From: "MDA-Michigan-Wines MDA-Michigan-Wines" <mda-michigan-wines@michigan.gov>

Michigan Wine Country magazine is just about ready to hit the presses. You can expect it to hit your mailbox in mid-April - just in time to plan your summer winery tours!

Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association is seeking works of original art for its first commemorative print, to reflect the wines, vineyards and beauty of the peninsula. The limited edition (100) print will be available to the public, framed and signed by the artist and the 10 winemakers of the association. The winning print will be unveiled May 22, 2003, at Hattie's in Suttons Bay. Deadline for submitting a print for consideration is April 30, 2003. Contact the LPVA for guidelines and details - www.lpwines.com or (231) 938-3247.

Michigan now has four official wine trails! In the northwest, there are Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail and Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula. In southern Michigan, we now have the Southwest Michigan Wine Trail and, our newest addition, Southeast Michigan's Pioneer Wine Trail. Check your 2003 issue of Michigan Wine Country for an article highlighting some of the fabulous events being planned by these wineries.

There's no better way to learn about wine than to drink it with food. And Chateau Chantal's Slurpin' Seminars, March 15 and April 12, are a great way to start! Each is a day-long experience, including a walk in the vineyard, "Winemaking 101", lunch, cellar tour, and a six-course dinner with accompanying wines. Cost is $99, and reservations are required one week prior to the seminar. Call (800) 969-4009 for more information or visit www.chateauchantal.com.

Domaine Detroit Wine Festival has two one-day bus trips planned: visit Lone Oak Vineyard Estate in Grass Lake March 15, and Pentamere Winery in Tecumseh April 12. Hop on the bus and enjoy a relaxing ride to two of the newest wineries in Michigan! For reservations and information, contact Chuck Jackson at (313) 942-5467 or chuckjaxonjr@juno.com. For more information about Lone Oak and Pentamere, visit www.michiganwines.com.

Black Star Farms is kicking off their "Pleasures of the Table" series with Mediterranean Cuisine March 24-26. The seminar includes a two-night stay at the Inn, two hands-on cooking sessions on Lebanese cuisine, private wine tasting and wine pairing with the winemaker, and a Mediterranean dinner at Hattie's in Suttons Bay. For more information, visit the winery's web site at www.blackstarfarms.com, or call the winery at (231) 271-4994, ext. 143. And ask about the next in the series: Brandy, Wine & Cheese, April 14-16.

Compare Michigan wines with those from California and Europe in a course designed to highlight the unique features of Michigan wines. Washtenaw Community College is offering Wines of Michigan April 2 and 9 - two 3-hour sessions for just $69. Visit www.wccnet.edu for more information. Look under "Continuing Education," then "Live Work Learn."

And Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn is also offering a course: Taste the Wines of Michigan April 17 and 24. Savor the taste of Michigan wines, and learn how and why they've received national recognition. Just $49 for two 2-hour sessions. Visit www.hfcc.edu for details. Look under "Center for Lifelong Learning" then "Culinary Adventures."

Experience a Winemaker's Dinner at St. Julian in Paw Paw, April 26. Reservations are required. Call for more information: (269) 657-5568 or visit www.stjulian.com.

There is an abundance of spring and summer events being planned by Michigan's wine trails. We can't begin to list them all here! You can always find the most complete listing of Michigan wine-related events at www.michiganwines.com.