Black Star Farms - A Must Stop on Leelanau Peninsula

As part of our whirlwind Tasting Tour on the Leelanau Peninsula, we stopped at one of our perennial favorites - Black Star Farms.

As you drive onto the property, you quickly realize that Black Star Farms is more than just a winery. They operate a bed and breakfast, horse stable, farm, bistro, and have a cheese making facility on premesis.

They charge a nominal fee for tasting ($3 per person or $5 per couple), but it includes a souvenir glass that can be used for complimentary tastings on return visits. It may be the best deal on the Leelanau Peninsula, as we have been bringing our glasses back for the last 5 years and have not had to pay for any additional tastings.

The standard tasting includes 5 choices. You can also add a sample cup of raclette cheese for $1. The raclette cheese is made by the Leelanau Cheese Company, which houses their cheesemakers directly off the tasting room for all to see.

Black Star Farms has such a wide selection of wines that narrowing it down to 5 samples is quite the feat. Their extensive menu inlcudes dry whites, reds, sparkling, sweet wines, fruit wines, dessert wines. For an additional $5, you can even taste their Ice Wine and Spirits.

This is one of the busier destinations on Leelanau Peninsula, but their staff is always attentive and friendly. We have been going here for years and I am always impressed at how knowledgeable their staff is.

With such a large selection of wines, it is important to let your pourer know what style of wines you like, so they can suggest their best in each category.

I tried a wide variety of wines, but my favorites were:

• 2008 Arcturos Dry Riesling - It had just enough fruit to cut through the acid to make this a good food wine.
• 2004 Isidor's Choice Pinot Noir - I really liked the red fruit flavors that shone through. I could also taste the oaky smoothness. I think this would be a great wine to forget about in your cellar for the next 10 years and then enjoy it as a special treat.
• Artian red - This is an entry-level red wine for non-red wine drinkers. It is on the sweeter side, but would pair well with food.
• 2007 A Capella Ice Wine - This Riesling Ice Wine was served at the first State Dinner at the Obama White House. If you can swing the $92 price tag, this Ice Wine is incredibly smooth.

If none of those suit your fancy, there are about 35 more selections on the menu to choose from.

I was able to spend some time with Chris Lopz, the tasting room manager. His passion and knowledge of the area and their wines is admirable. He graciously walked us through the tasting menu pointing out the subtle nuances that make each wine unique.

If you can't make it to Leelanau Peninsula, Black Star Farms also operates a tasting room on Old Mission Peninsula and at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. All three places are worth a visit.