Michigan winemaker Bryan Ulbrich never envisioned he’d be in the position to own vines or run his own winery. But in 2004, he got a call that changed everything...

A local farmer had just purchased a vineyard on the Old Mission Peninsula. It was in a state of total disaster, and he was wondering if Bryan could help restore it. One canceled vacation and a lot of bold, overgrowth pruning later, and Bryan and wife Jennifer had salvaged a portion of the vines. Their reward? Enough grapes to make a scant 170 cases of Riesling and one big realization: If they partnered with established growers and stuck to production, they could have their own operation and be able to showcase a wider breadth of Michigan-grown wines.

Today, Left Foot Charley is their urban winery—set in the heart of Traverse City—and they partner with 15 growers to craft distinct, characterful wines that speak volumes of site and vintage. “We get into the real elements of our region,” says Bryan, “the sun, the water, the rolling landscape, everything people love about northern Michigan.”

For this blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Kerner, they work with four different vineyards (one per grape variety) and everything is fermented in stainless steel to ensure flavors remain bright and lively. The resulting wine is dry and expressive, with stone fruit and apple flavors, vivid acidity and lovely floral accents.

Each vintage is a unique blend that Bryan says will never be repeated. Make sure not to miss this one!