Cabin fever taking hold? Well here are a couple of great reasons to embrace winter in northern Michigan. On Febraury 6 & 7 the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association presents "Taste the Passion ~ Wine, Chocolate & Love". The following weekend as part of the Cherry Capital Winter WonderFest is the "Traverse City Wine & Art Festival Winter Wine Wonderland" on February 14th. Tickets to these events are limited and we are told they are selling at a steady pace. Get yours today through the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association website.

Taste the Passion ~ Wine, Chocolate & Love - February 6 & 7, 2010

This special weekend celebrates wine, chocolate and love in anticipation of Valentine's Day! The combination of winter's beauty in Leelanau with the special pleasures of life always makes for wonderful weekend. Then the fun begins on Saturday as participants head to their first winery stop to collect a souvenir glass and continues with special pours and decadent chocolate treats and other offerings at wineries between the hours of 11am and 5pm on Saturday, and Noon and 5pm on Sunday. To add to the weekend's festivities, several of the wineries will hold special events and activities exclusively for "Taste the Passion" ticket holders to celebrate the beauty and fun to be had in this winter wonderland. On Friday night (Feb 5) at Mountain Flowers Lodge from 6-8pm, the Homestead Resort and Glen Arbor Artists will be hosting "Art from Michigan's Wine Coast." Art will be on display and for sale from local artists.

Video from Taste the Passion 2009!

Traverse City Wine & Art Festival Winter Wine Wonderland - February 14, 2010

The public is invited to experience the fun and romance of local wine, desserts, art, music, and Valentine’s Day at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa during the Winter Wine Wonderland - a celebration of wine, gourmet desserts, and art. The event is the winter version of the popular Traverse City Wine & Art Festival held annually in August.

The Winter Wine Wonderland will take place on Sunday, February 14, from 3 to 8 p.m. in a large heated tent located next to the Resort’s Clubhouse. Approximately 20 wineries from Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas, and Traverse City will offer tastings of a variety of white, red, and sparkling wines, plus ice wine and mulled wine.

The festival will also feature a unique musical experience. The New Third Coast will provide backing for a select group of Northern Michigan musicians singing love songs. Musicians include Ingemar & Lisa Johansson, Jay Webber, Elizabeth Rivers, Janice Keegan and Claudia Schmidt. Also on hand will be the Beach Bards who will perform some love poems.