Ultimately, Left Foot Charley represents the vanguard of the Michigan wine industry. They have proven that success does not require mimicking the heavy, oak-laden red wines of warmer climates. Instead, by embracing the brisk, vibrant, and aromatic profile dictated by their northern terroir, they create wines of tension, balance, and pure joy. To drink a bottle of Left Foot Charley is to understand the passion of Northern Michigan growers and the vision of winemakers who looked at an old asylum and saw the future of American wine.
Order online via the official Left Foot Charley website. where to buy left foot charley wine
Visit them in person at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City, MI. Ultimately, Left Foot Charley represents the vanguard of
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. To drink a bottle of Left Foot Charley
Available at select independent wine merchants in states where they have distribution partnerships.
The cornerstone of Left Foot Charley’s portfolio is undoubtedly its white wines, led by an uncompromising dedication to Riesling. Michigan’s 45th parallel positioning provides the ideal environment for this grape: bright, sunny days balanced by cool Lake Michigan breezes that preserve the fruit's natural acidity. Left Foot Charley produces several vineyard-designate Rieslings, allowing consumers to taste the stark differences between sites just a few miles apart. From bone-dry, searingly acidic expressions to off-dry bottles bursting with stone fruit and honeyed complexity, their Rieslings prove that Michigan can compete on a global scale with regions like Alsace and the Mosel Valley.
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.