An unusually bountiful harvest of black raspberries was the impetus for Deb and Dave Burgdorf’s first venture into wine making. The successful results led them to over 25 years of experimentation, production and sharing the fruits of their labors with friends and family as amateur vintners. In fact, they received such rave reviews from those who tried their wine that they have taken their activities well beyond a hobby. For the past two and a half years, they have owned and operated Burgdorf’s Winery, located on their five acres in Haslett, where last year they produced 3,000 gallons of grape and other fruit-based wines.

Deb’s background as a microbiologist (she is retired from MBI) and Dave’s career as a vegetative plant materials specialist inform their expertise in choosing the best fruits, finding the best methods of fermentation and bottling and discovering finishing techniques that lead to the finest product. But it is more than a scientific endeavor to the two vintners. There is a true love of wine, a joy in the process of creation and an eagerness to share with others that makes their winery unique.

The winery now includes not only a facility for fermentation, clarification and bulk aging the many varieties of wine they feature, but also a gift shop, a wine tasting room and specialty services.

Deb said, “Our slogan is ‘a moment in wine,’ and we sell not only our own wines but also many wine-related gifts (including gift certificates and gift baskets). Since our slogan is time-related, I enjoy having a nice selection of clocks and timepieces. We can make up different types of baskets for personal or business gifts; it’s something a little different for holidays or other occasions.”

The Burgdorfs sell both white and red wines, fruit wines and sweet grape wines. The whites include Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling and Piesporter. Reds available are Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Zinfandel and White Merlot (a medium pink rosé wine). Their sweet grape wines are Morado and Winter Riesling.

Fruit wines featured are blueberry, strawberry, Michigan apple, pineapple and perfection, their most popular wine, described as “a Michigan black raspberry/tart cherry blend. The essence of flower from the black-capped raspberry bursts on the palate, while the blend of Michigan tart cherries adds to the subtle elegance.”

According to Dave, “Our blueberry wine has just won a gold medal at an international wine competition in Indianapolis. This is our first gold, although we have won several silvers and bronzes.”

The Burgdorfs buy fruit from local growers. “We are interested in being a winery, not a farm, and we are happy that we are able to support local farmers. All the fruit is processed and the wine brewed on site. We are hoping to expand and plan to at least double our output for next year,” said Dave.

The wines they sell are generally in the $15 to $25 price range and are of the highest quality. “We produce fairly small quantities so we are able to keep a handle on the quality,” explained Deb.

Currently, the wines are also for sale at the Michigania store in Downtown Lansing and are served at the Blue Gill Grill in Haslett. Eventually, they hope to introduce their products in other restaurants. They are pleased that they were recently featured on the Travelocity website, based on a recommendation from one of their customers. In addition, they are also part of the southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail (see sidebar).

Special events during the year include a wine celebration in the spring, a harvest festival and a winter holiday event being planned this year for December 8.

Intimidated by the whole idea of “fine wines”? The Burgdorfs will make it easy for you by hosting wine tasting parties which can be arranged for groups of friends, relatives and coworkers. For a minimal fee, groups can learn how wine is made and participants can taste the many different kinds of wine made by the Burgdorfs. It’s a casual, low-key and fun way to learn about both the process and the pleasures of the wine experience.

Another innovative activity which the Burgdorfs have initiated is an opportunity to not only sample some wonderful wines but also take part in the bottling process and create custom labels. In addition to the wine tasting and creation of the wine, the price includes the end product: 24 bottles of wine! This activity is available year round.

The Burgdorfs exude an air of enthusiasm and a true passion for both the art and business of wine making. It’s obvious that they love what they do, and they delight in sharing what they create. For them, wine certainly does “start and end with a smile.”