Many local wines were among top wines in a blind evaluation sponsored by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Grape Society Feb. 2.

Master Sommelier Claudia Tyagi; wine director Rick Rubel, Charleston Grill; and wine consultant Chris Cook guided more than 70 participants through an educational process of evaluating wines, recognizing flaws, and comparing wines against varietal character in the all-day event, part of Southwest Michigan Horticulture Days.

Participating wineries included Contessa Wine Cellars, Domaine Berrien Cellars, Founders Wine Cellar, Free Run Cellars, Hickory Creek Winery, Karma Vista Vineyards, Lawton Ridge Winery, Lemon Creek Winery, Round Barn Winery and Distillery, Tabor Hill Winery and Restaurant, St. Julian Wine Com., Warner Vineyards and Wyncroft.

Best of flight Lake Michigan Shore Appellation wines were: pinot grigio, St. Julian St. 2008; Chardonnay, Hickory Creek Zero Oak 2008; Riesling, Hickory Creek 1.5 RS 2008; pinot noir, Karma Vista Stone Temple Pinot 2008; syrah, Domaine Berrien 2007; cabernet franc, Tabor Hill LMS 2005; Merlot, Contessa 2007; Bordeaux blend, Karma Vista 2008; and cabernet sauvignon, Domaine Berrien 2007.

For more information contact Tom Zabadal at (269) 944-1477.