Going for Gold: Fennville's Award-Winning Vineyard

Fenn Valley Vineyards lives and breathes by its slogan, or at least its grapes do. "The Lake Effect Everyone Loves" is part of a brand that specializes in the growth of world-class grapes, made possible by the moderating effect of the Great Lakes climate, that are enjoyed and loved all across the country. Owned by the Welsch family since the 1970s, the family's love for food and wine pushed them to seize their opportunity on the coast of Lake Michigan.

The decorated vineyard has won many awards during its fledgling lifetime, but already proves to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of wine, having received over 25 medals in 2016 already. The vineyard is particularly proud of their Double Gold medal for Edelzwicker 2015, a medal only received by being unanimously awarded Gold by two panels of judges evaluating wines from the East and West Coasts of the United States.

On December 3, 2016, Fenn Valley hosts Nouveau Fest, a celebration of the first wine of the new vintage. Admission to the event is free and glasses of the dry red Nouveau are discounted. Pizza is also served in a variety of styles, making for an interesting experimentation with wine and pizza you may never have tried yet. Visit the website for more information about this special event.

Visit Fenn Valley's website for hours of operation, wines and other events. The winery is located at 6130 122nd Avenue Fennville, MI 49408.