MWC gathered up some members and their wines and headed to the Finger Lakes last month to invade the inaugural FLXcursion Riesling Summit. This event brought together Riesling authorities, professionals, and aficionados together in Geneva, NY to collaborate on the special grape. The event consisted of 2 days of seminar/sessions focused on Riesling production and on the last day, its companion grapes. MWC participated and poured wines at the kick off event Grand Tasting which featured Rieslings and other wines from New York, Germany, Washington, and more. This event was open to both trade, industry, and consumers and provided an ideal environment for Michigan wine promotion. The next day MWC sponsored a restaurant for the FLXcursion Restaurant Crawl. At this event a restaurant in downtown Geneva, NY paired up with a wine region to highlight both wine and food. MWC paired up with the phonomenal Red Dove Tavern. The entire trip proved to be highly valuable in areas ranging from networking, exposure, and education. Accompanying MWC’s Emily Dockery (MWC Director) and Gina Shay (MWC Board Member and Membership Chair) was St. Julian Winery, 45 North, Mari Vineyards, and Black Star Farms. It was a great exercise in team building to travel and represent the industry together…but mostly it was a lot of fun. Please take the journey with us through the photos below!
Grand Tasting at FLXcursion
A preview of the line up at the Grand Tasting.
The FLXcursion Riesling Crawl- MWC & Red Dove Tavern
Shots of the entrance to Red Dove Tavern, preview of the selection of Michigan wines we presented, and our featured pairing, Lamb Meatballs with a Lemon Tzatziki Sauce
More of the wine selection presented by the Michigan Wine Collaborative and proof we got to eat at least a few bites during the constant mad rush to taste Michigan wines!
Jay Briggs of 45 North engaging with a fellow Riesling comrade. More wines featured at the event!
Sean O’Keefe of Mari Vineyards speaking on red wine production to a Riesling Crawl guest. Birthday meatball!!!
FLXcursion Sessions
Contact Track session focused on various method of aging Riesling
Session break accompanied by a palate cleanser of Beer and snacks.
Companion Grape Session to explore grapes grown along side Riesling, but of course a little Riesling in the flight is a must at FLXcursion.
Companion Grapes Session