Rove Winery’s 2023 Wine Grape Harvest: Thriving from Tradition & Stewardship

The October wine grape harvest is a special time at Rove Winery. This time of the year isn’t just a season for us. It’s a celebration of family, farming, and the rich Gallagher traditions that make our wines exceptional.

There’s something magical about all the activity on the farm as our family and team come together to harvest the many fruits from the year’s careful cultivation. To see the clusters of sun-ripened grapes on the vines waiting to be gathered and made ready to turn into wine.

It’s the culmination of all our farming efforts and traditions – all wrapped up in little round packages of grape skin and juices.

And at the heart of our winery is a commitment to family values and traditions

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Family & Team

Rove Winery and all of Gallagher Estate grows and thrives every season because of the people who work the farm.

Without our passionate winemakers, dedicated vineyard workers, and generations of family members, we wouldn’t be able to craft delicious wines or ciders. They’ve all poured their love into the soil and are a part of what makes Rove Winery’s wines so singularly special.

Because of our team’s dedication, we’ve been able to implement sustainable farming practices that help protect the land, the harvest, and our people. They’ve helped Gallagher Estate continue to grow our role of land stewardship.

And we believe you can taste the difference. 

Our farming principles guide every decision, from planting to harvest, creating a sense of unity that elevates our wines and brings joy to so many of our loyal guests, wine club members, and dedicated team.

 

 

 

 

 

Our Fall Grape Harvest

Our 2023 growing season was really solid.

On average, we get around 2.5 tons of grapes per acre. This year, we’re getting close to 4 tons per acre. Plus, when you add in the additional 5 acres we planted this growing season, that’s a lot of grapes to harvest!

Which is both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking, to be honest. 

The gradual warm-up to spring and a very hot, dry summer were ideal for growing this year. September did bring a little rain, but we kept any vineyard diseases under control. 

But October can get dicey. 

Dry days with sunshine at 50-60° are ideal for the wine grapes. But when frosts start to form or we have a rainy fall session, that’s when seeing those grape-heavy vines goes from exhilarating to worry that we won’t be able to harvest it all in time.

But we believe in your family and team’s ability to come together to bring in most (if not all!) of the harvest to be used in this year’s wine production.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our 2023 Wines

All of that extra grape tonnage means more flexibility to get creative in the wine cellar. And – bonus! – we can make MORE of our fan-favorite wines.

A great example of this is our estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc. In recent years, we doubled our production and can now offer this Wine Club exclusive wine to everyone this year!

Every day, you’ll find us in the vineyard taking samples and testing grades for ripeness. We look at the brix (sugar content), pH, and acidity values of the grapes. This information helps us decide when to harvest and what type of wines we’ll make.

There is a reason some refer to farming as gambling.

Mother Nature is powerful and has a mind of her own, especially in Northern Michigan. Like any good card player, we watch, wait, and then act.

So we make our plans, but we’re ready to pivot at a moment’s notice. 

A normal harvest season can start as early as the end of September – especially if we’re making sparkling wine. And lasts through the first 10 days of November.  

This year we started harvest on October 10, 2023.

Our goal is to get everything as ripe as possible before the frost sets in or the days get too wet and chilly. 

Our red varietals like a little more sunlight and time on the vine. So we’re hopeful Mother Nature will be on our side and let those grapes ripen to perfection.

Because we want every glass of wine to hold the story of our harvest, our family & team, and the beauty of being a steward of this land.

Sláinte! 

Wine Tasting Tips to Create the Best Fall Wine & Color Tour Experience

Fall in Michigan is a magical time. The leaves transform to vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, filling vista views with rich colors only autumn can deliver. And one of the best ways to savor fall is with a fall wine-tasting and color tour!

Michigan’s wineries come alive with the promise of an unforgettable fall experience during this vivid transformation. And a fall wine and color tour is a feast for your senses. 

Imagine strolling through vineyards with the crisp air and breathtaking foliage while sipping wines that complement the scenery. Crisp whites that pair with the cool autumn air to bold reds that mirror the warmth of the changing leaves. They all work in harmony to bring you the flavors and aromas of fall.

To make your fall wine-tasting and color tour a success, we put together a few wine-tasting tips. Because we want you to get the most out of your fall experience!

