BYO with Brio by Shady Lane Cellars this summer, fall
SUTTON’S BAY, MICH. (June 6, 2022) – Whether you’re winding your way through the vineyard, sipping wine on the patio or checking out the tasting room at Shady Lane Cellars, the experience of enjoying handcrafted, sustainably Michigan-grown wines from the Leelanau Peninsula is unforgettable.
The Sutton’s Bay-based winery offers two brands on site – Shady Lane Cellars award-winning wines and their newer label, BRIO, which debuted two years ago as a vibrant, bright and exciting line in cans. BRIO by Shady Lane Cellars carries the tagline “Wine with vivacity from Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula” and its splashy can design was inspired by Andy Warhol’s pop art.
What wine drinkers might not realize when they choose from the selection of canned wines at their favorite store, is that BRIO is made in small batches by a small producer. These wines are 100 percent estate-grown and SIP-certified – just like all wines handcrafted from the ground up at Shady Lane Cellars.
“There is a lot of mass-produced canned wine out there,” said Kasey Wierzba, winemaker for Shady Lane Cellars. “BRIO is cared for just like our other wines are.”
And come warmer temperatures, BRIO embodies the idyllic Northern Michigan lifestyle. It’s the kind of beverage you can pack with a picnic, bring to the beach, hiking or biking trails or just sit back and enjoy by the warm light of a campfire.
Wierzba said she loves to bring BRIO with her when paddle surfing at night. “In August and September the surf on Lake Michigan starts to build and if conditions are right it can be really good paddle board surfing,” she said. “It’s always nice to enjoy something after or while watching friends hit the waves.”
Kim Simecek, regional manager at Shady Lane Cellars, says she’s taken BRIO cans with her to BYOB outdoor music festivals, hiking in Arizona and of course it’s a staple when she’s boating on lakes in Michigan every summer.
The aluminum cans make BRIO an even more sustainable option, too.
“Aluminum is easy to recycle,” said Simecek. “It’s lighter weight for shipping and helps reduce the carbon footprint.”
For those looking for an accessible, easy-to-pack wine, BRIO offers the following choices:
- BRIO Blanc – a bright, fruity, slightly effervescent and off-dry wine;
- BRIO Red – taste flavors of raspberry reduction, cherry preserves and warm baking spice into a soft finish. This is an easy favorite for BRIO fans;
- BRIO Rose – expect a burst of fresh berries, white peach and tangerine;
- BRIO Vibes – known for its strawberries and cream flavor, crisp bubbles and key lime finish;
- BRIO Cider – a crisp, clean cider derived from heritage Michigan apples.
While consumers each have their preferences, Wierzba said Vibes, a sparkling blend of Blanc de Noir and Vignoles, has been a fan favorite from the start.
“It’s a really fresh sparkling wine style that everyone loves,” said Wierzba. “Because it’s in a can and super affordable, people love to enjoy it whenever and wherever.”
Vibes is a great reminder to all that sparkling wine is not just a special occasion wine. It’s easy, accessible packaging really makes it a great choice anytime.
BRIO is available at the winery. Cans cost $7 each and ready to mix-and-match, or grab a 4-pack for $24.99. Each cans contains two servings – or the equivalent of half a bottle of wine.
ABOUT SHADY LANE CELLARS
Located at 9580 E. Shady Lane in Suttons Bay, Mich., Shady Lane Cellars produces one of the largest percentages of estate-grown wine in its region. Offering hilltop views of the Leelanau Peninsula in northern Michigan, the winery and its staff create a comfortable approach to wine. The winery was founded in 1999. Since 2017 all Shady Lane Cellars wines are 100 percent estate-grown. Tours, tasting experiences, private events and a wine club membership are all available. Visit www.shadylanecellars.com. Connect on Facebook or Instagram.
