Wine Wonders
A Sensational Experience Awaits at Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant
Writer / Lois Tomaszewski
Photography Provided
There is an appeal in enjoying a glass of wine, on a patio overlooking a vineyard, or while enjoying a delicious meal in a restaurant with impeccable service. Theres no need to travel to Italy or France for that experience, when a drive across the state line to Michigan can transport you there.
Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant is in Buchanan, Michigan. Part of Moersch Hospitality Group and one of six properties that make up the Sip & Savor Wine Trail, Tabor Hill has been perfecting the art of winemaking for more than 50 years.
Between all of our sister properties, Round Barn Winery & Estate, Free Run Cellars, and Round Barn Brewery & Public House, we have created our own Sip & Savor Wine Trail, says Owner and CEO Matthew Moersch. We invite guests to discover the flavors of southwest Michigan. There is something for everyone between all six properties and their unique offerings. From fresh brews to artisan wines to handcrafted spirits, there is always something new to try along the trail.
Tabor Hill is a homecoming of sorts for Moersch. In 1979, founder Rick Moersch got his start as a winemaker. After developing winemaking expertise and establishing other wineries and vineyards, Moersch Hospitality Group purchased Tabor Hill in 2017. The Tabor Hill brand now includes the winery, restaurant and wedding venue.
Whether you are looking to join us for a tasting or to settle into the restaurant and indulge in a meal expertly paired with our award-winning wines, watching the sunset over the vineyard, we promise visiting us is an experience like no other, Moersch says.
Tabor Hill offers 30 different varieties of wines, including multiple selections of demi-secs, cabernet Franc, albariño and chardonnay. Each of these has unique properties and characteristics that have a fan base of their own, and are crafted from grape varieties encompassing the sweetest whites to the driest reds.
The bestsellers and fan favorites are the demi-sec varieties, Moersch says. He describes these as ranging from fruit-forward flavors of the Blueberry Demi-Sec to the light and bubbly Sparkling Demi-Sec. There is truly one for every occasion.
The staff pick for a dry red wine is the Cabernet Franc. It is aged in oak for 20 months, which shows up in aromas of coconut and leather, Moersch says. At 0% residual sugar, this dry wine also sports a medium body and smooth tannins. Mild green-pepper flavors are balanced by notes of raspberry and strawberry.
Next are the albariño varieties, which boast light, tropical aromas with hints of grapefruit and cantaloupe. These are fermented and aged in stainless steel, resulting in a dry white wine with a mild-palate tannin and crisp acidity on the finish, Moersch says.
The chardonnay selections are noteworthy for their aromas of honeydew melon and baked apple, with a hint of Medjool date, almond butter, toasted oak and vanilla. Our chardonnay is soft and full-bodied with a long, creamy finish, making it the perfect all-season sipper, Moersch says.
Joining us for a wine tasting is the perfect way to sit back, relax and let us do the uncorking for you, all while having an expert on hand to answer any questions you may have, he says.
Several Tabor Hill wines have earned awards at local, regional and national competitions. A tasting allows guests to sample a variety of wines of their own choosing or from one of the winerys preselected flights.
Our Lake Michigan shore winery was designed with every kind of wine lover in mind, Moersch says. With our expert tasting consultants on hand, indulging in one of our 30 varieties has never been easier.
In addition to the opportunities to wine and dine at Tabor Hill, guests can experience themed events such as guided wine tastings, specialty lunches, and dinners hosted at the restaurant. Tabor Hill also hosts private events and weddings at both the restaurant and the grounds of the vineyard.
Guests can also explore the Mt. Tabor Trails, a 3.5-mile excursion that loops through woods and vineyards. To take the winery experience to the next level, Tabor Hill offers guests a sip-and-stay option at several sites that offer accommodations.
Tabor Hill is open year-round for wine tastings and restaurant service, with the busiest times from May through October. The winery and restaurant are located at 185 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, Michigan. For more information, visit taborhill.com or call 269-422-1161. Sign up for the mailing list or follow Tabor Hill on social media.