7 Wine Tasting Tips for Wine Tours

Pace yourself

Depending on the area you’re visiting, there can be LOTS of wineries for you to experience. 

For example, the Leelanau Wine Trail in Michigan has 24+ wineries on the peninsula and over 40 in the Traverse Wine Coast region. That’s a lot of wine to try!

So it’s important to break up your visit and not visit more than 4-5 wineries a day. This way each winery visit feels like a singular experience with you fresh and excited (versus tired and drained).

Dress appropriately

Tasting tours can involve walking through vineyards and wine cellars, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Because you don’t want to miss a moment of the legendary fall foliage worrying about aching feet.

And don’t forget to check the weather. Fall means cooler days, so Rove Winery recommends warming warm layers like a coat, sweater, and scaf. Many of our Northern Michigan tasting rooms feature beautiful outdoor areas where you can fully enjoy the crisp autum air – and you don’t want to miss out!

Don’t forget to eat

All the walking and wine tasting doesn’t do well on an empty stomach. So drink like a European, and make sure to eat before and during your wine-tasting tour. Most wineries offer a small menu you can order from. 

At Rove Winery, we offer charcuterie and other locally crafted small plates that compliment the aromas of our wines and fall. Scents like fallen leaves, ripe apples, and the earthy richness of pumpkins.

Tasting the wine

When it comes time to taste the wine, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Avoid wearing strong perfumes, colognes, lotions, or other scented products. These scents can interfere with the aromas of the wine.
  • Hold the glass by the stem to prevent your hand from warming the wine.
  • Sip – don’t gulp – the wine. Small sips allow you to savor the flavors.
  • Use the dump buckets to discard any excess wine you don’t finish from the sample.
  • Drink water to cleanse your palate between wines and stay hydrated.
  • Keep your phone on silent to allow yourself and others to immerse yourselves in the wine-tasting experience.

Spit or savor

It may seem odd, but spitting during a wine tasting is both acceptable and encouraged! Spitting out a wine after sipping it allows you to taste many wines without becoming intoxicated.

The winery will provide spittoons for you to use if you choose to spit.

Drink responsibly

If your preference is to savor the wine, do it responsibly! It’s important to stay safe and have a designated driver or alternative transportation setup. 

 

If you’re the designated driver, Rove Winery offers multiple non-alcoholic drinks. We want you to feel comfortable and enjoy your visit to our family’s estate too!

Fall wine tasting and color tours are an experience you don’t want to miss!

There’s an undeniable romance to autumn, a season that calls people to gather and celebrate life’s simple pleasures. Between the breathtaking views painted in autumn colors to the scents of crackling fires and ripe apples, it’s a memorable experience.

And we hope these wine-tasting tips make it an experience you’ll want to create again and again!

As you plan your fall wine-tasting color tour, be sure to include a visit to Rove Winery at Gallagher Estate in Leelanau Peninsula. 

Discover the magic of fall in every sip, aroma, and view only Rove Winery can offer. Book your fall wine tasting and color tour today!

We can’t wait to see you there.

Slainte!

All About Pinot Gris: Your Essential Guide

Imagine sitting on the back porch enjoying the summer sunset as you sip on a glass of chilled white wine. And what’s in that glass? Pinot Gris, a beautiful white wine that has a versatile profile.

Many wine enthusiasts love Pinot Gris because of its wide range of flavors. So let’s dive into the beauty of Pinot Gris and why you need a bottle in your home.

Pinot Gris Wine’s Origin & History

Pinot Gris in French means “grey pinecone” for the grape’s greyish-pink color. Thought to be a mutation of the Pinot Noir grape, Pinot Gris traces its origins to the Burgundy region of France. It’s believed to have been first cultivated in the 14th century.

The Pinot Gris grape then spread to other regions in Europe, including Italy (they call it Pinot Grigio) and Germany, where it’s still well loved. In the 19th century, German immigrants brought Pinot Gris vines to the U.S. But wine growers didn’t stop there. The vine is grown all over the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and parts of South America.

So what’s the difference between Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio?

Nothing really. They’re technically the same wine called different names depending on the region it’s grown.

But like with all wines, there are differences in the grapes based on the climate and soil they’re grown in. So, you may find…

  • Pinot Gris is usually more full-bodied, aromatic, and has a richer mouthfeel. 
  • While a Pinot Grigio is typically lighter, crisper, and has a drier, zesty palate.

