Black Star Farms – Oryana Fall Wine Tour
In Northern Michigan, the beginning of fall means two things: getting in our last swims in the lake and fall wine and color tours.
We reached out to some of our local wine vendors to ask what they are drinking (and what beautiful vistas they are viewing) so that we can share it with you. We’ve also included some great pairing ideas for your outdoor winery picnic or your cozy fall dinner table. Grab ingredients (and that bottle you knew you should have bought 2 of) at either Oryana location before, after, or instead of a visit.
From all of us at Oryana – Cheers!
Note: This blog is part of the Oryana Fall Wine Tour Series. Check out the other entries here.
Black Star Farms: Two Tasting Rooms for All Tastes
Black Star Farms offers two uniquely beautiful locations at which to enjoy their award-winning wines with a view of the colors, their intimate tasting room on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City and their 160-acre estate in Suttons Bay. Both locations are worth a stop on your tour!
Read on to hear from Chris Lopez, the Retail Manager of Black Star Farms’ tasting rooms to hear what the rooms are pouring and make your ingredient lists for the perfect Fall Wine Dinner and Black Star Farms’ signature Hard Apple Cider!
What are you currently drinking?
I’m drinking a lot of our Arcturos Pinot Gris and Arcturos Sauvignon Blanc, but with the weather turning cooler I am starting to drink more of our Arcturos Pinot Noir.
For the fall season, what is Black Star Farms currently recommending you experience?
Our 2016 Merlot is drinking incredibly well right now. It has beautiful plum and blackberry notes with silky tannins on the finish. Another great option is our Hard Apple Cider. This is an off-dry cider made from a blend of local apples. It’s great for mulling.
1 bottle Black Star Farms Hard Apple Cider
10 oz. water
½ cup sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground clove
A couple of sprinkles of ground nutmeg
Combine all ingredients into sauce pan and give it a good stirring. Heat gently, but do not boil, and do not stir again. All of the spices will float to the top, skim off the spices, serve and enjoy
One of your favorite views on property for the Fall colors is…
The working barn on the Black Star Farms Estate offers the perfect foreground for a backdrop of vibrant fall colors.
What are your suggestions for pairings?
The Merlot will pair amazingly well with Rosemary and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops, Tandoori Beef Skewers, and Cherry Glazed Pork Loin (for a rich, Vegan pairing try White Bean, Sweet Potato, and Pepper Ragout or Acorn Squash with Wild Rice Stuffing). For the mulled Cider I would suggest sweeter breads, sharp cheese, and of course doughnuts! We also suggest checking out the winery’s website if you plan a visit this fall.
Look for these Black Star Farms featured wines at both Oryana locations this fall:
Arcturos Pinot Gris – Fresh, crisp, melon, floral
Arcturos Sauvignon Blanc – Michigan dry, lemon, grapefruit, herbs
