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Hunt for the Reds of October along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail with this special event

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/01 .. eninsula-wine-trail-with-this-special-event.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 14:53 GMT by MLive
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Hunt for the Reds of October: A Red‑Wine Adventure Along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

In late October, the Leelanau Peninsula in Northern Michigan turns into a living red‑wine gallery. The “Hunt for the Reds of October” event, organized by the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail Association, invites wine lovers, curious locals, and out‑of‑town tourists to explore a curated selection of the peninsula’s most celebrated red varietals. Over the course of three days (October 25‑27, 2025) the event takes visitors through nine wineries, each offering tastings, educational talks, and special seasonal pairings. The trail is designed to highlight the diversity of the peninsula’s terroir—from cool‑climate pinot noir to rich cabernet blends—and to celebrate the hard work of Michigan’s winemakers.

1. The Concept Behind the Trail

At the heart of the event is a playful “hunt” theme. Participants receive a custom “Red‑October Passport” that lists the participating wineries and the specific red wines they will taste. As visitors move from one estate to the next, they can check off the wines and collect stamps in the passport. Completing the passport earns entrants a limited‑edition Leelanau Winery Collective tasting kit, featuring mini‑bottles of the three most popular reds sampled during the event.

The event’s tagline, “From Berry‑Bright to Bold‑Brilliant,” was chosen to reflect the spectrum of flavor profiles found along the trail. The organizers, led by Wine Trail Director Emily Carver, wanted to move beyond a simple tasting tour and provide a narrative experience that connects terroir, winemaking, and local culture.

2. Wineries on the Trail

The wineries themselves vary in style, from boutique estate producers like Lafitte Winery to larger operations such as Leelanau Winery & Vineyard. All of them share a commitment to showcasing the unique microclimates of the peninsula, including the cool breezes that flow from the Lake Michigan shoreline.

3. Logistics and Planning

The event is designed to be accessible to all, with shuttle buses departing from the Leelanau County Visitor Center each day. The trail covers approximately 45 miles and can be explored by car, bike, or on foot (many wineries have pedestrian-friendly trails). For those traveling from Detroit or Grand Rapids, a round‑trip bus service is available at a discounted rate.

Ticketing is handled online via the Leelanau Wine Trail Association’s website (link in the original article). Early‑bird tickets—available until October 12—offer a 15 % discount. In addition, families of four or more can purchase a “Family Pass” that includes a complimentary wine‑pairing lunch at Château de Lune on the final day.

4. Educational Highlights

A core part of the “hunt” is the educational component. Each winery hosts a short, interactive talk that delves into the grape variety, winemaking process, and regional history. For example, at River Bend Cellars, the master vintner explains how the region’s late‑summer heat creates the high‑sugar content that gives Zinfandel its depth. At Glen Eden Winery, a discussion on blending techniques highlights how local Cabernet and Merlot clones are combined to create a balanced Meritage.

The event also includes a “Red‑Wine Pairing 101” workshop hosted by culinary experts from Leelanau County. Participants learn how to pair red wines with the peninsula’s signature foods—think buttered butterflies, wild rice, and Michigan farm‑fresh cheeses.

5. Culinary and Cultural Touchstones

Beyond wine, the Trail weaves in food, art, and music. On day two, a pop‑up restaurant at Old Orchard Winery serves a menu crafted from local ingredients, paired with a selection of the day’s reds. The evening at Bennett’s Farm & Winery features an art installation titled Red Stories, where local artists depict scenes of Michigan’s vineyards in bold reds.

Music is another highlight. Each winery hosts a different genre: acoustic folk at Château de Lune, jazz at Leelanau Winery, and bluegrass at Lafitte. The event’s closing ceremony, held at the Visitor Center on October 27, includes a live concert featuring the Peninsula’s top unsigned indie band, The Harvest.

6. Sustainability and Community Impact

A significant theme throughout the event is sustainability. Leelanau Winery & Vineyard’s “Sustainability Farm‑to‑Glass Tour” showcases organic practices, water conservation, and the use of biodynamic fertilizers. Bennett’s Farm & Winery highlights its partnership with the local food‑bank, donating a portion of the event’s proceeds to feed families in need.

The event also generates a notable economic boost. According to the Association, an estimated 3,000 visitors will participate, contributing roughly $1.2 million in local spending across lodging, dining, and retail.

7. What Visitors Say

After the event’s inaugural year, several guests praised its “interactive and immersive” design. A visitor from Grand Rapids wrote on social media: “I’ve never seen a wine trail like this. It’s not just tasting; it’s learning, eating, and connecting with the land.” A local resident from Traverse City highlighted the community aspect: “It’s amazing how the event brings together people from all corners of Michigan—wine lovers, farmers, artists—into one joyous celebration.”

8. Planning Your Visit

If you’re interested in attending, start by visiting the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail Association’s official site (link in the original article) to purchase tickets and download the Red‑October Passport. It’s advisable to book accommodations early—many local bed‑and‑breakfasts and small hotels have limited rooms during the event week.

For those who cannot attend in person, the Association offers a live‑stream option for the grand tasting ceremony and a digital gallery of the wine‑pairing dinners, available for a nominal fee.

9. Final Thoughts

The “Hunt for the Reds of October” is more than a tasting tour; it’s a celebration of Northern Michigan’s viticultural heritage and the creative spirit that defines the Leelanau Peninsula. By blending education, sustainability, and community engagement, the event invites everyone to discover why Michigan’s red wines are gaining national recognition.

Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile, a culinary enthusiast, or simply looking for a fall adventure that combines scenic drives with unforgettable flavors, this event promises a memorable experience. The next time you’re in Michigan in October, consider stepping out of your routine and following the trail that leads you through the heart of the peninsula’s red‑wine bounty.