TRAVERSE CITY, MI — On this weekend’s “Behind the Mitten” radio show (Nov. 28), Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez head to Traverse City, which is getting ready to celebrate the holidays.
If you tune in, you’ll hear them talk to:
Mary Winowiecki – marketing director of Traverse City Tourism
Liz Berger – operations manager at Chateau Chantal of The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula
Lorri Hathaway – Director of the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association
Colleen Paveglio – Marketing Director at the Downtown Traverse City Association
Raymond Minervini – Vice President of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
Since a lot of the show focuses on the wineries in the Grand Traverse Bay region, John and Amy decided to switch it up and instead of offering a Beer of the Week, they are making it a Wine of the Week!
With Liz and Lorri in the house, they asked each one of them to pick a wine of the week.
So, if you’re looking for a few Michigan wines for the holidays, here you go:
WINE OF THE WEEK
Chateau Chantal-Naughty and Nice
Ranging from dry to sweet, there is a selection for everyone at the table among these four wines: The Naughty Red and White are dry, while the Nice Red and White are the sweet versions of the same wine blend. Chateau Chantal is located on The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula. More details at chateauchantal.com.
Shady Lane Cellars-Blue Franc
Made with 100% Blaufränkish, Blue Franc is a a red with a lush, soft, big fruit profile and loaded with lots of spice. Concentrated fruit flavors of blueberry, mulberry and blackberry are there with a big mouthfeel, soft, lush tannins and a level of black pepper and cedar spice. Shady Lane is located on the Leelanau Peninsula. More info at shadylanecellars.com.

On a side note: John and Amy couldn’t leave before having a beer. They stopped at Sleder’s Family Tavern in Traverse City, which opened in 1882 and is one of Michigan’s oldest, continuously-operated taverns. It’s here they found two beers made exclusively for Sleder’s.
They are this weekend’s Beer of the Week.
BEER OF THE WEEK
Randolph’s Pale Ale (Petoskey Brewing): A tasty pale ale that might make you Smooch the Moose!
Cream Ale (Right Brain Brewery): A smooth and creamy ale reminiscent of Right Brain’s Smooth Operator, this one is even creamier.
John and Amy recommend both beers. Check them out the next time you’re in Traverse City.
More info on Sleder’s at sleders.com.