Gill’s Pier Winery owners Kris and Ryan Sterkenburg were anxious after the frost hit last Tuesday, May 28th on the Leelanau Peninsula. “The four and half acres of estate grapes consisting of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling were spared frost damage thankfully”, said Ryan after an inspection of the vines on Thursday. Lower level fields did suffer some bud damage.

Kris and Ryan take pride in their estate wines and announce the release of their 2008 Riesling. You can visit with Kris, Ryan and their staff for wine tasting at their winery located between Northport and Leland on Manitou Trail.

In the photo form earlier this spring, Bel Lago’s Charley Edson counts buds on canes to determine winter frost damage.