October doesn't need a crowded festival weekend to feel special on the Leelanau Peninsula.

The Reds of October wine event invites visitors to slow down, sample regional reds and enjoy Northern Michigan as the leaves turn.

Running throughout October along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, the event lets guests choose when to visit rather than squeezing every stop into one busy afternoon.

That flexibility matters when a scenic drive, an unhurried tasting and a little time outdoors are all part of the appeal.

For people browsing Grand Traverse Bay wine events, this is a chance to put red wine at the center of a fall outing.

Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are among the styles highlighted, offering plenty of room to discover a new favorite.

Some featured pours lean toward familiar varietals, while others showcase blends or bottle-aged reds.

There is something especially inviting about a glass of red when the air turns brisk and the peninsula's hills begin to glow.

Tickets are listed at $35 per person and include a two-ounce pour of a winemaker-selected red.

They also include $10 in cork cash for use at participating wineries, although purchase exclusions may apply.

Unlike a single-weekend event, this one gives visitors the month to plan their trip.

That doesn't mean every tasting room will have space for an unexpected crowd.

Reservations are strongly recommended, and larger groups may need them because capacity at individual wineries is limited.

A good approach is to pick a few stops, leave breathing room between them and let the drive be part of the day.

The draw isn't only what's in the glass; it's the opportunity to experience Leelanau Peninsula at a gentler autumn pace.

Among Grand Traverse Bay wine events, the Reds of October wine event makes a persuasive case for lingering rather than rushing.