Wine seminars 2020

  “The History of St. Julian Wine,” presented by Vince Meconi, a fourth generation member of the St. Julian Wine Family. Vince will discuss how this famous winery was started by his great-grandfather Mariano Meconi in “Canada during Prohibition before moving to Detroit and then to Paw Paw to became the winery that it is today. Samples of St. Julian Wine will be served as part of the presentation. 

   “The Amazing Story of Ed O’Keefe, Junior,” by Statewide Ambassador of Chateau Grand Traverse Rhonda Riebow. Like many mavericks in the wine industry, Ed O’Keefe Jr. did a number of things before starting Chateau Grand Traverse. He was an Olympic Gymnast, Army Green Beret Special Forces Paratrooper, NYC Undercover Narcotics Agent with the U.S. Treasury, and other experiences – including a passion for wine, of course – led him to start a winery in 1974 where none had ever existed. Samples of Chateau Grand Traverse wine will be served as part of the presentation. 

  “How to Read a Wine Label,” presented by David Belaen, Chief Executive Officer of Babich Wines of New Zeeland. Wine labels have a lot of information on them. Some of it is critical to understanding what is in the wine bottle and some of it is just “blowing smoke.” Belaen gives a guide to help you know what matters, how to spot a bargain and what to ignore. Samples of Babich Wines will be part of the presentation. 

“Holland Has Tulips, Muskegon Has Roses,” presented by Scott Vicary of Leelanau Cellars Winery. Scott will discuss the different styles of Rose and discuss why a Rose can make all the difference at a dinner party. Samples of Leelanau’s Roses will also be a part of the presentation.