Raise your glasses to the sky
By Kelli Comer
The Grand River Valley Wine Region is in the path of totality for the upcoming Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8 and local wineries are ready to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event. The Grand River Valley branding group has created an eclipse-themed weekend event called the Total Eclipse Wine Trail that will run Friday, April 5 through Sunday, April 7.
Event organizers are excited to introduce the Grand River Valley Wine Region to visitors from near and far. Fourteen wineries are participating, each offering an eclipse-themed small plate paired perfectly with two wine samples. The fee is $10 per person at each winery. All wineries are located within a few minutes of each other, making it an easy drive from one location to the next.
“When I learned of the total eclipse and the fact that we are in the path of totality, I knew it was an opportunity for us to create something fun and new,” President of Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant Cindy Lindberg exclaims. “We want visitors to experience our region, not just spend the night here.”
Event organizers have encouraged participating wineries to create events themed around the eclipse for that weekend.
“Many wineries have created special wines in celebration of this event, such as Bethany Ann Cellars’ ‘Lost Chardonnay,’ which is a 10-year-aged Chardonnay or Grand River Cellars’ ‘Celestial,’ which is a 3-year-aged port-style dessert wine,” Debonné Vineyard Marketing Manager Loretta Todd notes.
According to Grand River Valley Brand Manager Maria Yost, many visitors booked overnight hotel rooms months ago. “This trail gives people a reason to extend their stay in the Grand River Valley and taste our internationally-award-winning wines.”
Participating wineries include Grand River Cellars, Debonné Vineyards, Cask 307, South River Vineyard, Kosicek Vineyards, Harpersfield Vineyard, Stonegait Winery, Rosabella Winery, The Winery at Spring Hill, Virant Family Winery, Laurello Vineyards, Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Silver Crest Cellars and Hundley Cellars.
The Total Eclipse Wine Trail runs Friday, April 5 through Sunday, April 7. For more information, contact grcinfo@grandrivercellars.com.