Wine Country Michigan 2014

Tags

Emma Palova blog, Fenn Valley winery, Russo's, Vignoles wine, winemaking, wineries

Great harvest season 2014

Morning dew on grapes.

From Paw Paw to Leelanau Peninsula, Old Mission and in between, Michigan boasts quality wines both whites and reds.

Many years ago, winemakers realized the land and the climate resembled some of the finest wine regions in France and Germany.

They built wineries along the lakeshore and opened their doors. Come and explore with me.

One of my favorite ones is  Fenn Valley award-winning winery in southern Michigan. The winemaker is Doug Welsch and the winery has been family owned since 1973.

The winemaker’s choice is red Meritage and white Riesling. The atmosphere is friendly and easy-going.

There are many events throughout the year at the winery such as educational tours about winemaking and a 5k trail run.

The winery is open year round for tasting from 11a.m. to 6 p.m., on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Fenn Valley is no stranger to awards. Their late harvest Vignoles was awarded the best Vignoles in the country.

For more information go to http://www.fennvalley.com

http://www.michiganwines.com

 

Summer brews & news

Tags

Budweiser horses, Emma Palova blog, Emma Palova publisher, Emma Palova writer, GB Russo & Sons, Summer beer gardens, Summer brew Oberon, The Bells Brewery

Beer clips

Summer beer gardens pop up in the area as the sunny selection rolls out.

Summer brew Oberon

The Bells Brewery in Kalamazoo makes a great summer beer Oberon, refreshing and rich in taste. Try it on tap at the local watering holes Larkin’s and Sneaker’s, as well as on the Showboat during the Sizzlin’ Summer Concert series on Thursdays in Lowell.

The Founders Brewing Co. is in the midst of a major $25 million expansion that will double its beer making capacity to 600,000 barrels.

Stay tuned for other beer news from the Beer City.

Wine news

The GB Russo & Sons of Grand Rapids will be celebrating 110 years in business next year. Patronize your favorite international food and wine store with a rich selection of international and US wines. The expanded gourmet store is located on 29th Street in Grand Rapids.

The selection of beers much like wines is vast from seasonal summer brews to mainstays and onto Oktoberfest later.

The deli features favorites such as Italian mortadella, herbed olives, cannoli and Asiago bread.

GB Russo & Sons established in 1905 in Grand Rapids

For more information go to http://www.gbrusso.com

Copyright (c) 2014 stories and photos by Emma Palova

 

Going international

Tags

Emma Palova blog, Indiana Dunes Park, Spanish, Valparaiso

What’s your favorite destination restaurant?

E Travel & Food

Destination Valparaiso

By EMMA  PALOVA

EW Emma’s Writings

After more than two decades of living in North America, the Pala and the Konecny families still like to patronize international venues around the world.

Here is a sampling of few of our favorites spread around the Midwest. The most recent one that we visited as a family was the Don Quijote Spanish restaurant in Valparaiso, Indiana for  my dad’s 80th birthday.

One day on their way from Chicago, my parents Vaclav and Ella Konecny spotted a billboard with the famous Spanish knight Don Quijote on a stretch of freeway 94.

Located about 12 miles from the Indiana State Dunes, Valparaiso is a small university town with a cosmopolitan fare.

The restaurant is a real Spanish treat owned by Mr. Carlos of Barcelona.

And does Mr. Carlos know how to cook and entertain.

Owner Carlos with Ella and Vaclav Konecny at Don Quijote restaurant

The menu offerings…

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