St. Julian Red Heron

St. Julian Red Heron is a semi-sweet red wine made from Concord grapes, bottled at 9% ABV in a standard 750ml format. A Double Gold and Best of Class winner at the Michigan Wine Competition, this expression from Michigan's oldest continuously operating winery stands out for its balance of ripe fruit intensity and refreshing acidity.

Quick Facts: ABV: 9%  |  Origin: Lake Michigan Shore AVA, Paw Paw, Michigan  |  Semi-Sweet Red  |  Winery: St. Julian Winery & Distillery

Production & Heritage

St. Julian Winery & Distillery has operated in Paw Paw, Michigan since 1921, making it one of the longest-running wineries in the state. Red Heron is produced from Concord grapes, with the vast majority of fruit grown within a 40-mile radius of the Paw Paw facility in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA. Michigan's cool climate contributes natural crisp acidity to the wine, providing structure and balance to the Concord grape's inherent sweetness and intense fruit character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rich Concord grape leads into cherry and grape jam, followed by layers of candied fruit. The nose is unmistakably expressive, carrying the deep, aromatic signature of native American grape varieties.

Taste: Bright strawberry flavor arrives on the entry, quickly joined by lemon drop and citrus notes that add freshness and lift. At mid-palate, the wine builds with guava hints dancing in the background, while the semi-sweet body maintains a fruit-forward intensity without becoming cloying. The natural acidity from Michigan's cool growing season keeps everything in check.

Finish: Refreshingly tart with crisp acidity that cleanly balances the residual sweetness. The strawberry and citrus notes linger, tapering off with a bright, fruit-driven close.

How to Drink Red Heron

Serve chilled between 50–55°F to highlight the wine's natural acidity and fruit clarity. Red Heron also works well over ice on warm days for a more casual pour. A Red Heron Sangria plays to the wine's grape jam and cherry notes, with sliced citrus and stone fruit amplifying its existing character. A Wine Spritzer made with sparkling water brings the crisp acidity to the foreground while lightening the body. A Concord Mulled Wine lets the candied fruit and berry aromatics bloom with warming spices like cinnamon and clove.

Best For

• Introducing sweet-wine drinkers to Michigan-made wines
• Summer cookouts and backyard gatherings where a chilled, approachable red fits the mood
• Pairing with fruit-forward desserts at holiday dinners
• Gifting to fans of Concord grape wines who appreciate regional winemaking

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Red Heron taste like? Red Heron delivers bright strawberry and cherry flavors with grape jam richness, balanced by crisp acidity and a refreshingly tart finish. Hints of guava and lemon drop citrus add complexity to its semi-sweet profile.

How does Red Heron compare to other Concord grape wines? Red Heron distinguishes itself through pronounced acidity from Michigan's cool Lake Michigan Shore AVA climate, which prevents the wine from tasting overly sweet. Many mass-market Concord wines lean heavily on sugar without the balancing tartness that Red Heron achieves from its locally grown fruit.

Is Red Heron good for beginners? Red Heron is an excellent entry point for anyone exploring red wine, as its semi-sweet profile and low 9% ABV make it highly approachable without sacrificing flavor complexity.

Where is Red Heron made? Red Heron is produced by St. Julian Winery & Distillery in Paw Paw, Michigan, within the Lake Michigan Shore AVA. The Concord grapes are sourced primarily from vineyards within a 40-mile radius of the winery.

What foods pair well with Red Heron? Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches lean into the grape jam character for a playful match. Sharp cheddar cheese contrasts the wine's sweetness with savory tang. Grilled barbecue chicken works well, as the acidity cuts through smoky, sweet sauces. Fresh berry tarts echo the strawberry and cherry notes. Spiced pork dishes find balance against the wine's fruit-forward sweetness.

What sizes does Red Heron come in? Red Heron is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Red Heron worth the price? Red Heron positions as a value-tier semi-sweet red, making it one of the more accessible award-winning Michigan wines available. Its Double Gold credentials at the Michigan Wine Competition reinforce strong quality relative to its entry-level price point.

Why Red Heron?

Red Heron earned both Best of Class and Double Gold at the Michigan Wine Competition, validating its standing among the state's top sweet reds. What separates it from generic Concord wines is the Lake Michigan Shore AVA terroir — cool-climate acidity gives the wine a structure rarely found in this category. Backed by over a century of winemaking at St. Julian, Red Heron represents a specific sense of place rather than a simple sweet wine. At 9% ABV, it also sits at a lower alcohol threshold that makes it genuinely sessionable, particularly when served chilled.