Pinot Gris Wine’s Characteristics

Pinot Gris is versatile and holds a range of flavors. Though a Pinot Gris can range from light to full-bodied, it typically falls in the medium-bodied range. This is what makes it so appealing to wine drinkers. 

With each sip, you’ll find a silky texture and a balance between acidity and fruitiness. If you’re drinking a Pinot Gris Rosé, you’ll find it to be light, crisp, and refreshing.

Color: Pinot Gris comes in a range of colors that vary from pale straw to light golden yellow.

If it’s a Pinot Gris Rosé, the wine will have a pink to coppery hue that goes from pale salmon to light ruby.

Flavors: Pinot Gris has a diverse range of flavors. And it all depends on the ripeness of the grape, the winemaking process, and the region it’s grown.

But the most common Pinot Gris flavors are stone fruits like peach, apricot, and nectarines; citrus like lemon, lime, and grapefruit; pear; apple; and honey in slightly sweeter wines or late harvest-style wines.

The flavors of a Pinot Gris Rosé are the same as a Pinot Gris. But there are a few unique differences. A Pinot Gris Rosé will have flavors of red fruits like cherries, herbal notes, and floral notes like rose petals or hibiscus.

Aroma: A Pinot Gris has a bouquet of white flowers (like honeysuckle or jasmine), spices (like ginger or cinnamon), and minerals (like wet stones or chalk).

A Pinot Gris Rosé will be bright and expressive, with an alluring aroma of red berries. You’ll also discover floral notes of roses or violets. And citrus zest of orange or grapefruit peel.

Aging: Pinot Gris and Pinot Gris Rosé are best enjoyed young and fresh.

Pinot Gris Wine Food Pairings

Pinot Gris is a great match for a range of foods that will appeal to any gourmand! Its balanced profile makes it versatile enough to pair with light salads to richer seafood.

But before you serve a glass of Pinot Gris or Pinot Gris Rosé, make sure it’s at 45° to 55°. If you store it in the fridge for about 2-3 hours before serving, you’ll reach the right temperature. 

For a more expressive and aromatic sip, let the wine warm a bit in the glass. But keep it slightly cooler throughout serving if you prefer to keep the Pinot Gris crisp and refreshing.

Now, let’s talk food to pair with your chilled Pinot Gris.

Seafood is a great choice. The delicate flavors of grilled or baked fish, shrimp, scallops, crab, or lobster are complemented by the Pinot Gris’s acidity. 

And it can also cut through any buttery or creamy sauces like fettuccine alfredo or pasta carbonara. You can also try Pinot Gris with roasted chicken, turkey, or duck prepared with herbs or a light sauce. 

If you like sushi or sashimi, the crisp nature of Pinot Gris pairs well with the fresh, raw flavors of the fish. And for a vegetarian pairing, try a vegetable stir fry or veggie-based curries. 

Grab a bottle of Rove Winery’s Pinot Gris Rosé!

It’s heavenly! 

We call it Ragaire Rosé of Pinot Gris. The grapes are ripened on the vine during long sunny days with cool nights that bring forward characteristics of floral bouquets and fresh orchard fruits.

Our Pinot Gris Rosé has delicate floral notes with a whisper of watermelon and balanced acidity. You’ll discover refreshing hints of creamy berries and citrus. It’s the perfect wine for any summer moment.

Become a Wine Club member and get to enjoy our next harvest of Ragaire Rosé of Pinot Gris first!

Want to learn about more wine? Check out our other essential wine guides on Pinot Noir, Riesling, Rosé, and Chardonnay

We also have an amazing summer wine and food guide. Slainte! 

A Taste of Traverse City, the Cherry Capital of the World

Located in Michigan’s Fruit Belt, Traverse City holds the title of the Cherry Capital of the World!

It sits in an area known for its diverse fruit production and earned a reputation for producing high-quality cherries.

Traverse City has the natural advantages of an ideal climate and soil for growing cherries in the northern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Farmers began planting cherry trees in the mid-19th century. And it quickly became one of the primary crops grown.

The cherry orchards in Traverse City produce millions of pounds of cherries annually. And are shipped across the U.S. and exported to other countries. In fact, Traverse City supplies 75% of the world’s tart cherries!

