How many times have you heard an event wrap up with an announcement from the stage, “See you again next year, same time, same place.” Well, when your event gets bigger with seemingly every passing year…and when more and more players join the ranks of your vendors…eventually you have to resort to the message, “See you again next year, same time…NEW PLACE.” Such is clearly the case for the remarkable Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival, which is moving to a colorful new venue just a quick jog down the road a bit.
The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail is delighted to announce a new location for the 13th Annual Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival — Warren Dunes State Park at Sawyer. The massive popularity of the showcase event and the growth of the Wine Trail itself have led to the new site.
The date remains the same — it has always been on the third Saturday in June, and in 2018 that date is Saturday, June 16th. The good news for party planners is that tickets are already on sale for the 2018 event at the website listed below as well as at most of the participating wineries who will be there to celebrate together.
Admission is just $10 in advance or $15 at the door. They have gone on sale earlier than usual this year so that guests can get the jump on planning out their summer season. You can buy those tickets online right now or stop into many of the Lake Michigan Shore Wineries to purchase in person with no service fees attached.
It’s a signature event that has drawn record crowds on multiple occasions in the first dozen years, and it will stay true to the original mission of bringing all the wineries of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail together in one location for everyone to be able to sample wines, compare and contrast, whether you wish to do so by the taste or by the glass. Best of all, the entire line-up is paired with the amazing vista of the Lake Michigan Shore itself.
Kathy Sturm is the Executive Director of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. She says, this will be our 13th year presenting this premiere event right here in Southwest Michigan, and to be able to showcase quality award-winning wine produced here. As we reached a point that we realized more room was needed, we are pleased to work with Warren Dunes State Park, where the views of the lake and dunes are spectacular.” Sturm also says, “To have new wineries and wines to experience and enjoy the day with music, food trucks, the ability to drive up to the event and park…can’t get any better than that….all for $10 or $15 the day of. Yes, the park has a separate entry fee, but many already have stickers and if not, they are good for a year at any State Park here in Michigan.”
Tony Peterson, meanwhile, is President of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. He says, “Our 13th year is going to be a new experience at new location. We have listened to your feedback and are going to provide more room to enjoy the festival, giving you a place to park right in the parking lots next to the festival site. We are changing up the food offerings a bit by adding food trucks. And the whole reason you are coming is for a chance to try new vintages of wines made right here in Southwest Michigan and member wineries of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.”
The festival features all of the wonderful, locally-grown-and-produced varietals from these amazing wineries in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA:
- 12 Corners
- Baroda Founders
- Cody Kresta
- Cogdal
- Contessa
- Dablon
- Domaine Berrien
- Fenn Valley
- Gravity
- Hickory Creek
- Karma Vista
- Lawton Ridge
- Lake Michigan Vintners
- Lazy Ballerina
- Lemon Creek
- Round Barn
- St. Julian
- Vineyard 2121
- Warner
- White Pine
The festival will continue to feature fantastic regional live music programming, a big top tent to house all of the wineries, access to the beach and beautiful Lake Michigan, an enviable sunset and a whole lot of world-class wines. All below the impressive backdrop of the towering sands of beautiful Warren Dunes.
Even better for guests who like freedom of mobility, you can have the convenience of driving in the Dunes and parking directly adjacent to the festival and beach, with capacity for thousands of cars. No need to clamber aboard a shuttle bus anymore. Warren Dunes does charge a nominal fee for parking per car, or you can use your Michigan State Passport license tab for free parking.
Also new this year, festival organizers have arranged for a showcase of local area food trucks and other local restaurants to pair with your favorite varietal.
To stay abreast of all the action, follow the social media channels below and check the festival website for up-to-date details of the exciting plans and line-up. Tickets will also be available at the gate on the day of the festival, promising an even bigger and better event than ever before.
As has always been the case, the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival is slated to take place rain or shine, so plan accordingly.
Here’s the link for ticket information and ticket ordering:
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3174237
Here are the social media channels you can follow to stay on top of the event:
- http://www.LakeMichiganWineFest.com
- http://www.Facebook.com/LakeMichiganShoreWineFestival
- http://www.Twitter.com/WarrenWineFest
- http://www.miwinetrail.com
- http://www.instagram.com
Director Sturm hopes to see everyone there, saying, “Plan now….you can reserve your camping spaces now, and there are over 200 of them. How’s that for convenience, along with being able to park right in the parking lots next to the festival venue. Take a dip in the lake and come back and enjoy more wine and food. We are family friendly…..there will be an area for you and the kids to enjoy time together and partake in a couple of activities.”
Tony Peterson reminds everyone that the event is nestled in the beautiful Warren Dunes State Park along Lake Michigan, and adds, “But wait…there’s more!!!! Make a weekend of it – Dad will love it – on Sunday visit the wineries and try the varietals that were not presented at the festival, attend the Father’s Day festival at Lemon Creek Winery….this is their 33rd year.” He concludes by encouraging all of us to, “Check out the beauty along the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, and we’ll see you on June 16th at Warren Dunes State Park!”
