Article is sponsored by Fenn Valley Vineyards in Fennville
Ask any local wine aficionado, and every one will have their own favorite “fun fact” about Michigan wine: how the “lake effect” creates an ideal growing temperature, how we sit at the same latitude as some of Europe’s most renowned wine-growing regions, or that Michigan is one of the few locations able to make true ice wine.
The truth is, there’s a limitless amount of things to love about the wine found in West Michigan! Explore some of our insider info below, and use your favorites to plan your next wine tour through the area!
Click here to find upcoming summer wine events in West Michigan.
12 Corners Vineyards, Benton Harbor, Grand Haven, South Haven
Imagine starting a vineyard with your best friends: that’s just how 12 Corners came to be! During your visit to their Benton Harbor, Grand Haven, or South Haven locations, be sure to stop by to try their delicious varieties of wine, including Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Gewurztraminer!
Be sure to also check out their wine club if you live locally for perks including 20% off wine and special access to “Wine Club Appreciation Events.”
45 North Vineyard & Winery, Lake Leelanau
45 North’s name comes from their location: the 45th parallel runs directly through their vineyard on Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula.
Check out their Vineyard Trail by bike, skis, or on foot to explore a 3-mile loop (with shortcuts along the way if you’re looking for a lighter excursion) before or after your wine tasting.
1918 Cellars, Charlevoix
Drinking wine at a castle? We’re in! 1918 Cellars is located in the breathtaking grounds of Castle Farms, and you’re sure to find something you like with their 12 varieties of reds, whites, and hard ciders.
While you’re in the area, check out more great wineries in the Charlevoix area.
Baroda Founders Wine Cellar, Baroda
Nothing says “Summer in West Michigan” more than the taste of s’mores over a campfire, and Baroda Founders has captured that taste in one of their wines!
Their Smorleaux dessert wine features a subtle milk chocolate flavor touched with a hint of marshmallow, which leads into full-bodied, slightly sweet Merlot characteristics.
Black Star Farms, Traverse City
Black Star Farms Old Mission sits just off scenic M-37, only minutes from downtown Traverse City.
The tasting room boasts a round bar constructed from wine barrels and a cozy fireplace in a farmstead setting, where the friendly and knowledgeable staff will guide you through a tasting from a selection of over 45 award-winning wines, cider, and brandies.
Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay
Treat your taste buds during Michigan Wine month at Black Star Farms with their May Arcturos Wine Dinner.
The four-course menu is inspired by forest mushrooms, and each course is perfectly paired with a Black Star Farms fine wine.
Bonobo Winery, Traverse City
Ever heard of a “Bonobo” before?
Bonobo great apes are some of the world’s most social creatures, and Bonobo Winery strives to be a social gathering place where people can kick back and relax, enjoy some amazing wine, and see the spectacular scenery in the heart of Old Mission Peninsula.
Bonobo Winery supports the work and efforts of the Bonobo Conservancy.
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, Traverse City
If you want a spectacular view to go along with your wine, Brys Estate features a newly expanded “Upper Deck.”
The deck sits elevated above the vineyard itself and allows you to take in views of the vineyard and East Grand Traverse Bay while enjoying Tasting Towers, glasses of wine, and cheese & charcuterie boards.
Chateau Chantal, Traverse City
Chateau Chantal creates delicious wines and provides friendly hospitality from the stunning Old Mission Peninsula in Northern Michigan.
Their property also features a Bed and Breakfast, allowing you to enjoy all that the 65 acre estate has to offer, including cooking classes, winding roads, beautiful vineyards, and more.
Chateau Grand Traverse, Traverse City
If you’re not ready to head home after your wine tasting, the Inn at Chateau Grand Traverse is located next to the winery on beautiful Old Mission Peninsula, and caters exclusively to an adult-only clientele.
Nestled in a tranquil wooded setting, unwind at the end of the day with a complimentary bottle of Chateau Grand Traverse wine while enjoying some of the best panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay from your own private balcony.
Cogdal Vineyards, South Haven
Cogdal Vineyards boasts an artfully-crafted and inviting tasting room just a half-mile from the shores of Lake Michigan.
You’ll find fun and eclectic wines here, like “North Beach” (a sweet white), “South Beach” (a sweet red), and even Maple Wine!
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Kentwood
Cooper’s Hawk is built upon the passionate belief that food and wine hold the power to forge lasting connections. They travel the globe looking for the very best grapes and work with the wine growers to craft their wine, which has led to hundreds of national and international awards for their collection.
Every dish on their menu is listed with information to guide you to the perfect wine pairing.
Crane’s Pie Pantry, Fennville
Crane’s really does have it all!
If their wine tastings and pie flights leave you hungry for more, check out their Cinco de Mayo wine pairing dinner on May 5th for a food and wine fiesta.
Dablon Vineyards, Baroda
Dablon Vineyards’ name pays tribute to Claude Dablon, a French explorer and Jesuit priest who was one of the first Europeans to arrive in Michigan in the 1600s.
History describes Father Dablon making wine from grapes he found in the New World, and Dablon Vineyards works today to marry European varietals with the unique terroir in Southwest Michigan to make extraordinary wine.
Fenn Valley Vineyards, Fennville
Fenn Valley offers plenty of good reasons to visit their vineyards, with educational wine tasting tours, annual events and cook-outs, live music, and more.
If you’re picking up wine to take home, you can even check out a collection of recipes to make at home, with recommended Fenn Valley wine pairings.
The Fox Barn Market & Winery, Shelby
Located in a large antique barn, Fox Barn Winery is a great place to grab a seat on the patio and enjoy snacks and wine by the glass.
You can even shop their market for unique wine gifts or local food products!