The National Cherry Festival

The first National Cherry Festival in Traverse City was held in 1925. And is the most renowned cherry festival in the U.S. 

Celebrated annually. The National Cherry Festival celebrates the region’s cherry industry by showcasing the community’s farming heritage.

The beauty of the Cherry Festival is it’s deeply rooted in the community. It relies on the support of volunteers, local businesses, and organizations. You not only get to enjoy amazing cherries, but you also experience the warmth and hospitality of Traverse City. 

The National Cherry Festival lasts a week, taking place from the last week of June to the first week of July. And it features a variety of events and activities for all ages and interests. Like the Cherry Royale Parade that starts the Festival and the Grand Royale Parade that ends the Festival. There is also entertainment from local and national artists at different venues. 

You’ll also experience:

  • Cherry pie-eating contests
  • Cherry pit spitting contests
  • Cherry pie baking competitions
  • Air shows
  • Carnival rides & games
  • Children’s activities (like face painting)

And don’t forget to stop at the vendors to sample and purchase a variety of cherry products from cherry jams and pies to salsas and wines. You can also enjoy artisan vendors showcasing their cherry-themed crafts, artwork, and products.

Cherries and Rove Winery at Gallagher Estate

Gallagher Estate has deep roots in cherries. 

Creighton is part of a multi-generational cherry farm. He spent his summers working the family cherry orchard with his father and 9 siblings. Not to mention the extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents.

Our kids are now the 6th generation of Gallaghers to farm cherries!

Many of our vineyards sit in soil that used to be cherry orchards. And though we focus our attention on grapes and wine, cherries will always be an important part of our history. Right now, we farm about 35 acres of cherries. 

And we hope to always have a few cherry orchards. Even if just for nostalgia.  

July is a very special time of year for our family. We get to spend time with our kids and have them work alongside us as we harvest the cherries. 

We work together as a family to get to the finish line after many long days and weeks working around Mother Nature. Although harvest is always a little grueling, there is something rewarding about stopping everything else and just focusing on our farm, being one with the land and in tune with nature. 

It is both a tremendous privilege and responsibility to take care of a generational farm that holds so much of our local history. We think of ourselves as stewards of the land and want to always leave our land better than we found it.  

Come enjoy the taste of the Cherry Capital of the World at Rove Winery!

Many of our red wines express the flavor of cherries – a nod to the land’s history. And a great way to celebrate your time at the National Cherry Festival.

Sip a glass of wine in our tasting room sitting at the highest point of Leelanau Peninsula and enjoy a beautiful sunset. 

You won’t be disappointed. 

Slainte!

4 Amazing Trips to Take in Leelanau Peninsula During Summer

Summer in Leelanau Peninsula is glorious – clear waters to swim in, green woods to explore, and sunshiny days. And there are so many wonderful places to see and adventures to go on when you visit the area. 

To help you put together the ultimate Leelanau Peninsula adventure itinerary, we’ve put together a list of things to do here during the summer.

So get ready for your next summer trip!

Explore nature

Leelanau Peninsula is home to the beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park

35 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline coupled with forests, inland lakes, sandy beaches, and dunes – the main attraction. Some dunes rise as high as 400 feet above Lake Michigan. 

Sleeping Bear Dunes features hiking trails through dunes, forests, and shorelines. You may even spot white-tailed deer, black bears, or foxes. The area is also great for birdwatching, kayaking, canoeing, camping, or picnicking.

Hike Pyramid Point

When visiting Sleep Bear Dunes, hike Pyramid Point

It’s a bluff that features a moderately challenging trail through the forest and is 2 miles round trip. This will give you an amazing view of the surrounding area when you reach the top.

Explore the water

One of the special summer beauties of Leelanau Peninsula is all the amazing rivers, lakes, and beaches you can visit. Making a perfect setting for a picnic featuring your favorite bottle of wine.

A few beaches you can check out are:

  • Esch Beach, a beach great for swimming, picnics, and exploring nature
  • Empire Beach, a family-friendly beach ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing
  • Van’s Beach, a sandy beach perfect for beachcombing and is less crowded than the others

Kayak along Crystal River 

Crystal River in Glen Arbor got its name for the clear waters created by the underground springs that feed it.

Crystal River’s slow-moving waters and calm conditions make it a great place for beginners and families. And it’s a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking. 

