There have been a lot of vacations and winery visits in my life this summer. I’ve also been experiencing and sustaining a higher level of joy. Variables, meet correlation.
In Michigan, there are breweries and wineries a plenty, so we took an afternoon to check some out. Our initial plan had us hitting five, but we only ended up checking out two, due to a whole host of reasons, but the two we did pop into were impressive in their own rights.
First stop, Left Foot Charley.
Left Foot Charley boasts itself as an urban winery, and that is perfectly apropos as it is located in downtown Traverse City. The tasting room is very cool, with a wall of windows, high ceilings, and growing greenery everywhere. We ordered at the bar and then took up residence outside on the patio. There was a small sandbox with toys in the middle of the spread, which was especially awesome since Harry was with us. With that, we were able to kick back, enjoy a cocktail, all while Harry played and explored.
My soon-to-be-sister-in-law and I each ordered a wine cocktail of sorts. I can’t remember what it was called, nor can I find a menu anywhere online, but I’m pretty sure it was white wine, a little champs, some kind of citrus, with a red wine floater on top. It was interesting and good, but Kenny and I ultimately traded with each other. He finished that one and I finished his order, which again, is a nameless cocktail that I am unable to specifically detail. I do remember it being something white wine and lemony, and I definitely liked it. Top-notch blog reporting right there, folks.
After Left Foot Charley, we headed back towards Leland in order to specifically seek out Mawby.
Mawby is a sparkling-only winery with patio views of the vineyard grounds. I definitely liked this one because it felt like a real winery, being there in the thick of it all. I’m also a huge fan of bubbles, so I was one happy camper.
Throughout the garage/porch/patio-feeling space were a number of tasting tables, where two tastings were complimentary. We all started with a sampling of the Sandpiper, which was a middle of the road kind – not too sweet, not too dry. I followed that with some hearty sippings of the Bright, which was a sparkling cider and delicious – I’d describe it as bright and crisp for sure.
My ultimate glass of choice was the Grace, a brut rosé sparkling. I, like the rest of Instagram, am on a serious rosé kick and have no problem rolling on that bandwagon.
After we all had our orders, we found a big round table in the back and parked it. Some played euchre, some took naps in a stroller, and some strolled the grounds. We stayed until they closed (which was only 6pm) and a few of us grabbed a couple bottles to take lakeside that evening.
With that, our self-guided winery tour ended. There were many more to see, which only means next time we have a lot to look forward to.
5 Comments
Been following since your blog was highlighted on Cincinnati Refined (last year? totally don’t remember!), but I think I’ve only ever commented on the Blank Slate blog post (my neck of the woods!) :) I’m headed to Traverse City next month for my cousin’s wedding, so I’m THRILLED with these posts and to learn of Mawby! Bubbles are my soul mate :)
That is awesome to hear Liz! Blank Slate is also in our neck of the woods, and so funny to hear you are heading to Traverse City next month…I swear, the world is actually a tiny little place. And as far as a Traverse City trip is concerned, I think you’ll find it to be awesome! Mawby was definitely a good one, and it was tucked back in these great rolling hills. I was definitely a fan! If you check anything else out, please let me know!
[…] out at left foot charley and mawby […]
Thanks for visiting Left Foot Charley! It seems like you really loved our Building 53 Wine and Cider Cocktails! The drink you have pictured is the Red Over Peels, which is hard cider with a red wine floater. The other Cocktail was Birds and Bees, which is Murmur (our white wine blend of Riesling and Pinot Gris which is named after a flock of Starlings- every vineyards greatest foe), local honey and lemon. Come back and see us soon. Cheers!
Of course, can’t wait to be back again! And thanks so much to adding the much needed details to our cocktails. Even without recalling the specifics, I could recall their tastiness and uniqueness! You guys have a great thing going, that is for sure.