The
Directions for this route are extensive. We recommend
you print them out and take the print out with you on
your ride.
Start
in Paw
Paw, MI (near
Kalamazu, MI) at 716 S. Kalamazoo St. (M40) ST JULIAN
WINERY. If Chaz is around try his "Catherman's Port".
Next, go across the street to BLACK STAR FARMS tasting
room. Not too much now, were just getting started.
OK,
go North (L) on M40, past the county sheriffs office,
to E. Michigan (Red Arrow Highway). Point your mount West
(L) towards Lake Michigan and cruise through, Lawrence,
Hartford and enter Watervliet.
About
a mile West of 140 (Main St.) look for Hennessey Rd. to
the South (L) and go one country block to Ryno Rd. West
(R). Look for KARMA VISTA in the vineyards, up
the hill, on your right. Say "Hi" to Joe and
ask him about Pink Floyd.
Your
next hump is an easy 2 mile ride. Continue West (R) down
Ryno Rd and turn South (L) on Friday Rd, under I-94 and
up the hill to CONTESSA WINERY.
Park
up top, see Tony (a second generation wine maker) for
a glass, then go out on the deck and enjoy the view.
The
next leg is long enough, you may want to drain your "sample
bottle", so shake it off and head North (R) down
the hill to Mountain Rd., then East (R) to Angling Rd.,
which you lean South (R) on, through the Hennessey/Carmody
crossing, till you hit Hill Rd. and follow East (L) to
140 South (R).
Cruise on down 140 to E. Main (62) then West (R) into
Eau Claire. Follow Linn St. South (L) till your fork West
(R) on Eau Claire Rd, which curves South into Hochberger
Rd, until you T into Pokagon Rd (Old 31).
Turn
West (R), cross the bridge over the "Mighty St. Joe
River" into Berrien Springs and continue through
town till you can fork West (R) on E. Shawnee Rd.
If
you're timing is good, you can shoot North (R) one block
at Lauer Rd. then West (L) on Lemon Creek Rd. to pick
up LEMON CREEK WINERY & DOMAINE BERRIEN CELLARS.
If
not, carry speed to the next corner, Hills Rd, South (L)
through the Snow Rd. crossing, until you find HEART
OF THE VINEYARD WINERY. Head up to the tasting room
and ask if the "Round Barn" is open. If not,
cry in your Grappa or Fruit Brandy.
Once
your eyes are dry, put on you tie or tiara and finish
the tour at TABOR HILL WINERY. Its just South on
Hill Rd to Mount Tabor Rd. then East (L) to the entrance.
Put
your dinner reservation in and belly up to the bar with
a glass of Cherry wine.
After
dinner, if it's dark or you're a little tired, you can
B-line home on I-94!
Special
Mention:
If you decide to "reverse route" and end up
in Paw Paw, be sure to stop for an EXCELLENT meal at
the Bistro 120, (In the heart of the theatre district)
While
not on the route, consider a ride to PETERSON &
SONS WINERY in Scotts, MI for sulfite-free, pure fruit
wines (No headaches... Really!) or FENN VALLEY WINERY
in Fennville.
It's
just a hop, skip & "two snaps up" to Douglas/Saugatuck.