A new comedy-infused wine festival is making its mark in Traverse City. Hosted by Grand Traverse Events and Uncorrect Comedy, Planet of the Grapes pairs local wines with live musical entertainment, wine education experiences and top-notch comedy.
“Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas are blessed with the ability to make some of the best wine in the solar system, possibly the entire Milky Way,” says Christopher O’Non, the event organizer. “Planet of the Grapes is designed to reflect this quality, offering fun experiences unique to any other wine event on the planet.”
The Northern Michigan event is being held Saturday, June 22 from 3–8 p.m. at Leelanau Studios at the Grand Traverse Regional Campus Festival Lawn.
Funds raised during the event will benefit Spark in the Dark TC whose mission is to connect people in need, charities, nonprofits, organizations, and those who want to help all in one place to make the world a better place.
Attendees will indulge in local wines, brews and foods while grooving to live musical performances by Soul Patch, Levi Britton and others. Comedy performances include Norm Stulz who has been seen on Comedy Central, HBO, Showtime, NBC, ABC and heard on the Bob & Tom Show, Sirius XM and more. The Main Stage Schedule is as follows:
Stage Schedule
3 p.m. Dave Crater
4 p.m. Levi Britton
5 p.m. Comedian Norm Stulz
6 p.m. Soul Patch
There will also be FREE educational wine tasting experiences for guests to learn about the wines being produced in the Traverse Wine Coast region in a fun and interactive way.
Wine Tasting Seminar Schedule
4 p.m. Riesling – The Noblest Grape on the Planet
Presenter – Robert Brengman, winemaker/partner Brengman Brothers
Riesling is the most versatile grape for winemaking on Earth. Wines range from bone-dry to intensely sweet and everything in-between. Join us for an experience that shares a series of styles of premium riesling wines.
5 p.m. Summer Wines for Your Beach, Boat and Backyard BBQs
Presenter – To Be Determined
The Traverse Wine Coast is known for crisp, clean, easy-sipping wines, great for outdoor activities and pairing with a wide selection of foods.
6 p.m. Vermouth and Amaro – Fun Time with Digestifs
Presenter – Robert Brengman, winemaker/partner Brengman Brothers
Why do France and Italy control the market for these important digestif wines? Join us for a wild experience tasting Michigan-made world-class vermouths and Amaro. Featuring spritzer, vino martini and straight up tastes of Piccolo Dito Vermouths and Amaro.
Wineries include Mari Vineyards, Chateau Chantal, Brengman Brothers, Hawthorne Vineyards, Chateau Fontaine, Laurentide, Brys Estate and a guest winery from the Pioneer Wine Trail in Southeast Michigan, Burgdorf’s Winery.
Wine List
Brys Estate
Pinot Noir/Riesling, 2 tickets
Cabernet/Merlot, 2 tickets
Sauvignon Blanc, 2 tickets
Dry Riesling, 2 tickets
Gewürztraminer, 2 tickets
Laurentide Winery
Pinot Gris, 1 ticket
Bubble de Bubble, 1 ticket
Emergence, 1 ticket
Sweet Riesling, 1 ticket
Cherry, 1 ticket
Chateau Fontaine
2016 Chardonnay, 1 ticket
2016 Pinot Gris, 1 ticket
2016 Riesling, 1 ticket
2017 Gruner Veltliner, 1 ticket
2016 Woodland White, 1 ticket
Hawthorne Vineyards
2017 Select Harvest Riesling, 2 tickets
2015 Pinot Grigio, 2 tickets
2016 Chardonnay (unoaked), 2 tickets
2016 Gamay Noir, 2 tickets
Cherry Splendor, 1 ticket
Chateau Chantal
Pinot Blanc, 2 tickets
Chardonnay, 2 tickets
Naughty Red (dry), 2 tickets
Late Harvest Riesling, 2 tickets
Bubbly Cherry, 2 tickets
Mari Vineyards
2016 Troglodyte Bianco, 2 tickets
2017 Sauvignon Blanc, 2 tickets
2017 Troglodyte Rosato, 2 tickets
2017 Troglodyte Rosso, 2 tickets
2017 Cabernet Franc, 2 tickets
Brengman Brothers
2017 Traverse Coast Blend, 2 tickets
2013 Gewurztraminer, 1 ticket
2015 Runaway Hen Red, 1 ticket
Two Long Cool Climate Fizz Rose, 2 tickets
Burgdorf’s Winery
2017 Vignoles, 2 tickets
2017 Spartan White, 2 tickets
2016 Faye (Cabernet Franc), 2 tickets
2017 Spartan Reserve, 2 tickets
A Maize’n Blue, 2 tickets
Strawberry-Rhubarb, 2 tickets
“We’re not just throwing a wine event,” Christopher says. “We’re creating something unique for attendees who will want to come back for more.”
Wine Bird (general) tickets are $25 per person in advance or $35 at the gate. A special Early Bird ticket price of $18 is available until April 30. Big Bird (VIP) tickets are $100 and include an exclusive lounge area, featured wine tastings by local winemakers, a wine and cheese pairing with The Cheese Lady, a wine and dessert pairing, 10 tasting tokens and an exclusive souvenir wine glass.
Get current details and lodging packages at planetofthegrapesfest.com. Tickets are available at MyNorthTickets.com. More details coming soon.