Crystal River flows 8 miles through Sleeping Bear Dunes before emptying into Lake Michigan. There are several access points and public docks along the river you can use to start and end your paddling trip.

Explore the towns

Leelanau Penisula is dotted with many charming coastal towns. Check out:

  • Suttons Bay, which is filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants.
  • Northport, a harbor town featuring a lighthouse, shops, and local eateries.

But you don’t want to miss Leland.

Eat at Leland, MI

Leland is a picturesque coastal village with a deep fishing heritage. Visit their historic “Fishtown” and stop at Village Cheese Shanty for a sandwich. 

You can also access Van’s Beach from Leland – so take that sandwich and turn it into a picnic.

Explore the coastline

Driving along Leelanau Peninsula will take you through a breathtaking scenic experience. Hop onto the M-22 to enjoy a coastal drive with stunning views of Lake Michigan, rolling hills, orchards, vineyards, and landscapes.

As you go along the western coastline, you’ll glimpse sparkling waters and sandy beaches passing through forests and meadows. Stop to explore local wineries and orchards to sample some of the best Michigan wines and ciders.

M-22 is a well-maintained road, so you’ll have a smooth drive. It gets busy during summer weekends, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Catch the sunset at Rove Winery

At the end of your summer day, stop at Rove Winery to enjoy a wine flight featuring our specially crafted wines and spectacular views.

Our tasting room sits at 1,165 feet. The highest point in all Leelanau Peninsula – making it the most memorable spot to take in the sunset.

It’s the perfect ending to your perfect trip.

At Rove Estate, we wish you a safe, fun-filled summer! Slainte!

 

5 Ways to Celebrate National Wine Day on May 25th

National Wine Day is a great day to show your love for wine. Whether you’re a lover of reds, prefer whites, or like to try a bit of everything, National Wine Day is all about the enjoyment of a good bottle of wine.

So to help, we’ve put together a list of different ways you can celebrate on May 25th.

Let’s get ready to take a sip for National Wine Day!

Have a wine-tasting party

Putting together a wine-tasting party is a fun way to enjoy National Wine Day with family and friends. And it allows you to try out a variety of wines – and maybe find a new favorite!

To set up your wine-tasting, select 3-5 different wines. Think about selecting different varietals, regions, and vintages to explore new flavors and aromas.

For the tasting, you can provide your guests with wine-tasting cards that allow them to write their impressions – like aroma, taste, and finish. And help them remember which they liked the best.

Also, don’t forget to check you have enough glasses! You’ll want smaller glasses for white wine and larger, wider glasses for red wine. And when setting out your wine flights, have glasses of water your guests can use to cleanse their palate between wines. 

It’s also a good idea to have some snacks or appetizers for your guests to munch on. Think bruschetta or charcuterie boards. These are easy to grab, and you’ll only need small snack plates for your guests.

Have a picnic

Take the afternoon of May 25th and enjoy a relaxing lunch outside. Find a grassy spot at the local park or your favorite place to people-watch. Whatever view that brings you pleasure as you enjoy your favorite wine

When packing for your picnic, build your lunch around the bottle of wine. Need some ideas? Check out our different wine & food pairing guides for inspiration:

Cook with wine

There are lots of classic, yummy dishes that call for wine. And maybe it’s time to try one of these dishes out for National Wine Day.

But you don’t want to cook with just any wine. Select a good wine since it will add depth and complex flavors to your meal. 

You could try Coq au Vin. It’s a French dish of red wine, chicken, bacon, and mushrooms. Or try another classic French dish like Beef Bourguignon filled with beef braised in red wine.

Looking for something to cook with white wine? Try out this risotto that uses white wine to add acidity and flavor. Or mussels in white wine sauce – which is simple, delicious, and light for summer.

Have a wine movie night

Choose a movie that features wine as a theme and enjoy a glass of your favorite wine while watching the movie. 

A few good picks are Sideways, Bottle Shock, or Wine Country. If you prefer a documentary, check out Somm or Red Obsession. 

Visit a winery

National Wine Day is a great time to visit a winery – especially if it’s something that’s been on your bucket list!

Take a tour of a winery to learn more about the winemaking process, taste delicious wines, and even buy a bottle or 2 to take home & enjoy.

