{"title":"Traverse Bay Spiced","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"traverse-bay-spiced-cherry-wine","title":"Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry Wine","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTraverse Bay Spiced Cherry Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 750ml, 12.5% ABV Michigan cherry wine infused with natural cinnamon, clove, orange, and lemon peel. A Gold Medal winner at the 2018 Michigan Wine Competition, this seasonal expression from Chateau Grand Traverse has become a holiday staple among fruit wine enthusiasts, carrying a strong 89.8-point average across community reviews on CellarTracker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 12.5%  |  Origin: Old Mission Peninsula, Michigan  |  Style: Spiced Fruit Wine  |  Winery: Chateau Grand Traverse (Traverse Bay Winery)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChateau Grand Traverse, located on Michigan's Old Mission Peninsula, is one of the state's pioneering wineries and produces the Traverse Bay Winery label. Under winemaker Bernd Croissant, the Spiced Cherry Wine begins as 100% cherry wine fermented cool in stainless steel tanks — a deliberate choice to preserve the delicate fruit character of the cherries before blending with natural flavors of cinnamon, clove, orange peel, and lemon peel. Unlike mulled wines that rely on heavy sugar and heat-driven extraction, this bottling integrates the spice aromatics during production, resulting in a wine that drinks equally well chilled or warmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ripe Michigan cherries lead the nose, followed by waves of ground cinnamon and whole clove. Citrus zest — orange and lemon peel — lifts the bouquet and keeps the spice from turning heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is fruit-forward with tart cherry and a gentle sweetness that avoids cloying territory. At mid-palate, warm baking spice takes over, with cinnamon and clove dancing alongside bright citrus notes. The cherry's natural acidity provides structure and balance throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length with lingering warmth from the spice blend and a clean cherry tartness that draws you back. The citrus peel adds a final zesty lift before the finish fades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Spiced Cherry Wine\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine shines in two distinctly different serving styles: chilled as a refreshing sipper in warmer months, or gently warmed in a saucepan (do not boil) for a fragrant holiday drink. Serve warm in a mug with a cinnamon stick garnish for a ready-made mulled wine experience. It also works as a base for a \u003cstrong\u003eCherry Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the built-in spice eliminates the need for extra seasoning. Try it in a \u003cstrong\u003eSpiced Cherry Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e — topped with sparkling water and an orange wheel — for a lighter, effervescent serve. For a cocktail with more depth, use it in a \u003cstrong\u003eCherry Wine Hot Toddy\u003c\/strong\u003e alongside a touch of honey and fresh lemon, where the clove and cinnamon notes amplify the classic template.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHoliday entertaining and Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner tables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to someone who enjoys fruit wines or seasonal specialties\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAprès-ski warming drinks served fireside\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing non-wine drinkers to an approachable, flavor-forward style\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers tart Michigan cherry fruit layered with warm cinnamon, clove, and bright orange and lemon peel, finishing with balanced sweetness and a clean, spice-driven warmth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry compare to Door Peninsula Mulled Cherry Wine?\u003c\/strong\u003e Door Peninsula's Mulled Cherry Wine leans softer and semi-sweet with cinnamon and nutmeg, while Traverse Bay's version uses a broader spice and citrus peel blend and carries more pronounced cherry tartness. Traverse Bay also holds a Gold Medal from the 2018 Michigan Wine Competition, giving it a strong competitive edge in the spiced cherry category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the fruit-forward cherry base and familiar baking-spice aromatics make it extremely approachable for anyone new to wine, especially those who find traditional grape wines intimidating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Chateau Grand Traverse on the Old Mission Peninsula in northern Michigan, one of the state's most established and acclaimed wine-producing regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roasted turkey or glazed ham, where the cherry acidity cuts through rich meat; pumpkin pie or apple crisp, which mirror the warm spice profile; sharp cheddar cheese, which contrasts the wine's sweetness; cranberry-walnut salad, complementing the tart fruit notes; and dark chocolate, which pairs naturally with cherry and clove.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard bottle size is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as an affordable, entry-level specialty wine that delivers a layered flavor experience typically associated with homemade mulled wine, making it strong value in the spiced fruit wine category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this wine from generic spiced or mulled offerings is the cool-fermented cherry wine base, which preserves genuine fruit tartness rather than burying it under sugar and heat. The 2018 Michigan Wine Competition Gold Medal confirms it holds up against serious regional competition. The natural spice and citrus peel infusion creates a wine that works across seasons — warm in winter, chilled in summer — giving it a versatility most holiday wines lack. For anyone seeking a well-made Michigan fruit wine with real aromatic complexity, this remains one of the most reliable bottles in the category.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Traverse Bay Spiced","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837356765353,"sku":"16680","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Traverse-Bay-Spiced-Cherry-Wine__79486.jpg?v=1730480142"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/traverse-bay-spiced.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}