Experience Detroit Vineyards: Food and Wine Pairing Guide

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Industry, architecture and music are all things Detroit is known for. But grapes? Well, Detroit Vineyards is surprising the wine world with urban-grown grapes and Detroit-crafted wines.

The Detroit Vineyards Tasting Room is located in the former Stroh’s Ice Cream factory. Most of the space in the building is used to produce high quality wines made from Michigan grown grapes, as well as mead.

The founders of Detroit Vineyards are working with residents in the city to produce Detroit’s own grapes. Blighted lots have been cleaned up and planted with vines that will eventually go into Detroit Vineyards’ wines.

Detroit Vineyards wine can be purchased at select markets and restaurants including House of Pure Vin and Slows Bar BQ.

Grab a couple bottles and discover Detroit Vineyards for yourself! Find the perfect pairing with Detroit Vineyards wine and dishes featuring Michigan-grown ingredients. Keep reading for ideas on the perfect food and wine pairings.

Detroit Vineyards 2016 Riesling

This dry, white wine has hints of citrus and tropical fruit. It’s unfiltered and has a sharp and acidic taste.

Pairing: Try whitefish from the Great Lakes with steamed summer squash. Brie or gouda from the Detroit Cheese Co. will make a perfect pairing.

Detroit Vineyards 2016 Chardonnay

Detroit Vineyards’ 2016 Chardonnay is aged in oak barrels creating a medium-bodied wine with fruity notes and a peppery finish.

Pairing: Great Lakes perch alongside steamed asparagus makes a perfect pairing for this chardonnay. Try fresh cut pork chops from Frank’s Meat and Produce with fresh sage and sautéed Michigan apples.

Detroit Vineyards 2016 Cabernet Franc Rose

This rose is described as “bold, refreshing and pink.” It boasts a violet nose and creamed red-berry taste.

Pairing: This wine will pair well with a variety of Michigan’s best from Detroit-style pizza to roasted beet salad with goat cheese. Stop by Eastern Market for goat cheese from White Lotus Creamery in Ann Arbor.

Detroit Vineyards 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, like the city of Detroit, are durable and eager to grow. Creating a rich, bold flavor that pairs well with hearty meat dishes and rich sauces.

Pairing: This wine pairs wonderfully with a fresh cut of meat from Mr. Foods Meat Market prepared with a decadent glaze. For a truly Michigan experience try Cabernet braised venison cheeks, flank steak with blueberry sauce, or Michigan cherry glazed lamb chops.

Detroit Vineyards Motor City Mead

Motor City Mead will surprise mead enthusiasts with its unusual dryness. Instead of a typical sweet mead, Motor City Mead is fermented dry from buckwheat honey creating wine with notes of citrus and clove.

Pairing: Grilled Michigan apricots, cured meats, and hard cheeses arranged on a charcuterie board are perfect next to a glass of chilled Motor City Mead. Or try it with your favorite curry dish.

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