If you can’t make it to a winery, check out your favorite winery’s website and join their wine club. 

At Rove Winery, we have our exclusive Rove Nation Wine Club. As a member, not only do you get first access to our new wines, but your membership supports the growth of the farm

Join Rove Nation today. And every day will feel like National Wine Day. Sláinte!

Ireland, Wine, & Farming: How Rove Estate Honors the Winegeese and Land Stewardship

Many don’t think of wine and the Irish as having much connection. But for over 300 years, the two have grown a deep relationship. And Crieghton and I honor and celebrate that connection at Rove Estate.

In the 17th century, thousands of Irish fled Ireland – this exodus became known as the “flight of the wild geese.”

Over 20,000 Irish left Ireland, eventually spreading to all parts of the world. 

But where does wine come in?

Some of these Irish families moved to the Bordeaux region of France and started vineyards. Soon Ireland became one of the biggest importers of wine for several centuries. Often bringing in much of the wine grown by the Irish families in Bordeaux.

And over the next 2 centuries, these families became prominent in the wine trade. Creating wines highly sought after by aristocrats.

They became known as “Winegeese.”

It’s why we have geese featured on our Rove Estate wine labels – to honor both our Irish roots but also the Winegeese who came before us. 

It’s our Irish Winegeese ancestors and the other “wild geese” farmers who taught us how to care for the land – and it’s this heritage that we call to when growing our grapes.

Because we see ourselves as stewards of the land. To produce high-quality grapes and make fine wines. But to also protect the land for future generations.

And that’s our true legacy: as a farm-first winery.

We pull from 5 generations of Gallagher farming knowledge and Irish heritage to work the land in sustainable ways

And it’s not always easy. Farming is tough – but we learned how to be tough from our ancestors. 

Because we see ourselves much like the Winegeese. Building a legacy for our family and cultivating a sustainable farm for our children and grandchildren.

That’s why we share details about our harvest with you in our newsletter and on the labels of our wines. We want you to know what it takes and what we’ve done to honor our stewardship of the farm and share our journey.

“Rove” means a journey or adventure without a destination. To travel, experience, and wander. 

Rove Estate farm and winery is our adventure. 

We took a leap of faith, much like the Winegeese who first left Ireland, and started the farm in 2010 – turning a field of old cherry trees into a field of grapes. 

Creighton and I see ourselves as “rovers.” Because rovers create their own destiny. 

And our destiny is to honor our ancestors, be good stewards of the earth, and leave things better than we found them for our children (and yours).

And we’re so grateful to have you share this journey with us. Rove Estate and our family would not be as great without you. 

We hope you’ve enjoyed the adventure so far – and we look forward to sharing more adventures and glasses of wine with you for years to come.

Slainte!

Your Summer Wine and Food Pairing Guide

Nothing makes summer better than a great wine to sip on your porch as you watch the sun melt into the horizon. White wines top the list for summer: They’re cool, delicious, and crisp. And this makes them the perfect complement to a summer evening.

To help make your summer complete, we’ve put together a list of the best summer wines along with food pairing ideas. 

Let’s get pouring!

Summer Wine #1: Gewürztraminer

First on our wine list is the Gewürztraminer (guh·vurt·struh·mee·nr). The Gewürztraminer has a light body, medium to low acidity, and an off-dry sweetness. It’s well known for its intense floral aromas and has flavors of lychee (think sweet rose), grapefruit, pineapple, apricot, orange, and cantaloupe. 

Just like another fan favorite German varietal, this grape is very versatile! It can be succulently sweet or crisp and dry. Regardless of your sweetness preference, this wine always presents on the palate with a luscious body. 

Serve your Gewürztraminer fridge cold, and as you sip, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a resort in the Alps (this wine’s place of origin) enjoying your wine after finishing a hike through the Italian countryside. 

Grand Gewürztraminer Summer Food Pairings

The flavor and slight sweetness make this summer wine a good choice to pair with unique dishes, so think exotic.  Gewürztraminer is often famously paired with spicy Thai foods – and really any spicy food for that matter.

But it also pairs nicely with Middle Eastern and Moroccan dishes. These foods pair wonderfully with Gewürztraminer since they often use nuts, dried fruits, and roasted meats that bring out the wine’s flavors of rose and ginger. The lamb and apricot tagine is a great dish to try.

