An amazing history that has included having their wines served at White House state dinners will be celebrated this spring by the team at Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant as they celebrate 50-years of winemaking in Michigan’s Great Southwest in multiple ways.
Spring 2021 will be a very special time as the winery and restaurant mark half a century in business beginning with a special weekend “throwback” dining event showcasing some of the favorite dishes served over the years. The celebration will include the release of a new limited-edition Meritage, and release of the winery’s award-winning Grand Mark champagne into the market after years of aging in Tabor Hill’s cellars.
The 50th Anniversary Throwback Dinner is slated for Friday, April 23rd and Saturday, April 24th. Tabor Hill says to kick-off the 50th season, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy not only Tabor Hill’s current menu, but also a special menu of guest favorites from bygone years, such as Grape Leaf Salmon, Lamb Lollipops, Maryland Soft Shell Crab, and of course, their famous Pecan Crusted Raspberry Chicken (which is always on the menu). Reservations for this very special weekend at the award-winning Buchanan vineyard are highly recommended and can be made by calling 269-422-1161.
The celebration will include the release of Tabor Hill’s Limited-Edition 2018 Meritage on Friday, April 23rd, when, in addition to enjoying delectable dishes, the celebration will feature the release of a new 50th anniversary limited-edition Lake Michigan Shore 2018 Meritage, a blend of 50-percent Cabernet Franc, 35-percent Merlot, and 15-percent Petit Verdot, with aromas of blackberry and black cherry with a hint of oak and cocoa powder. The new Meritage is a big wine with bold tannins and a long finish. The limited-edition release will be available at Tabor Hill locations, and on their online shop for Vineyard Premier members only.
Matt Moersch, CEO of Moersch Hospitality Group, which owns Tabor Hill, Round Barn and Free Run Cellars that collectively represent Michigan’s fourth largest winery, says, “Tabor Hill has a storied history that includes many wine awards, fans like legendary comedian Bob Hope, and served at least five times at the White House beginning with President Gerald Ford’s tenure.” He adds, “This 50th anniversary celebration honors that legacy, our reputation as a must-stop destination in Southwest Michigan’s wine region, and our passion for creating unique varietals appreciated by wine lovers everywhere.”
Tabor Hill’s five decades in the winemaking business began in 1970, when it became the first new licensed winery in Michigan since the state’s 1933 repeal of Prohibition. Construction soon began on the chateau-style winery and tasting room building that remains a focal point of Tabor Hill today.
Visionary leadership turned the winery into an anchor of the Lake Michigan Shore American Viticultural Area (AVA) and also played a major role in building the Michigan wine industry into a major economic driver for the state.
The Moersch family’s involvement dates back to 1979, when local high school biology teacher Rick Moersch was hired part-time to help in Tabor Hill’s winery lab. Moersch soon began managing lab operations full-time, purchased a 28-acre farm with his wife Sherrie to grow and sell grapes to Tabor Hill, and became head winemaker and general manager in 1982.
Over the years, Tabor Hill has seen the addition of a fine dining restaurant that showcases the winery’s work through wine pairings, expansion and remodeling of the original building, and construction of a larger production facility and warehouse to accommodate ongoing growth.
Today, the winery continues to carry on the legacy while producing more than 60,000 cases of wine annually, signature dining events throughout the year, a beautiful wedding and special event venue at the award-winning Estate Tent which opened in 2018 with accommodations for up to 220 guests. New in 2020 the Mt. Tabor Trails were introduced, including more than 3.5 miles of hiking trails connecting Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant with sister property Round Barn Estate.
Complete information on the Tabor Hill 50th anniversary celebration as well details for planning your visit can be found online at http://taborhill.com
