Escape to Leelanau Peninsula for Wine & Holiday Shopping

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Find that warm, tingly sensation of good tidings early with an escape to Leelanau Peninsula for Toast the Season — a spectacular northern Michigan wine celebration that kicks off the holidays.

Upon arrival at the first winery, you’ll feel the festive spirit when greeted with a gift bag and a special wine pour deliciously paired with gourmet fare. Then, enjoy a leisurely trek along the renowned M-22 lakeshore drive with stops at any of the 18 wineries for more handpicked wine and food pairings. (Be sure to use a designated driver – it’s surprising how quickly the wine tastes add up!)

At L. Mawby Vineyards, a bounty of bubblies await you to toast your holiday host. Detroiters, try Larry Mawby’s new Detroit, a blend of Riesling, Traminette, and Vidal. What better way to toast the holidays and new year than with a sparkler paying homage to the fighting spirit of Detroit? Then again, why wait? As Larry says, “Bubbly is for every day!”

Stock up on bubblies and other wines for holiday gifts, Thanksgiving dinner, and seasonal get-togethers with family and friends. Get a wheel of aged Raclette cheese from Leelanau Cheese Company at Black Star Farms. And, for a northern Michigan gift that is sure to astound, stop by Cherry Republic for a huge selection of cherry product gift boxes beautifully trimmed with pine cones, birch bark, and cedar sprigs.

Toast the Season festivities occur over two weekends. You choose which weekend works best for you: November 6 and 7 or November 13 and 14. Lodging packages by area B&Bs, resorts and hotels make planning a breeze. Get tickets and more details at www.lpwines.com.

Lorri Hathaway and Sharon Kegerreis are authors of the award-winning From the Vine: Exploring Michigan Wineries and The History of Michigan Wines. Learn more and get autographed books at www.michiganvine.com.