Modern Craft Winery

Is there such a thing as too much wine? Possibly.
My husband and I stopped here on the way up north a few weeks ago just to get out and stretch our legs. He isn’t a huge fan of wine but we both walked in for a few tastings. We picked out the ones we wanted (8 I think they allow you for $ 5), and waited to be served. By the time we left we were served 17 different samples of wine! Don’t get me wrong, I will never complain about more wine, but the girl that was serving us just kept pouring. We told her we were driving a long distance, assuming she would stop giving us drinks, but she just kept pouring. Finally I told her that we were both good, we were going to take off, and she said «Oh, just try one more» and she poured us another four samples!
All of the wine was good, but when the employees continue to pour you wine (without even asking if you want any), it got a bit much. We left there feeling pretty woozy, I think the employees should remember that most of the people who stop are just driving through and you don’t want to give them an overabundance so they would get in an accident or in trouble.
I’ll go back, but I plan on being a little more firm on the number of samples I try next time!

When you think of the great coastal winemaking regions, Saginaw Bay probably doesn’t come to mind, and maybe it shouldn’t, but it shouldn’t be dismissed with a smirk either. Modern Craft Winery turns out some very enjoyable versions of traditional red and white varieties, as well as some blends, along a wide range of fruit wines. When we stopped at the tasting room we stuck mainly with grape wines, and found whites generally stronger than reds.
As our pourer explained, MCW strives for a drier, more fruit-​forward profile than most Michigan wines, and the pinot grigio we tried first certainly did bring the fruit. Made it a bit heavy for my taste, though still not a bad wine. The crisp, lightly-​oaked chardonnay was better, we thought. The riesling was moderately sweet, very smooth on the tongue. A blend called All Night White was a real pleasure: full bodied, fruit nicely balanced, slightly sweet.
Most of MCW’s reds had a distinctly sherry-​like flavor that I didn’t find agreeable. It was strongest – overwhelming, really – in the cabernet sauvignon and syrah, not as pronounced in the pinot noir. Our favorite red was a blend called Au Sable Reserve, which combined pinot noir with locally grown frontenac grapes. Rich, just a little sweet, hints of spices.
The only fruit wine we tried was the grapefruit, which was very pleasant. Basically a white wine with grapefuit flavor. Light, not too sweet, with a nice citrus kick. Usually we don’t care for these kinds of wines, but I’d try some more when we return.
We did take home a few bottles, though when we stopped at a nearby store, we found some of the wines for less than they cost at the tasting room – we noticed this at several stores, actually, so if you find one you like, you might check the shelves at the local grocery or convenience store before taking the plunge on a case.
Our pourer was very knowledable and accomodating. The tasting room’s setting in a well-​worn but clean storefront is the kind of place you can wander into a little dusty from the road and still feel comfortable. MCW is a good place to catch a break from weekend traffic on US23, and to broaden your Michigan wine horizons.