Pristine forests, sparkling blue lakes, and quaint fishing villages make the Leelanau Peninsula a scenic destination filled with rural charm. While this region was once known for orchards, today, it is gaining renown for something else: boutique wineries. Simpson Family Estates is one of the earliest pioneers of wine in Leelanau. Its two wineries, Aurora Cellars and Good Harbor Vineyards, showcase the purity and freshness of cool-climate wines.
Leelanau Peninsula AVA Terroir
While winemaking is relatively new to Leelanau, the region has long had many characteristics to support great viticulture. First, it enjoys the “lake effect”. Lake Michigan keeps nearby air warmer in the winter, and cooler during the summer. The lake effect also gives Leelanau more winter snow, which protects the trunks of the grapevines.
All of Michigan’s wine regions enjoy the lake effect. But unlike other Michigan AVAs, Leelanau is a peninsula. Lake Michigan surrounds it on three sides. Because of this, Leelanau enjoys more of the lake effect. With fewer days of frost or extreme temperatures, it can grow a wider array of vitis vinifera varietals (such as Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir).
About Good Harbor and Aurora Cellars
The Simpson family set root in Leelanau three generations ago, with pear and plum orchards. But over time, John Simpson had a vision for a different opportunity: vineyards. Today, his grandchildren, Taylor and Sam Simpson, run Aurora Cellars and Good Harbor Vineyards.
Aurora Cellars is a single-vineyard estate uniquely positioned to produce red wines. Instead of the sandy loam soil that is typical to Leelanau, it has areas of red clay soil, which is ideal for red grape varietals. As such, it produces excellent Blaufrankisch, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir, in addition to the Riesling, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines common to the region.
Good Harbor Vineyards encompasses four family-owned vineyards in the Leelanau Peninsula. Because it has more acres under vine, it is able to produce a greater quantity and variety of wines. From Moscato and Pinot Grigio to creative blends like Merlot-Marechal Foch-Leon Millot, Good Harbor keeps things exciting with new releases.
Sustainability
In particular, one reason I love Good Harbor Vineyards and Aurora Cellars is that all of their vineyards are dry farmed. This means that the vines do not receive any extra water, aside from natural rainfall. In addition to being excellent for the environment, dry farming often yields better wines.
“It is our belief that allowing vineyards to dig deep for water in their infancy forces the plant to establish a stronger root system,” notes co-owner Taylor Simpson. “A deeper, stronger root system tends to showcase the characteristics of the terroir in which it is grown.”
Dry farming requires patience and vigilance. Unlike irrigated vines, dry farmed vines need years to grow their roots deep into the soil. The fact that Good Harbor Vineyards and Aurora Cellars are able to cultivate so many grape varietals without irrigation is a testament to their skilled viticulture.
Tasting Experiences
The best way to experience Good Harbor Vineyards and Aurora Cellars wines is through an artisanal food and wine pairing at their tasting rooms. Their food-friendly wines have the acidity to pair well with a wide range of dishes.
Good Harbor Vineyards offers a low-key tasting with no reservations required. As an added bonus, dogs are welcome in the Good Harbor Vineyards picnic and outdoor areas. (Note: large groups of ten or more require two days’ notice.) The tasting fee is just $10 for any five wines of your choice. Pair them with a charcuterie board, local cheeses, or other seasonal dishes.
The epicurean experience plays center stage at Aurora Cellars. Try the charcuterie platter with their Blaufrankisch, or the artisanal olives with Pinot Noir. The asiago & artichoke cheese spread with crostini calls for a sip of their brut sparkling wines. Finally, those with a sweet tooth can indulge in a chocolate pairing of Grocer’s Daughter truffles with their Late Harvest Vignobles.
Other than food, Leelanau Peninsula is an incredibly scenic area. One of the most comfortable ways to experience its beauty is in an Aurora Cellars igloo. Even during the coldest days of winter, guests can taste wine with sweeping vineyard views in these heated glass enclosures. This experience fills quickly, so make a reservation in advance.
Review: Good Harbor Vineyards and Aurora Cellars Wines
To taste Aurora Cellars and Good Harbor Vineyards is to journey through the spectrum of cool climate wines. Whether it’s a crisp Pinot Grigio or a plush Cabernet Franc, these wines exude purity and freshness that is unique to their terroir. All are a testament to the diversity and potential of Michigan wines. Here are my tasting notes.
2018 Aurora Cellars Blaufrankisch
This is a vibrant red wine offering scents of macerated blueberry, black cherry, and black plum, mingling with cedar chest and plenty of oak spice. With its medium tannins and bright acidity, it is perfect with grilled sausages.
2017 Cabernet Franc
Pure, fresh fruit meets vibrant, cool-climate acidity in this deliciously-crafted Cabernet Franc. Black plum and black cherry aromas intertwine with softer notes of vanilla, cedar, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried herbs and mushroom. On the palate, approachable dark fruit is countered by vivid acidity and silky, smooth tannins. With its medium-full body and dry finish, this is a versatile wine that will pair well with a wide range of dishes.
NV Aurora Cellars Leora
This sparkling Pinot Grigio is designed to channel the essence of Prosecco — and it succeeds! The nose is beautifully perfumed, with honeysuckle, Fuji apple, lemon zest, and white peach. On the palate, a very fine mousse of delicate bubbles and acidity fuse with more Fuji apple, honey, and citrus flavors. The wine is dry on the finish, but not bone dry, with a delightful purity of fruit.
2021 Aurora Cellars Dry Riesling
Stone fruit greets the nose, followed by clean, lemony acidity on the palate. The finish is bone dry, with a trace of textured minerality. Pair this with savory appetizers like brie on toast, or even chips and dip.
2021 Aurora Cellars Grüner Veltliner
This lithe, fresh wine has flavors of lime pith, citrus, green melon, white pepper, and herbs. Palate-cleansing acidity is contrasted by a soft texture, with a faintly chalky note on the finish.
2021 Good Harbor Vineyards Pinot Grigio
Lovely fragrances of pear, yellow peach, lemon curd, honeysuckle, and a hint of almond unfold on the nose. The pear and stone fruit flavors carry through to the palate, which deftly balances approachable fruit, crisp acidity and a lovely prick of minerality at the clean, dry finish. Hard to stop drinking!
2020 Good Harbor Vineyards Pinot Noir Zweigelt
An initial nose of cherry and vanilla is followed by earthy undertones of mushroom, forest floor, and a hint of black olive. This wine has fresh, youthful acidity, and velvety tannins with just enough body to create slight opacity in the glass.
2021 Good Harbor Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay
This wine’s pale straw color belies its unexpectedly rounded texture and full flavors. Aromatics of melon, ripe pear, and white peach morph into juicy pear on the palate. With its clean, bright acidity, this is a versatile wine that’s just as good with light dishes or on its own.
2021 Good Harbor Vineyards Pinot Noir Rosé
Crisp and salmon-hued, this dry rosé offers fresh red fruit aromatics and a lovely prick of minerality on the finish. A nose of savory herbs, strawberry, red cherry, and crunchy peach transitions to more strawberry on the palate, along with orange zest, and herbs. The smooth finish is punctuated by minerality and lemony acidity.
Good Harbor Vineyards Benjamin’s Vineyard NV Brut Blanc de Noirs
This is a wine filled with contrasts. Its exudes very floral, perfumed aromatics, which then give way to invigorating bubbles, golden apple, and brisk, lemony acidity on the palate.
To purchase or learn more, visit the Good Harbor Vineyards or Aurora Cellars websites.
To learn more about the different wine regions in Michigan, check out our Guide to Michigan Wines.