June 24, 2026 (Suttons Bay, MI) — Two K Farms is proud to announce that it has been awarded 2026 “Great Lakes Winery of the Year” at the prestigious Great Lakes Winemaker Challenge, one of the most respected wine competitions in the industry. Two K was also recognized by receiving Double Gold for Pinot Deux and 2023 Honeycrisp Ice Cider. Gold medals were awarded for Gamay Noir, 2024 Lee Pointe Block Riesling, and Apple Brandy. The Silver medal was awarded for Kingston Black Bourbon Barrel Aged.
“To be named Great Lakes Winery of the Year is a true honor for our team,” said Kurt Berry, Winemaker, Two K Farms. “We are passionate about crafting the highest quality cider, wine, and spirits that reflect our orchards, Michigan microclimate, and vineyard’s character. This recognition means a great deal to the whole team at Two K Farms. The vision and passion of the owners, brothers George and Max Koskela, is a statement of their commitment to making outstanding product that meets the challenge of creating exceptional wine and cider from fruit and fermentation.”
The evolution of our vineyard’s grapes has been fantastic. The Double Gold winning wine, 2025 Pinot Deux, made from Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc grapes has notes of tropical fruit, white peach and cream soda fuse together for the ultimate effervescent treat. A sweet bubbly wine that does not overwhelm the palate, it is fruit foreword yet balanced. The first Gold medal winner for the 2024 Gamay Noir was aged in French oak for one year. It has rich notes of dark chocolate, berries, white pepper and spice. The second Gold medal from the 2024 Lee Pointe Block Riesling is not too dry or sweet – bringing forward aromatic notes of peach and honeysuckle.
Our apple orchards won their second Double Gold for our 2022 Honeycrisp Ice Cider. It is made with 100% Honeycrisp apples which grows exceptionally well on the Leelanau Peninsula. The apples are pressed at the peak of their ripeness and fermented to create a delicious blend of true apple flavor and aromas. Enjoy fruit forward sweetness that is balanced with a crisp finish. The third Gold medal is for our Apple Brandy which is a homage to Calvados. This noble Brandy has been produced for generations in Normandy France from a blend of bittersweet and bittersharp apples. This single-barrel apple brandy is made from many of the same apples found in Normandy. Each sip contains the distinctive characteristics of our apple blend that gives it a uniqueness only found in Leelanau terroir and climate. The Silver medal winner Kingston Black – Bourbon Barrel Aged is a single-varietal cider. It is a perfect balance of tannin, sweetness, and acidity. This dry cider is a collaboration with our friends at Weiss Distilling Company in Clawson, Michigan. The combination of the Weiss Bourbon Barrels and Two K Farms Kingston Black cider aged for 6 months creates a perfect touch of spice and aromas from the barrels, and a distinct well-rounded apple finish.
This recognition highlights Two K Farms ongoing commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and excellence in winemaking. For more information about Two K Farms or to purchase the award-winning wine, visit http://www.twokfarms.com or contact: Max Koskela – mkoskela@twokfarms.com.
