TRAVERSE CITY — Warm up this winter during “Souper Saturdays” at Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery on Old Mission Peninsula.
Taylor Scott, digital marketing and events manager, said this is their second year hosting this seasonal event. Last year, it was “pretty popular,” so they added some more dates — including a couple Sundays.
“We wanted to offer something new to the winter months,” Scott said. “We are trying to fit the season and do something new while we have fewer visitors.”
The winery is partnering with Peninsula Provisions in Lake Leelanau — a connection Scott said was made through their winemaker. The shop is providing a different soup each week, and tasting room staff will select the wine pairings on event day.
Though wine pairings are an option for visitors, Scott said this is a family-friendly event open to all ages.
“Guests can order a cup of soup on their own,” Scott said.
Peninsula Provisions Owner Kate Stassen said their butternut squash soup, served last weekend, ran out in the afternoon.
One of her favorites is the spinach and sweet potato lentils, which she said is “super warming.” Stassen said they used chicken stock for the recipe, but it can be made vegan by using vegetable stock instead.
“The soups are all completely house made — nothing is store bought — and they do a fantastic pairing with them,” she added.
Stassen said they started making soup in the fall, after being open a few months. They announce their soup of the week on Wednesdays, and each week, they are the same as the cup served at Brys Estate.
“We make one big batch for both,” she said.
“Souper Saturdays” kicked off on Jan. 6. It continues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, Jan. 27, with a curry lentil and sweet potato soup.
Wild mushroom bisque will be served Feb. 3, turkey minestrone on Feb. 10 and tomato bisque on Feb. 17 and 18.
Visitors can get a cup of soup with three wines for $15, a cup of soup and a glass of wine (prices vary) or a cup of soup for $6.
Seating is available inside and outside at the firepits. Reservations are recommended. Book a table through www.exploretock.com/brysestatevineyardwinery.