KDL Uncorked Serves another Round of Favorites to Patrons

Returning this fall after a fruitful inaugural year, “KDL Uncorked” dishes out a variety of programs for wine and hard cider enthusiasts. This season patrons can look forward to free wine making and tasting programs held at various KDL branches and discounted winery tours and tastings.

New to the roster this year is wine entertainer Allie Merrick, director and co-host of the video series My Wine Words. “Don’t judge a book by its cover or a bottle by its label. When it comes to words and wine, translating tones and textures is key to discovering the depth and dimension of what you read or sip. I look forward to sharing with lovers of literature an experience where what’s poured will be paired with pages of novels and prose,” said Merrick.

Steve Siciliano, owner of Siciliano’s Market in Northwest Grand Rapids, will lead Winemaking 101 classes at several KDL branches. Jason Lummen, owner and creator of The People’s Cider Co. welcomes patrons to come and learn about the art of dry cider making, inspired by the European cider drinking culture.

As with the KD aLe beer series, KDL Uncorked includes a pair of off-site events, a buy-one get-one wine and cider tasting at Kayla Rea Cellars in Rockford and a tour and discount tastings at Cascade Winery.

To register for any of the KDL Uncorked tasting events, go to kdl.org/events or call (616) 784-2007.

List of Events:

KDL Uncorked: Wine Tasting & Tour at Cascade Winery Wine crafters and owners Rose & Bob Bonga invite you for an educational tour of the Cascade Winery. Enjoy a variety of seasonal wines for 50 cents per taste. Participants must be age 21 or older. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited.

Wednesday, September 16, 6:00 PM, 4665 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Grand Rapids

KDL Uncorked: Winemaking 101 Join wine aficionado Steve Siciliano, owner of Siciliano’s Market, as he talks about the ins and outs of making wine at home. Learn about the basic equipment and procedures needed for making wine from concentrated kits, as well as with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Monday, September 21, 6:00 PM, Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch Thursday, September 24, 6:00 PM, Walker Branch

Tuesday, October 13, 6:00 PM, Tyrone Township Branch

Tuesday, October 27, 6:00 PM, Caledonia Township Branch

Monday, November 16, 6:00 PM, Englehardt/Lowell Branch

KDL Uncorked: Wine Tasting at Kayla Rae Cellars Enjoy buy-one-get-one tastings and a presentation by winery owner Karen Grossman on how current wine and cider selections were developed, created and refined. Participants must be 21 or older. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited.

Wednesday, September 23, 6:30 PM, 31 Courtland St. NE Rockford

Wednesday, October 21, 6:30 PM, 31 Courtland St. NE Rockford

KDL Uncorked: The People’s Cider Co. Tour and Tasting Discover a fresh take on craft beverages in West Michigan. Jason Lummen, owner and creator of The People’s Cider Co., will give a tour and provide free tastings of their Traditional Barrel Aged Ciders. Tastings are free and $4 half pints will be available for purchase. For adults ages 21 and older.

Tuesday, October 20, 6:00 PM, 600 Maryland Ave NE, Suite B Grand Rapids

KDL Uncorked: Wine & Words with Allie Merrick A perfect pairing of bottles and books. Join Allie Merrick, co-host of My Wine Words, as she pairs wine with literary works. Read and sip between the lines in a unique wine experience. Pre-Registration is required. For adults ages 21 and older.

Wednesday, October 28, 6:00 PM, East Grand Rapids Branch

Thursday, November 19, 6:00 PM, Kentwood/Richard L. Root Branch