The overwhelming success of the first twelve years of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival is making for an exciting change of venue this year to a new, larger site, at Warren Dunes State Park and it’s all happening this Saturday so you’ll want to line up your tickets soon, if you haven’t already done so.
Earlier this year organizers from Open Air Events and the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail revealed that their 13th Annual Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival would relocated to Warren Dunes in Sawyer — driven by the popularity of the showcase event and the burgeoning wine trail itself which continues to grow with new wineries coming on line.
The date has remained the same – it has always been the third Saturday in June, and that makes the 2018 event date this Saturday, June 16th. Tickets for the 2018 event have been on sale online for some time, and are still available, but the price jumps if you wait for the gate. Most of the participating wineries are also selling tickets to the big event. Admission is $10 in advance or $15 at the gate.
Nate Van Allen from Open Air Events is a key partner in producing the wine fest. He says, “We have been working for the past year to bring you the wine festival that you have become familiar with over the past 12 years,” and adds, “Yes, there are a few changes this year…like the new location at Warren Dunes State Park, and being able to park right at the event.”
Kathy Sturm is Executive Administrator for the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, and also a partner in the production. She says, “Twenty wineries in one place to taste your favorites and try something new, all at a new location. The backdrop of the beautiful dunes, the beach and Lake Michigan provide us with a true Pure Michigan moment in Michigan’s Great Southwest.”
You can get a jump on planning for the summer season by purchasing your tickets right now at the link below (and then search by the name of the event).
http://www.brownpapertickets.com
You can also stop into many Lake Michigan Shore wineries, any Martin’s Grocery Store in Southwest Michigan or Northwest Indiana, or at Harding’s Friendly Market in Bridgman to purchase in person with no service fees.
This signature event is staying true to its original mission of bringing all the wineries of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail together in one location for guests to sample wines by taste or by the glass-and paired with the amazing vista of the Lake Michigan Shore.
As Colleen Ryan, another partner in the production from Traffic PR & Marketing, says, “You know the wineries, you know Warren Dunes State Park, and you know the fun times of the previous wine festivals, so join us in our new location for some great wine and tunes in the dunes this Saturday.”
The festival features all of the wonderful locally-grown-and-produced varietals from The Lake Michigan Shore AVA including:
- 12 Corners
- Baroda Founders
- Cody Kresta
- Cogdal
- Contessa
- Dablon
- Domaine Berrien
- Fenn Valley
- Gravity
- Hickory Creek
- Karma Vista
- Lawton Ridge
- Lake Michigan Vintners
- Lazy Ballerina
- Lemon Creek
- Round Barn
- St. Julian
- Vineyard 2121
- Warner
- White Pine
The festival will continue to feature fantastic regional live music programming, a big top tent that houses the awesome wineries, access to the beach and beautiful Lake Michigan, an enviable sunset and a whole lot of world-class wines. All below the backdrop of the towering sands of the amazing Warren Dunes.
Open Air’s Van Allen says, “Familiar bands and food offerings are here, too…but the wineries, the quality wine produced right here in our region and many of the people behind the scenes that make it all possible are with us.” He adds, “We are grateful to the DNR and Warren Dunes State Park for helping us bring this great festival to all of you, our loyal wine lovers and many soon-to-be-new-friends, as we stretch out for some Wine & Tunes in the Dunes.”
Here’s the Band Lineup for show time:
- The Hemispheres (Headliners)
- Jamiah Rogers
- Slim Gypsy Baggage
- Jake Mack & The Lesser Stags
- Sean Wiggins
Keep in mind that new and improved this year is the fact that guests now will have the convenience of driving into the Dunes and parking directly adjacent to the festival & beach. There is capacity for thousands of cars, so there’s no need to take shuttles anymore. Please note that Warren Dunes State Park does charge a nominal fee for parking, per car…or you can use the Michigan State Passport for free parking: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210—,00.html
If you choose to purchase an annual passport, you receive free parking for the year at any Michigan State Park!
Also new this year, the festival will be showcasing area food trucks and other local restaurants to pair with the amazing varietals. Confirmed vendors include:
- Nosh Village
- Lake & Farmer
- Lark’s BBQ
- Da Pizza Dude
- Pachamama Street Food
- More to come!
Finally, also new this year, guests can sign up to be eligible for exciting giveaways from KitchenAid, Goverre Glassware, Pre Brand Meat and merchandise from many of the participating wineries.
You can continue to follow social media channels and check the website for further exciting details.
Tickets will also be available at the gate, the day of the festival and it promises to be even bigger and better than ever, and as always it happens rain or shine. Keep tabs on updates with these channels:
https://www.facebook.com/LakeMichiganShoreWineFestival
https://www.twitter/warrenwinefest