You can even enjoy this with artichoke, which is a more difficult food to pair wine with!

Check out Rove Estate’s 2021 Gewürztraminer for your next wine & food pairing.

You’ll discover classic notes of lychee, grilled pineapple, and delicate rose petals followed by flavors of apricot, mango, and a hint of ginger. The texture of this wine is soft and silky, with concentrated fruit notes.

Summer Wine #2: Pinot Grigio

The Pinot Grigio is a luscious white wine with a refreshing sparkle of acidity. This summer wine has a medium body and is dry with a medium-high to high acidity.

With each sip, you’ll encounter flavors ranging from lime, green apple, and lemon to pear, white nectarine, and white peach. With its zesty and refreshing personality, it’s one of the best summer wines to pour at your next party. 

Perfect Pinot Grigio Summer Food Pairings

Pinot Grigio is often referred to as a “high-acid white,” so keep the food pairings light. It works well with seafood like crab cakes, shrimp scampi, tilapia, scallops, perch, trout, mussels, clams, and oysters.

This summer wine also works with light pasta dishes and risottos, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables like cucumber, celery, jicama, kale, green apples, and cauliflower.

Check out Rove Estate’s 2021 Pinot Grigio for your next wine & food pairing.

You’ll encounter fresh peaches, yellow pear, and delicate white flowers on the nose. The palate is well rounded and soft with flavors of apple slices, cantaloupe, and nectarine, followed by a clean and pleasant finish.

Summer Wine #3: Pinot Blanc 

The Pinot Blanc is often confused with the Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris since all 3 of these wines come from the same mutated pinot noir grape. But it’s definitely its own flavor.

Think of Pinot Blanc as the middle flavor between Pinot Gris’s opulence and Pinot Grigio’s light, refreshing crispness. It makes Pinot Blanc the best summer wine to sip in July, right when you’re in the middle of your summer.

Pinot Blanc presents flavors of pear, peach, raw almond, lemon zest, and crushed gravel. It has medium acidity and is dry with a light body.

Pleasant Pinot Blanc Summer Food Pairings

Pinot Blanc can handle many of your favorite summer foods like roasted chicken, citrusy salad dressings, flaky fish, and pasta that’s acidic or tossed in a creamy sauce. 

Check out Rove Estate’s 2021 Pinot Blanc for your next wine & food pairing.

It has aromas of fresh orchard fruits, lemongrass, and tart citrus. And you’ll discover flavors of juicy pear, exotic star fruit, and lemon zest complimenting the mouth-watering acidity.

Summer Wine #4: Rosé

No wine is more iconic of summer than a Rosé. And it’s often considered the BEST wine for summer sipping. Whether you’re poolside at a hotel or sitting on your porch swing, a glass of Rosé is the perfect partner for summer.

Rosé has lots of different facets and, depending on the region, you’ll encounter flavors of strawberry, honeydew melon, rose petal, celery, and watermelon to grapefruit, stony minerals, and gooseberry. This wine is dry and light-bodied with medium acidity.

Ravishing Rosé Summer Food Pairings

Rosé is perfect for summer because it pairs well with light, refreshing summer foods. Think charcuterie boards, salads, light pastas, fresh fruit, or cold appetizers such as potato or pasta salads. It’s also great alongside slices of bruschetta, like this version topped with prosciutto, ricotta, and arugula.

Check out Rove Estate’s 2020 Ragaire Rosé for your next wine & food pairing.

Ragaire is a Gaelic word meaning “someone who enjoys wandering by night,” invoking an image of a person talking long into the early hours.  Our Ragaire Rosé pairs perfectly with a beautiful sunset and bonfire, and will make you want to “Rosé all night.”

The Ragaire Rosé has aromas of white cherry, lemon, and delicate sweet pea flowers. The acidity zings from start to finish with vibrant flavors of peach, strawberry, cassis, and watermelon.

We hope you found inspiration for your next summer celebration or quiet evening with some great wine and food.

And if you’re looking for more wines to enjoy this summer, check out our 2021 Unoaked Chardonnay, 2021 Select Harvest Riesling, or 2021 Dry Riesling. We’ll be clinking glasses with you from Leelanau Peninsula!

Want more food and wine pairings? Dig into our Food and Wine Pairing 101. And if you still prefer your reds even during summer, we have a winter food and wine pairing guide you’ll find helpful.

