I had the pleasure of participating in the Curation Tour yesterday, which is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. This event was the brainchild of Dave and Jackie Bos, Owners of Bos Wine & Farmhouse, Amanda Danielson, Owner of Trattoria Stella, and Bryan Ulbrich, Owner of Left Foot Charley Winery. All three of these business owners have a true passion for what they do, and that passion comes across in every aspect of this experience.
Bos Farmhouse
The Curation Tour starts at Bos Farmhouse where you’ll be greeted by Dave and Jackie and (I guarantee) instantly feel welcomed. The farm is bustling with life and opportunity, from their two adorable kids to the dog and cat, and 10+ chickens that are running loose, to the stunning views of their 10-acre farm and beyond, the flower and vegetable gardens, and the idyllic red farmhouse, which is the future Tasting Room for their Farmhouse Winery. It’s just a magical place, you can’t help but feel happy here.
You’ll learn all about biodynamic farming (Dave’s one true love…sorry Jackie) as you sip biodynamic tea, walk through the beautiful gardens, and hear the plans for the future vineyards and orchards. Jackie will then take you through her design (her one true love…sorry Dave) for the construction of the Tasting Room, complete with a sun deck off the back that faces miles and miles of open fields (can you picture yourself enjoying a glass of wine there? Talk about peaceful!). The level of dedication to their vision that these two have, is bar none.
Trattoria Stella
Part two takes place at Trattoria Stella restaurant, which has been a Traverse City treasure since 2004. Set in the former State Hospital, also known as the Northern Michigan Asylum, Trattoria Stella is not your typical Italian restaurant with its Chef, Myles Anton, being a six-time James Beard Award nominee. Here, you’ll be treated to a three-course meal paired with the Bos Wine portfolio. The menu items always change, but the quality never does. The food is made with the freshest of fresh ingredients, inspired by Italian cuisine, but using local and sustainable ingredients. We started with a TO-DIE-FOR charcuterie board, then had an heirloom tomato and house-made mozzarella salad, before finishing with swordfish topped with chanterelle mushrooms, chickpeas, and fried Vidalia onion strings. I mean…come on! It was beyond delicious, especially perfectly paired with Bos Wine. The heirloom tomato salad paired with the Sauvignon Blanc is what my sweet, sweet dreams are made of. In between pairings, Amanda talks about why she paired each dish with each wine, and this is NOT your average food and wine pairing presentation. This is one where you literally think to yourself, “holy sh!@ she knows A LOT about wine.” Her gift of being able to engage and educate people in the highly technical world of wine, while keeping it approachable and fun, is a delicate balancing act that I’ve rarely (if ever) seen at this level.
The Barrel Room at Left Foot Charley Winery
The final stop of the Curation Tour is at The Barrel Room. In a building that is over 100 years old with old stone walls, and wine barrels galore, the ambiance is simply amazing. Left Foot Charley’s Winemaker and Owner Bryan, is a genius when it comes to winemaking. He not only has varietals that you can’t find anywhere around, but that you’ve never even heard of! Kerner is one of those varietals for me, and definitely a new favorite. Here, you’ll enjoy celebrated wines that are only offered in the Barrel Room, and learn the story behind the wines and varietals, all grown in Northern Michigan.
I know I’m biased because I work with all of the amazing people at these three establishments, but honestly…this tour is one for the books. I highly recommend giving it a try! The tours are offered every Saturday through October, and on Thursday and Friday by special request. You can book your tickets here.
If you do the tour, I’d love to hear what you think – feel free to drop me a line at [email protected]. Cheers!
