can the Round Barn @ 10983 Hills Road Baroda, Michigan

Cheers

Hickory Creek Winery (Review)

I found Hickory Creek Winery back in 2006 the year they first opened strictly by accident as I cruised the along what I thought was a little used but actually was a well traversed Michigan back road, lost, as I tried to (wrongly I might add) retrace my way to the Round Barn Winery from my last trip along the Lake Michigan Wine Trail but had instead taken a wrong turn or two somewhere along the way only to come across a large flag with the word OPEN upon it.

A small tasting room connected to the vats storage sat at the end of a long gravel/dirt driveway that cut through the rows upon rows of grape vines along with a cozy little house I later found out was for rent on a weekend/weekly basis to whoever had wanted to rent it.

We parked in an nearly empty lot at the time, now however it depends on the time of day and year if you get to be so lucky, and once inside I found an Aussie who went by the name Mike tending bar, alone. Turned out my new bartender bud was also co-owner and chief wine maker of Hickory Creek, and was more than kind enough to take us on a little tasting tour of his wines. All of them. They were mostly white at the time, being that most of his reds were still barreled, but Mike assured us that soon they would be ready too go. And they are. Now when you go there, there is well mix of whites and reds to choose from.

Since then, Hickory Creek is on my must stop list and is generally my first stop when I do the wine tour. I prefer their Chardonnay to anyone else's and I hate Chardonnays so that should tell you something, but whatever your taste I‘m sure you can find something that will sooth your appetite for wine. But be prepared to spend a little cash doing so. The Hickory Creek’s cheapest bottle is over ten dollars.

Unfortunately, Mike is no longer tending the tasting room, but he has been replaced by a very nice lady by the name Rosemary (I believe) and she is more than happy to let you sample to hearts desire.

You can find Hickory Creek at 750 Browntown Road Buchanan, Michigan

Cheers