Winemaker Bryan Ulbrich of Old Mission's Penninsula Cellars is leaving the winery he brought to national prominence to start his own label, Left Foot Charley. Ublrich's wines at Penninsula Cellars, especially his Rieslings, are among the area's very best and have won numerous state and national honors.

Now Ulbrich is passing the baton at Penninsula Cellars to his sister, Emily Ulbrich, according to this Sandra Silfven column in the Detroit News. His new winery will be based at the vibrant Village at Grand Traverse Commons project being developed on the site of the old State Hospital in Traverse City. The Left Foot Charley Riesling has been available at area restaurants for some time now and, based on our tastings, should be a worthy successor to Ulbrich's Penninsula products.