A “Rove” – ing We Will Go…

Imagine this…you work a six hour shift at Indigo Bluffs – Bill out on the grounds and myself in the office – and after regrouping we find our way to Rove Estate, a winery perched on a fifth-generation farm where “at 1100 feet, the landscape creates the perfect vineyard: southern-exposed slopes, abundant sunlight, and cool-air drainage with protection from the frost – perfect conditions for premium estate grown grapes.”

Overlooking the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, we sat on the deck and imbibed a glass of their Estate Pinot Grigio and shared a delicious Rove Board, consisting of Prairie Breeze and Vlaskaas cheeses, Tuscan salami, Iberico Chorizo, Castelvetrano olives, fig spread and Honeycup mustard. What a wonderful and relaxing way to end a work day!

We had visited Rose Estate two years ago while in Michigan, but much has changed – new wines (two years ago they did not even have any reds), a larger patio area, and a tented spot hosting comfortable seating, Jenga, and Corn Hole – a fun spot for the entire family! In speaking with our server we learned that Rove Estate has also become a favorite venue for private tastings and other affairs. They had just hosted “June Recess” the night before, which resulted in over 200 people sharing food and wine – a number they were not ready for but certainly welcomed! Rove Estate is only one of an amazing number of wineries in upstate Michigan, and one you should keep on your list.

As an added highlight, last evening we revisited the Jolly Pumpkin, a brewery and restaurant on Mission Peninsula, founded by Ron Jeffries, a brewmaster and advocate of a slower, finer life – who wouldn’t love that? We feasted on warm, curried Great Lakes potato chips – presented at every table much like chips and salsa at a Mexican eatery, along with what they call “crab tots,” which we in Jersey would label mini crab cakes – they were delicious. I then enjoyed a Chicken Pecan Salad while Bill chose a roast beef sandwich. Bill selected one of the Artisan Ales produced by Jolly Pumpkin and I tasted a local chardonnay! Yes, friends and followers, we continue to enjoy fine food and beverage! Some things will never change!