50th Anniversary Preparations are in Full Swing

Whether you have been with us for half a century, or you are new to the MAWBY-verse, we are so glad you are here. This new website has been a labor of love and we hope you enjoy it. Not only does it mark an exciting journey into our next 50 years, but it makes learning about, and purchasing,  your favorite MAWBY wines so much easier.

There is a wealth of information: from how we even grow grapes in Northern Michigan (spoiler alert, it’s all about Lake Michigan), to FIZZ club benefits, details on our sustainable practices and all the fun events planned to celebrate 50 years. We encourage you to sign up for our newsletter for the freshest FIZZ-y news. You can do this at the bottom of every page on this new site.

A new year, especially an anniversary year, means new wines. We are excited to release several bubblies throughout 2023, all unique and all for celebrating. First up is our 50th Cuvee. Available now, online and in the tasting room. This multi-vintage blend is produced from chardonnay and riesling from the Leelanau Peninsula Appellation. The grapes are hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed. Only the initial, gently pressed fractions of the juice are used for this cuvee. The lighter the press, the brighter and fresher the juice, giving us an ideal base for our fine sparkling wines. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks the young wines are blended with older, reserve wines before being bottle fermented. The wine is then aged en tirage for 3 years before disgorging. Finished with an aged grape brandy dosage, the wine has flavors of caramel apples, brioche, and delicate fruit. Finished dry, our 50th Cuvee sparkling wine is lively on the palate with a rich flavor from the cognac-like dosage, and an elegant finish. 

We recommend serving it with a citrus cake; don’t forget the birthday candle. If baking isn’t your thing, a generous slice of triple cream brie, or a handful of potato chips,  will pair just as well. 

Speaking of food, one of the best things about sparkling wine is how food-friendly it is. If you are looking for a great wine pairing, look no further than fizz, friends. Sparkling wines are naturally more acidic than their still wine counterparts, and those beautiful bubbles will cut through rich food, highlight bright flavors, and amplify salt. We will feature food and wine pairings throughout the year, with fun new options in the tasting room, three dinners over the summer, vineyard tours with breakfast treats and mimosas, and the return of the original, socially distanced tasting experience, Table Four2. 

50 years ago, when Larry Mawby first planted grapes on a hillside in Leelanau County, he never could have imagined the legacy he created, or the technology we would use to share it. This year especially, we honor our beginnings and look forward to the next 50 years of possibilities.