Are you planning to celebrate National Wine Day on Saturday, May 25? If so, we’ve got the perfect opportunity for enjoying this tasty adult beverage: the grand opening of Youngblood Vineyard!
Youngblood Vineyard is the first commercial vineyard in Macomb County and southeast Michigan. Nestled in the agriculturally-rich northern section of the county, and backing up to Wolcott Mills Metropark, this property has been family-owned and operated since 1945. Five generations later, in 2016, the family decided to convert their soybean, corn and Christmas tree farm into a vineyard. And after three years of growing grapes, Youngblood Vineyard is ready to open to the public!
The community is welcome to partake in the fruits of their labor on Saturday, May 25 at a grand opening event where you can enjoy wine tastings and purchase wine by the glass or bottle. There will be five wines available for tasting – Frontenac Blanc, Rose of Petite Pearl, Marquette, Petite Pearl and Frontenac.
Notably, the wines produced, served and sold by Youngblood Vineyard carry the Pure Michigan trademark, an image that signifies the vineyard’s commitment to Michigan-made products. Currently, Youngblood is the only winery in the state that exclusively produces 100 percent estate grown wine and the only winery approved to the use the Pure Michigan logo. That, in addition to the grand opening, is certainly something to celebrate.
So - here’s what you need to know about the opening event and the long weekend hours:
Where: Vineyard Tasting Pavilion, 61829 Ray Center Road, Ray, Michigan 48096
Hours: Saturday, noon-9 p.m.; Sunday, noon-7 p.m.; Monday, noon-7 p.m.
If you are headed north for the holiday weekend, don’t worry! Youngblood will still have wine available for tasting throughout the summer. The vineyard will be open on Saturdays and Sundays and on Friday for private events. Check Facebook for updated schedules.
About Youngblood Vineyard
- A veteran-owned operation in Ray, Michigan, just 20 minutes north of Detroit.
- A family-friendly farm and kids of all ages are always welcome.
- Practices sustainable farming methods and is environmentally verified.
- Features 100 percent estate grown grapes.
- Grows cold climate grapevines, of which there are three white varieties and three red varieties.
- Certified 100 percent Pure Michigan, meaning that 100 percent of their wine is locally grown and sourced.
*All Military Veterans and Active Duty Service Members always receive complimentary tastings.
Learn more about Youngblood Vineyard at youngbloodvineyard.com or www.facebook.com/youngbloodvineyard/
Lauri Cowhy is a senior communications specialist with Macomb County Planning and Economic Development