Open: Monday - Sunday: 10:00AM- 11:00PM
Nicholas came to the USA from Icaria, Greece, a small island about 150 miles east of Athens in 1951 at the age of 17 and started the winery as a hobby, planting the first vines in 1992. The Winery was opened in 1999 and it wasn't until May, 2004 that the Wine Tasting Room in Mackinaw City, Michigan was opened. Our wines are unique, pure with a deep, rich flavor and aroma unlike any wine produced.
Before establishing the vineyard, Nicholas researched different grape varieties to find a hearty grape that could withstand the northern climate. By himself, he planted plowed and nurtured the plants. Using an army shovel, he dug a hole every 6 inches, mixing black dirt and sand for optimum growth. After 3 years the vines reached full production and have established good roots. Black River Vineyard &Winery has the only Valiant grape vines in the states . The juice of all grapes is white with the colour created by the skin. Valiant grape juice is already burgundy when ready.
Two of Nicholas's wines have been entered in and won medals at the Michigan State Fair... Nicholas's Nicolette Le Blush 2000 wine won a Silver Medal and Nicholas's 2001 Black River Red won the Gold Medal. In August, 2004 Nicholas's newest wine... Nicholas's 2003 Ambrosia, was entered into and won 1st Place at the Cheboygan County Fair in Cheboygan, Michigan.
icholas Koklanaris past away in May 2005. The Vineyard & Winery is operated now from his nieces Maria Melacrinos (owner) and Alea Melacrinos (manager-winemaker) and with their fathers help Dimitrios Melacrinos (winemaker). Their goal is to continue Nicholas dream and tradition of making fine, pure and high quality wines.
