Cogdal Vineyards — Attraction in Casco Township

Cogdal Vineyards is one of my favorite wineries to visit in all of southwest Michigan. The reasons are simple. Outstanding and varied wines are paramount, obviously, but Cogdal stands out for going beyond. I relish every chance I get to talk with Jack and Deb, hearing about the inspiration behind the wines and the state of the vineyards. The setting for the tasting room is simply spectacular, with a panoramic view of the vineyards both from inside and the expansive outdoor areas. There's nothing better than sitting out on the patio in the late afternoon, surrounded by vineyards, enjoying a lovely glass of wine (perhaps with a little snack) as the day winds down.

Moreover, every person I've ever come in contact that works the tasting room has been among the friendliest of people, who make you feel like you're somehow part of some exclusive club. Like I said, the wines are amazing, but it's really the people at Cogdal that make it an absolute must whenever I'm within 100 miles...

I was gonna go there for an event but the event was cancelled due to rain, so I decided to go anyway to check it out. For medical reasons and plenty of documentation to back it up, I am not able to wear a mask. Which up front the man at the door said no problem, he was very friendly and his name was Scot i give props to him for being understanding with that he gave me a wrist band and sent me on my way no problem. I got inside and the lady asked where my mask was I said I am medically incapable of wearing one, and then asked to sample something and wanted to buy something, and she told me they can't serve me without a mask which makes absolutely no sense she said it was "company policy" which I highly doubt. I am a disabled veteran discharged for medical reasons with issues I wish not to talk about here and is also why I can't wear a mask. I plan on reporting this place first thing in the morning for discrimination. I will never be...

I'd like to think I have a decent palate for wine, having sampled a lot in my day and been to Napa a couple of times, as well as the Niagara Valley and various Michigan wineries. However, of the wines I tasted at Cogdal, I couldn't find anything I can say that I "enjoyed."

I typically enjoy a good bold red like Cabernet or even a Zinfandel. However, the reds I sampled at Cogdal tasted a little plain and not quite as complex as I typically prefer from West Coast wines.

The whites were decent, though I think part of my enjoyment of the whites were how superbly eager and friendly our attendant was. She was super bubbly, and I wish I could remember her name. If it weren't for her, I doubt I would even remember this place for the future.

I wish I could give an extra half-star, but since I can't they only get 2 stars from me. Not a place I would go out of my way to visit, but if it's on the way, might as well...