Shady Lane Cellars launches private and group tours
Suttons Bay, MICH. (July 23, 2024) – It’s no secret that Shady Lane Cellars sustainably produces one of the largest percentages of estate-grown wine in Michigan’s Leelanau County wine region. But now it’s possible to see it all up-close.
Offering unparallelled rolling hilltop views the winery and 52-acre estate vineyard, Shady Lane Cellars’ dedicated staff is creating new ways to experience what it takes to create small lot, small production wines with a distinct quality. Reservations for private or small group walking tours are now available at 3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays on Tock. These can be booked for groups of 2 to 12.
“Shady Lane Cellars is a unique winery and we have such a rich history and wonderful story to share,” said Kasey Wierzba, general manager and executive winemaker. “We want to give people more in-depth experience.”
Each Vineyard Tour and Tasting experience is limited to those 21 and older. The walking tours include a total of 6 wine tastings, offered at locations throughout the expansive property. Guests should be prepared to walk for about 2 hours.
It all begins in the 100-year-old Field Stone Tasting Room where attendees will learn about the origins of Shady Lane Cellars historic property, Then, the tour continues into the vineyard where participants may walk among the vines to learn how Shady Lane Cellars’ staff fulfills its commitment to sustainability through hands-on farming efforts.
From there, the tour veers into the barrel room where visitors have a rare chance to see first-hand how the wines are made. The experience wraps up at an historic farm house, a building that dates back to the 1800’s, where participants are invited to taste three more wines and snack on charcuterie.
“It’s a really great behind-the-scenes look at the agricultural side, production side as well as the historical aspects of Shady Lane Cellars,” said Luke Hershey, sales manager. “It’s a cool experience and comprehensive look at all we have to offer.”
The winery is pulling out all the stops for its tours. According to Wierzba, Shady Lane Cellars reserve and library wines will be featured during tours.
For those who want to go beyond the tasting room, Shady Lane Cellars Vineyard Tour and Tastings cost $48 per person. Booking in advance is recommended.
ABOUT SHADY LANE CELLARS
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. In 2020, Shady Lane Cellars’ vineyard earned Sustainability in Practice – or SIP Certified – status. Hours are Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
