By VANESSA McCRAY
TRAVERSE CITY -- Summer in northern Michigan means boating, golf and festivals. It's also eating season.
The region's rich food and wine scene comes alive in warm months with events to tempt locals and visitors.
"(It) seemed like there was a tipping point reached where people were interested in local foods, artisan foods. The wines are becoming more well known," said Paula McIntyre, co-founder of the Web site www.upnorthfoodies.com.
Even with the Epicurean Classic moving from Traverse City to St. Joseph in August, local culinary opportunities abound. The area's vast menu boasts plentiful farmers markets, sophisticated restaurants, wineries and local festivals that celebrate fare from asparagus to cherries.
"There's really a critical mass of interest and talent," McIntyre said.
Here's a food and wine summer sampler:
-- Learn Great Foods
This touring company picks its favorite food finds and leads visitors to their doorsteps. Learn Great Foods calls the outings "food safaris." They can arrange visits with a Traverse City coffee roaster and vodka maker, as well as trips to Oryana Natural Foods Market and The Cooks' House. Leelanau Peninsula tours can include stops at an organic farm, cherry orchards and a cooking class. The region is "known as a foodie destination," said Learn Great Foods President Ann Dougherty. "For people that like this, they will spend the time and money to dig in a little bit deeper."
Tours are offered regularly. For more information, dates and rates, visit the Web site www.learngreatfoods.com.
-- Leland Wine and Food Festival
For more than 20 years, this festival has tantalized taste buds. This year it happens again from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. Local wineries from Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas and about a dozen local food vendors will participate. Leland Michigan Chamber of Commerce President Rick Lahmann said attendance ranges around 4,000 people.
The event is held at the harbor next to Fishtown. Food and wine has remained a tourist attraction in the area.
"It is a big part of enjoying Leland for the summer," Lahmann said.
Admission to the festival is $10 and includes a festival glass and two wine tickets.
-- Tapas Tours at Chateau Chantal
Travel up the spine of Old Mission Peninsula to this winery, which offers daily tapas tours starting June 15 through the end of August. The two-hour tour begins at 12:30 p.m. and includes a staff-guided look at the vineyard, cellar, hospitality room and tasting room. The stops are accompanied by a "specific small bite" paired with a selected wine, said Director of Marketing Marie-Chantal Dalese. The tour can "act as a light lunch" and features morsels such as whitefish pate matched with a semi-dry riesling, she said.
"We are seeing more and more culinary-oriented tourists that are also interested in wine," Dalese said.
Reservations are required, and the cost is $25 per person. Call the winery at 223-4110 for more information.
-- Divas Uncorked on the Old Mission Wine Trail
Ladies can gather to sip and gossip during this event designed just for them. The 6-9 p.m. June 19 evening highlights wines paired with an appetizer from a local restaurant chef.
Tickets are $25 per person or $15 for designated drivers. Tickets should be purchased in advance. For more information, go to www.wineriesofoldmission.com.
-- National Cherry Festival in Traverse City
Yes, there's the beer tent. And, the Open Space booths dish up favorite festival foods throughout the July 4-11 National Cherry Festival. But, the culinary show-stopper is the 4th annual Cherries D'Vine. It takes place at noon July 5 at Northwestern Michigan College's Great Lakes Campus. Prepare for barbecue and cherry-inspired plates, as well as desserts and local wines. The food is prepared by students at the Great Lakes Culinary Institute.
"It celebrates agriculture from the melding of cherries and the grape," said the festival's Susan Wilcox Olson.
Tickets are $15 and include a souvenir glass, wine tasting ticket and three food tastings.
The festival also plans the first ever Global Wine Pavilion on July 9-11 with local and international wines and food. The pavilion will be in a quieter location at the festival's bayside space.
For more information on these and other food events at the cherry festival, visit the festival Web site at www.cherryfestival.org.
-- Leelanau Wine, Food and Music Fest in Northport
Leelanau Peninsula wines and foods are the stars of this festival at Northport's Haserot Park. Tickets to the noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 8 are $15 per person.
-- For additional food and wine events, check the Record-Eagle's entertainment calendar.
