Hidden away in southwest Michigan on Mount Tabor Road is a truly special local winery, Tabor Hill. Producing dry, semi-dry and red wines as well as non-alcohol varieties, sparkling wines, and dessert wines, Tabor Hill has collected a host of awards, including recent gold medals for its Traminette, Michigan Cherry, Muscat, Demi-red, Chardonell, and Riesling among other awards.
The winery offers tours, a video room, and tastings. A small, but elegant restaurant features fresh seasonal ingredients, many of which are grown locally. A view of the vineyards surrounds the small dining area. Recent offerings include Squash Blossom Poppers and Pheasant Sausage Fava Beans and Fried Broccoli. Gifts baskets of wines and hand-made chocolates are available onsite at the store.
Fourth graders in Michigan take geography where they learn that Lake Michigan to the west protects southwest portion of the sstate from the worst of the weather in the Midwest. The lake has an insulating affect, making the region good for growing cherries, apples, and grapes.
Those interested in sampling Tabor Hill’s wines as well as other wines from Southwest Michigan can attend Buchanan, Michigan’s “Harvest Buchanan,” a fall festival held in the village. Or look for one of the upcoming events on the website. Tabor Hill boasts that it’s Lake Michigan Shore wines “rival those from anywhere in the world.” Try a bottle an see.