It’s certainly no secret that Michigan is home to picturesque beaches and award-winning wineries.
After five successful years that continues to attract more than 4,000 wine and sun lovers each year, the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail is proud to once again pair these two local favorite attractions at the 6th Annual Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival on Saturday, June 18.
The title sponsor is Southwest Michigan Tourist Council, along with The Economic Growth Alliance (Partnership of Lake Township and City of Bridgman) and the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Country.
Live music will enhance the event which takes place under a “Big-Top Tent” overlooking beautiful Weko Beach from 1 to 10 p.m.
The festival is a showcase event where guests sample (tastes or by the glass) all of the wonderful Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail locally-grown-and-produced varietals. Tasting Tickets are $1 per ticket or one ticket for a taste and five to seven tickets for a glass. Wrap this into a day filled with sun and sand, extraordinary cuisine from local restaurants, blues, pop/rock, R&B and a dazzling sunset and you have one fantastic summer festival — ideal not only for wine aficionados but for the entire family.  Live music lineup includes Duke Tumato, P.S. Dump Your Boyfriend, Midwest Hype, and Cadillac Dave & His Chicago Red Hots.
Mayor Ron Birmingham explains, “Bridgman is a small community on the shores of Lake Michigan, but for the past five years on the third weekend of June our Wine Fest event has been on the ‘must-do list’ of over 4,000 people. This event doubles the size of our town and shows off our beach, commerce, vineyards and orchards.  It is an alliance of the City of Bridgman, Lake Township, the Chamber of Commerce, the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Country and Traffic PR & Marketing that makes this a great way to kick-off the summer.”
Admission to the festival is $10 for ages 21 and older and includes a souvenir wine tasting glass. Twelve and under are free.    Advance admission tickets are $8, and are available at www.ticketweb.com or in person (cash only) at:
• Harding’s Friendly Market, 3651 Shawnee Rd. (Lake Street East), Bridgman, (269) 465-5211.
• Edgewater Bank, 4509 Lake St. (at Red Arrow Highway), Bridgman, (269) 465-5500
Bridgman is located off of Interstate 94 at Exit 16. Drive north on Red Arrow Highway to stop light in Bridgman, then west on Lake Street. Parking and shuttle buses will be available at designated lots in Bridgman.No coolers allowed. Rain or shine event. ATM is available.
For more information, visit www.miwinetrail.com or www.swmichigan.org or call 925-6301 or e-mail inquiries toinfo@miwinetrail.com.