 

How We’re Creating a Sustainable Vineyard and Farm at Rove Estate

In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, 2022, we wanted to dedicate our April blog to sustainability on the vineyard and farm. 

Sustainability is a term people are hearing and embracing in their wineries, farms, ranches, and at home. Although the term may feel new and progressive, sustainable farming practices are as old as time. 

Mother Nature is an incredible powerhouse. She has mastered the art of intuition, wound care, regeneration, and how to make all these seemingly random variables harmonize together. It is a living miracle to be celebrated each year, each harvest, by working in cooperation with Mother Nature.

And we do. 

For over 5 generations, spanning over 140 years, the Gallagher family has been living and working alongside Mother Nature in greater Grand Traverse County, Michigan. Heeding and listening to her commands –  but most importantly – observing as we work the vineyard and farm to build a sustainable relationship with the land.

That’s the thing about farming. There isn’t a “one size fits all” manual out there. Each farm is composed of many unique microclimates and soil types that all have unique compositions and ecosystems. It takes DECADES to really dial into the land. 

Our initial planting of 15 acres of 9 wine grape varietals will be 10 years old this May. And it has taken nearly that entire time to dial into the nuances of our soil and what wine grape varietals do best on our farm. It can feel like a painful process of elimination at times. But there is no denying the joy of unveiling the delicate balance that reveals premium fruit. 

“We like to think a happy farm grows happy vineyards that produce happy grapes that in return make premium wines.” – Creighton Gallagher

Farming takes a tremendous amount of patience, perseverance, and faith. It is not for the faint of heart but for those who have a lot of heart! 

Now more than ever, Mother Nature needs us all to be stewards of the land. And we do our part to protect and nurture her by using sustainable farming practices that take care of the land and the grapes we grow.

Farming is all about the DIRT!

Building up organic matter and making sure our soil is healthy and full of all the right nutrients and microorganisms is priority number 1. The tricky part is doing this without getting in the way of Mother Nature’s biological plan.  

Credit: Front. Environ. Sci., 18 June 2020 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2020.00068

With every new vineyard or orchard we plant, we use the old, sustainable farming practice of cover crops. 

We take at least 2 years to plant cover crops like alfalfa and rye. These cover crops break up compacted soil and help build up the organic matter in the soil. Although these practices can take a lot of time, they are critical for the general health of our soil and vineyards.

By working the land with cover crops before planting, nutrients such as nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus remain in balance. They have their part to do in the greater scheme of the grapevine life cycle.  

Healthy soil composition also is critical for water retention in the vineyard. We want to make sure rain absorbs into the soil and doesn’t run off taking vital nutrients with it.

Besides focusing on the natural ecosystems of our farm, we also focus on canopy management – the big, beautiful leaves that are critical for photosynthesis. We use compost and other natural sources of dense nutrients (like turkey manure) to restore and support the soil and farm each harvest and season. 

It is truly a lot of work to grow any fruit, so we want to make sure we show our trees and vines the love and respect they deserve by embracing sustainability at the vineyard.

This symbiotic relationship between a farmer and their land is a story as old as time. To put it in a more humorous context: “You scratch my back, I will scratch yours” is the playful mantra between the two.  

All kidding aside, this partnership is what makes a bountiful harvest and eventually beautiful wines.  

Sustainable grape growing and farming is a journey, not a destination. 

Whether you are a conventional farmer, organic, or biodynamic, we believe building a sustainable and environmentally focused farming journey is what we all should work towards year after year.

This consistency and collective mission of conscious farmers will surely have a positive impact on many generations to come.

We are committed to this journey and give ourselves grace and understand that it is not a race. 

In our journey to become a fully sustainable winery, we are actively working towards integrating new vineyard practices to minimize and someday eliminate synthetic chemicals. 

Stay tuned by signing up for our newsletter – hint, the sign-up is at the bottom of this page!

You don’t want to miss out on learning more about new practices and equipment we are so excited to start using this season. We have made significant investments and can’t wait to share it all with you soon! 

We love connecting with our guests and sharing what we’ve learned throughout the years.  We would hardly call ourselves experts, but consider ourselves forever students of this way of life: always learning and growing, trying new things to make our Michigan vineyard stronger and more sustainable each year.