Patricia Schultz's just published 1000 Places to See in the US and Canada Before You Die has a section about the Leelanau Peninsula that mentions our Inn, the wines, the Creamery. One of a thousand for all of North America - that's pretty good company. Don and Malu met Schultz at last month's Select Registry Annual Meeting in Coeur d'Alen.

Everyday with Rachael Ray also thinks that we're worth a visit on one of their "America's 10 Best Road Trips" in the June/July issue.

Lee judged at last week's Great Lakes Great Wine Competition at Oakland Community College where wines from Ontario and the eight states that border the Great Lakes contend for medals. We had a great showing - no, nothing to do with Lee's judging as his panel only tasted one of our wines. The '04 Leorie Vineyard Merlot/Cab Franc and Sirius Raspberry both won Double Gold. That means that all judges rated these wines gold-worthy. Arcturos '05 Cabernet Franc, Arcturos '05 Pinot Gris, and Black Star Farms '04 Sparkling each took gold, with seven more wines earning silver, and five earning bronze. We'll let you know as these wines are released for sale. They're well worth the wait.

The Inn still has some availability this weekend, and is accepting one-night stays this weekend only. Next week has availability Sunday through Thursday, too. We have a wedding next weekend, so the Inn is fully booked both Friday and Saturday nights.

Work on our new farmers market is moving along with a hoped-for opening date of June 22^nd. Nic spent Wednesday on the first Great Lakes Agri-tourism Experience, visiting seven farm markets in southwest Michigan and picking up ideas from the markets and from the busload of other participants.

Our CSA is up and running. Nic was awake early last Saturday, even by farmer standards, to pack up the bags with the freshest farm produce for delivery to members at the Traverse City farmers market. This will be a weekly event all summer long, and Nic will be bringing other produce for sale at the Saturday market as well. Stop by and see what's fresh.

Not much news from the zoo this week, and only a few kittens and bunnies still looking for homes. Here's Nutmeg waiting for you to visit and give her a snack.

A hot, dry week has meant that hay could be cut and baled and stored in the loft. The vines are really shooting up. Everything on the farm is looking for some much needed rain. The TV weatherman reported today that the Traverse City area is down 49% on average rainfall for this year.

Lee is off next week to attent the inaugural "Riesling Rendezvous" at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Washington. He's one of 47 Riesling experts participating in the 3-day event which includes tastings, food pairings, and workshops.

Another perfect day for last weekend's Leland Wine & Food Fest. A good time was had by all.

Thanks to Brad (on the left) and Shannon (on the right) for volunteering to pour for us. That's Joe in the middle, one of our great winery crew.

Tickets for September's Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Harvest Stompede are now on sale at www.lpwines.com. This September 22-23 two-day wine tasting event at the 13 Peninsula wineries kicks off on Saturday morning with one of several different vineyard experiences: "The Harvester," a 3-mile recreational hike through the vineyards, the 5K "Stinger" named after the famous bee incident of 2004 and finally, our 7-mile Grape Stomper - a challenging run through three vineyards and an orchard blended with some breathtaking views of West Grand Traverse Bay. Participants may choose solely to enter one of the runs or the walk or combine with one of the wine tasting packages. Or, don't walk or run - just taste wine - but get your tickets now as this event sells out early.

That's it for this week. We're hoping to see you - up on the Farm.