Toast your holiday meals with Michigan wine

It's 11:00 a.m. Guests arrive in an hour and just when you think you have everything under control you remember dear Aunt Bern drinks only sparkling wine. Don't worry! The New Chelsea Market has you covered. Zip down to the corner market and head to the Michigan wine section for L. Mawby sparkling wine. While you're at it, stock up your wine offerings with other styles of Michigan wine, including Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. Table wines and proprietary-named wines, like Black Star Farms Red House Red, are also great options, as they are generally nicely balanced. A toast to you this holiday season!

9/12: Homegrown Festival + Cider and Perry Festival

Saturday, September 12, features two, fun-filled festivals promoting Michigan agriculture.

In Ann Arbor, from 5 to 10 p.m.: Homegrown Festival celebrates local food and community. Chef demos, kids' events (learn about bees!) and a Michigan wine and beer garden tent are a few of the exciting activities scheduled.

At Uncle John's Cider Mill in St. Johns, on Saturday & Sunday: Sample cider and perry from across the Great Lakes at the Great Lakes Cider & Perry Festival. Ticket price is $10 and includes souvenir glass and ten pours. Lorri Hathaway and I will be signing our book, From the Vine: Exploring Michigan Wineries. Ben Watson, author of Cider, Hard and Sweet: History, Traditions and Making Your Own will also be signing his book.