A Celebration of Michigan Wine Month with guided tastings and wine-first paired dinner, May 1–2, 2026
Inn at Bay Harbor, a lakeside resort on Little Traverse Bay in northern Michigan, today announced the return of its annual wine weekend, welcoming Verterra Winery as this year’s partner for the intimate two-day event. Taking place May 1–2, 2026, the Verterra Wine Weekend invites guests to explore one of Leelanau Peninsula's most celebrated wine portfolios through two guided tastings and a chef-crafted, wine-first paired dinner.
Now in its fourth year, this year's event showcases Verterra Winery, whose wines have earned some of Michigan's most prestigious honors, including the distinction of being the first Michigan winery to win Best in Show at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
"We're thrilled to welcome Verterra as our partner for this year's wine weekend," said Chris Hilty, director of food and beverage at the Inn at Bay Harbor. "Paul Hamelin and his team have built something truly exceptional in Leelanau Peninsula, and bringing their wines to the Inn during Michigan Wine Month lets us celebrate both the region and the craft."
Event Schedule
The weekend opens Friday, May 1, with a Bubbly Welcome Reception in The Sagamore Room from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring Verterra's acclaimed sparkling selection poured and presented by co-owner and vintner Paul Hamelin. Light bites will accompany the selection.
On Saturday, May 2, an Educational Wine Tasting takes place at 3 p.m., where Hamelin guides guests through Verterra's whites and rosés. These wines include the most award-decorated wines in the state, with five consecutive years of Michigan Wine Competition recognition for their French-style dry rosés.
The evening culminates in a wine-first five-course Paired Dinner at 6 p.m. Inn at Bay Harbor Executive Chef Tony McCaslin has composed each course to showcase Verterra's featured wines beginning with a Brie tartlet paired with Verterra's 2023 Double Gold Dry Riesling and an apple asparagus salad with their 2023 Double Gold Pinot Blanc. The progression continues through seared duck breast with 2022 Pinot Noir, dual presentations of New York strip—one 35-day dry-aged, one wet-aged—each paired with different vintages of Verterra's Reserve Red Cabernet Franc & Merlot blend and concludes with apple galette and Verterra's 2022 Lake Harvest Vignoles. Vegetarian options are available for applicable courses.
Tickets & Lodging
Tickets are $285 per person and include the Friday welcome reception, Saturday educational tasting, and Saturday evening paired dinner. This event is open to ages 21 and up and space is limited.
Guests booking accommodations at the Inn at Bay Harbor can receive 15% off their weekend stay. Lodging can be reserved by visiting innatbayharbor.com or calling 866.759.3427 and using promo code VERTERRA. Event tickets are available for purchase separately by visiting innatbayharbor.com/events/
