The Soul of Michigan Terroir: An Exploration of Left Foot Charley
Beyond Riesling, the winery has championed lesser-known varietals that thrive in northern latitudes. Pinot Blanc, a grape often overlooked in favor of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, finds a stunning, texturally rich expression under the Left Foot Charley label. They have also made significant waves with their Austrian-inspired Blaufränkisch and hard ciders, the latter made from local heritage apples. By treating cider with the exact same respect and fermentation techniques as fine wine, they have elevated the beverage from a simple pub drink to a complex, food-friendly staple.
Founded by Bryan and Jennifer Ulbrich in 2004, Left Foot Charley broke the mold from its inception. Rather than planting a massive estate vineyard, the Ulbrichs decided to establish an urban winery inside the former Northern Michigan Asylum, now known as The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. This choice was both aesthetic and philosophical. It allowed them to act as a community winemaking hub, sourcing fruit from a network of small, dedicated growers across the region. This collaborative approach means that each bottle of Left Foot Charley wine is a reflection of diverse microclimates and soil compositions, celebrating the collective effort of the region's farming community rather than a single plot of land.
Available at select independent wine merchants in states where they have distribution partnerships.
Widely distributed in Michigan grocery stores (like Meijer) and specialty wine shops.
Where To Buy Left Foot Charley Wine Apr 2026
The Soul of Michigan Terroir: An Exploration of Left Foot Charley
Beyond Riesling, the winery has championed lesser-known varietals that thrive in northern latitudes. Pinot Blanc, a grape often overlooked in favor of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, finds a stunning, texturally rich expression under the Left Foot Charley label. They have also made significant waves with their Austrian-inspired Blaufränkisch and hard ciders, the latter made from local heritage apples. By treating cider with the exact same respect and fermentation techniques as fine wine, they have elevated the beverage from a simple pub drink to a complex, food-friendly staple. where to buy left foot charley wine
Founded by Bryan and Jennifer Ulbrich in 2004, Left Foot Charley broke the mold from its inception. Rather than planting a massive estate vineyard, the Ulbrichs decided to establish an urban winery inside the former Northern Michigan Asylum, now known as The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. This choice was both aesthetic and philosophical. It allowed them to act as a community winemaking hub, sourcing fruit from a network of small, dedicated growers across the region. This collaborative approach means that each bottle of Left Foot Charley wine is a reflection of diverse microclimates and soil compositions, celebrating the collective effort of the region's farming community rather than a single plot of land. The Soul of Michigan Terroir: An Exploration of
Available at select independent wine merchants in states where they have distribution partnerships. By treating cider with the exact same respect
Widely distributed in Michigan grocery stores (like Meijer) and specialty wine shops.
