Oakland Community College and Michigan Speedway roll out big wine events

The 16th annual Great Lakes Great Wine event is Thursday evening at the Orchard Ridge campus of Oakland Community College. (Photo courtesy Oakland Community College)

Pull out your tasting notebooks for two large wine events this week: The first is the annual Great Lakes Great Wine tasting and strolling dinner at Oakland Community College in Farmington Hills, starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 17. The second is the Great Lakes Wine and Beer festival at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich., running from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 19.

The 16th annual OCC event features the wines judged earlier that day at the Great Lakes Great Wine Competition, which draws more than 500 entries, including world-famous ice wines. This event only invites the wines of the Great Lakes region, including Ontario, and nearby Midwestern states.

The evening affair in Building J features foods from Metro Detroit’s top restaurants, including Steve and Rocky’s, Beverly Hills Grill, Orchard Lake Country Club and No. VI Chophouse, plus music by the Simone Vitale Band and a silent auction. Funds raised from this event boost the school’s culinary department. Admission is $50 in advance, and $55 at the door.  Call (248) 522-3700 or to to the website.

The Great Lakes Wine and Beer Festival at Michigan International Speedway on Saturday will draw close to three dozen Michigan wineries and 18 of the state’s best breweries. Michigan food vendors will be featured as well. Camping is available.

The event is sponsored by the Jackson County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Tickets are $25, and each includes $10 worth of tasting tokens. The event is for guests 21 and older. Learn more at the website.