Brewvine: Soul Squeeze Cellars Adds New Wine with Austria’s Primary Wine Grape

in Leelanau County is preparing for what they hope will be a busy summer season.

Whitney Amann and photojournalist Jeremy Erickson take you to the tasting room for a look at the newest addition to their wine list.

“We share Austria’s climate on the 45th parallel and as a result, the grapes grow very, very well here,” said Jeff “Grandpa” Pickelman, chief storyteller.

Austria’s primary wine grape is a varietal that has been gaining popularity here in northern Michigan.

Soul Squeeze Cellars in Lake Leelanau has been using Grüner Celtliner to make a still and a sparkling wine.

Their great Grüner harvest and the wine produced from it, was the silver lining that Soul Squeeze needed during a couple of tough years dealing with covid’s impact on the community and their business.

That optimistic feeling prompted the name of this wonderful new wine, Better Angel.

You can try their sparkling or still Grüner, sample their award winning Rapt riesling, or sip a ciders in their cozy tasting room.

When the weather cooperates, their outdoor space is the perfect place to enjoy a drink while you play games and listen to live music.

“The excitement level among the staff here is pretty high.” Said Pickelman. “We think it’s going to be really, really busy this year and we’re looking forward to it and again, just hoping that we can provide the right experience for everyone that comes in.”