Lake Michigan Shore Wine Fest June 19, 2010

Picture this…you’re relaxing with friends, enjoying a glass of amazing wine while peering out over the rolling dunes and vast white-sand beach at Lake Michigan’s tranquil shoreline. As you sit back and take in the enchanting sounds of live music along with waves rolling gently into the beach, you raise your glass and ‘toast the coast’ as a warm golden sun melts into the horizon. You’ve just imagined an actual scene from the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival, an unparalleled event set for year FIVE on Saturday, June 19th at beautiful Weko Beach in Bridgman, MI.

It’s certainly no secret that Michigan is home to great wineries and picturesque beaches. After four successful years that turned out over 3,000 wine and sun lovers each year, the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail is proud to once again pair two of its favorite local attractions at the 5th Annual Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival. Title sponsor, Southwest Michigan Tourist Council, The Economic Growth Alliance (Partnership of Lake Township and City of Bridgman) and the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail invite you to a serene summer day on a pristine beach to savor award-winning Michigan wines that are as spectacular as the sunsets. Live music will enhance the event which takes place under a “Big-Top Tent” overlooking beautiful Weko Beach (Located off Exit 16 of I-94, then north on Red Arrow Highway and west on Lake Street in Bridgman).

The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival is a showcase event where guests sample (tastes or by the glass) all of the wonderful Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail locally-grown-and-produced varietals and wines from Tabor Hill, Contessa, Domaine Berrien, Fenn Valley, Karma Vista, Lawton Ridge, Lemon Creek, Round Barn, St. Julian, Free Run, Hickory Creek and Warner. Wrap this into a day filled with sun & sand, extraordinary cuisine from local restaurants, jazz, blues, R&B, and a dazzling sunset and you have one fantastic summer festival – ideal not only for wine aficionados but for the entire family!

Live Chef Demonstrations from the KitchenAid Outdoor Cooking Area featuring the showmanship and expertise of local chefs starting at 2pm and running throughout the afternoon.

Admission to the festival is $10 for ages 21 and older and includes a souvenir wine tasting glass. Ages 13 to 20 are only $5 while 12 and under are FREE. Wine Tickets are $1 per ticket--1 ticket for a taste and 5-7 tickets for a glass. Advance admission tickets are $8, and are available at www.ticketweb.com.

Parking and shuttle buses will be available at designated lots in Bridgman. No coolers allowed. Rain or shine event. ATM machine is available this year! Toast the Coast event begins at 1pm EDT and ends at 10pm EDT.

**Band Lineup:
Ty Stone & Just Soul
Mighty Blue Kings
Midwest Hype
Ninth Street Bridge
Duke Tumatoe

**Area lodging: Bluefish Vacation Rentals: www.bluefishvacations.com
For more information, check www.miwinetrail.com OR www.swmichighan.org or call 269.925.6301 or email inquiries to info@miwinetrail.com. Media: Call Colleen Ryan at the number above for photos, interviews and media passes.
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