New Geneva, Illinois business to open May 6
3 May – Taste your way through the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas of Michigan – in downtown Geneva, Illinois. That’s just what’s possible at the about-to-open Up North Wine Tasting Room.
The shop features 750 square feet of wine tasting space decked out in handmade wood pieces. The bar top, tables and bar ledges around the shop were hand crafted by Robert Humphreys and made from wood cut from his own Northern Michigan property.
The end result is an upscale, inviting environment to sample Michigan crafted wines without leaving Illinois. Owners Amy Goedken and Mary and Cathy Humphreys want to bring the experience of Northern Michigan wine tasting to their own home town.
“Visitors will find a cozy, relaxed, ambient environment to unwind and decompress in northern Michigan style,” said Amy Goedken, a co-owner of Up North Wine Tasting Room. “We will be featuring a winery each month in order to create excitement and to keep things fresh for our guests – and to give each winery their own limelight.”
Shady Lane Cellars will be in the spotlight in October. Sample Shady Lane Cellars’ Gruner Veltliner, Pinot Noir Rose, Franc n Franc, Blaufrankisch, Semi Dry Riesling, Pinot Gris and Sparkling Riesling will be available for tasting and purchase.
“What a perfect pairing for the fall holidays!” added Mary Humphreys.
WHY
“Shady Lane Cellars, we felt, has the quality and uniqueness of all the varietals,” Goedken said. “We always loved the outdoor ambiance when visiting which has inspired our own decor and design at the Up North Wine Tasting Room. I am a huge fan of the Pinot Noir Rose. Cathy enjoys unwinding at night with a glass of the Franc n Franc and Mary loves the versatility of the Chardonnay.”
WHEN
Up North Wine Tasting Room is set to open Friday, May 6, 2022.
HOURS
The tasting room will be open 1-8 p.m. Thursday; Noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Hours may vary by season.
WHERE
Up North Wine Tasting Room is located in the historic downtown district at 9 N Second Street in Geneva, Illinois
MORE ABOUT SHADY LANE CELLARS
Located at 9580 E. Shady Lane in Suttons Bay, Mich., Shady Lane Cellars produces one of the largest percentages of estate-grown wine in its region. Offering hilltop views of the
Leelanau Peninsula in northern Michigan, the winery and its staff create a comfortable approach to wine. The winery was founded in 1999. Since 2017 all Shady Lane Cellars
wines are 100 percent estate-grown. And in 2020, Shady Lane Cellars’vineyard earned Sustainability in Practice – or SIP Certified – status.
Visit www.shadylanecellars.com.
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