Free Run Cellars, Berrien Springs
Free Run Cellars was designed as a haven for wine experts and novices alike. Lush vineyards beckon those drawn to nature’s allure, while an intimate setting invites guests into an atmosphere designed for indulgence.
They are proud to offer small-batch wines and seasonal fare you won’t find anywhere else.
Free Run Cellars is also excited to announce that their highly acclaimed Epicurean Experiences are back starting in May, pairing a few of their award-winning wines with delectable small plates from Kitchen & Kegs Catering.
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Acme
Grand Traverse Resort is going all-out for Traverse Wine Coast Weekend from May 21st through 23rd.
Enjoy a wine & cheese welcome reception and a Traverse City Wine Coast Dinner with your stay, get 20% off your Traverse Wine Coast glass or bottle purchases, and enjoy more wine-themed specials.
Greater Lansing Area Wineries
Do you like wine AND free stuff?
Pick up a Makers & Shakers Pamphlet in Greater Lansing, and collect at least 12 stamps by visiting different locations to get a free commemorative gift! The Makers & Shakers Trail is the ultimate guide to the area’s beer, wine, and spirits.
Hawthorne Vineyards, Traverse City
Even though the Hawthorne Vineyards tasting room location on a high bluff overlooking West Grand Traverse Bay is among the closest to Traverse City, it’s also arguably the most secluded Old Mission Peninsula tasting room site.
Become part of the family with their Wine Club, which will ship six bottles of wine right to your door twice each year.
Hello Vino, Bellaire
Hello Vino is a wine & cocktail lounge featuring wines from around the world, including their very own specialty wine cocktails. It’s a great place to grab a delicious drink, a charcuterie or appetizer board, and enjoy live music all summer long.
Hudsonville Winery, Hudsonville
Along with white, red, and dessert wines, you’ll also find frozen wine slushies at Hudsonville Winery!
Available in a variety of fruit flavors (watermelon, raspberry, bramble berry, peach), these wine slushies are the perfect way to keep cool on a summer afternoon.
Bonus: You’ll find Pike 51 Brewing Co. at the same location to keep your beer-drinking friends happy as well!
Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail
The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail is a collaboration of 15 quality focused wineries, dedicated to using locally grown grapes. Located at the 42nd parallel and the southern end of Lake Michigan, this region contains 90% of Michigan’s vineyards.
Click here to view their trail map and explore the region for yourself.
Leelanau Cellars, Omena
If you’re looking for a brand new kind of wine tasting, check out Leelanau Cellars’ “Bubbly on the Bay” experience.
This one-of-a-kind, kayaking, canned-wine tour is the ultimate Northern Michigan adventure.
They also have a great Instagram page, full of wine and witticisms.
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
If your ideal weekend consists of visiting winery after winery with great views and even better wines, the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is made for you!
They’ve got the info for you to self-tour through 20+ wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula, as well as fun events to check out throughout the season.
First up: Rosé All May
Left Foot Charley Wine & Cider, Traverse City
Located in the former Northern Michigan Asylum in Traverse City, Left Foot Charley’s non-traditional setting pairs perfectly with the atypical fruit sourcing and old-style winemaking that defines LFC.
Stop by to enjoy a tasting flight or wine and cider by the glass on the outdoor patio, or step inside to explore a unique piece of area history.
Maple Moon Sugarbush and Winery, Petoskey
America’s first maple winery, Maple Moon ferments the natural sugars found in maple syrup to make their wine (so there’s no grapes involved).
Visit Maple Moon for a free tour to learn how pure maple syrup is made, and check out all of their other maple-themed goodies.
McIntosh Cellars, South Haven
Want to enjoy beautiful scenery with a refreshing fruit wine or cider? McIntosh Cellars is a winery where you can make that a reality.
We especially recommend sampling their white cranberry or apple cinnamon wines!
Michigan Wine Company, Fennville
Located less than a mile from the shore of Lake Michigan in Fennville, the Michigan Wine Company is prepared to keep you stocked up on local wine with their new Michigan Wine Club!
Join the club for two shipments of wine annually, complimentary drinks and tastings, member discounts, and more.
Modales Wines, Fennville
Modales Wines is home to two wine labels: Modales and Ooba. Modales offers offers estate-grown bottles of elegant red and white wines, whereas Ooba is “Modales’ mischievous little sister.”
With Ooba, you’ll find fruity, lightly effervescent wines which comes in growlers or cans (perfect for taking on the go!).
Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail, Traverse City
You’ll find more than just wine on Old Mission Peninsula, but the wine is definitely one of our favorite parts of visiting! The Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail is the perfect way to explore the area, whether you choose to visit one, or all ten wineries.
Make your way to the northernmost point of the peninsula to visit Mission Point Lighthouse for a stunning view!
Peninsula Cellars, Traverse City
Located inside the old Maple Grove Schoolhouse, Peninsula Cellars stays true to its roots with wines including “Detention,” “Homework,” and “Pop Quiz.”
It’s definitely worth a trip back to the classroom to enjoy these schoolhouse experiences!
Petoskey Wine Region
Curious why the Petoskey Area wine offers tastes you won’t find anywhere else? It’s because the grapes here are a special cold-hardy variety!
Explore the Petoskey Wine Region to visit 14 unique wineries located along the Little Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan coastal region.
Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery, Grand Rapids
Robinette’s makes more than 20 varieties of wine and cider, with Passionate Peach Spumante and Chocolate Wine being their most popular!
Stop by any time during May (Michigan Wine Month) for half-off your wine tasting.
Round Barn Estate, Baroda
Drink a piece of history at the Round Barn Estate, the original location and home to a stunning turn-of-the-century Amish round barn. Their family-owned and operated winery, distillery and brewery offer guests a complete Southwest Michigan experience, from wine tasting options, signature cocktails, lodging, hiking, and more.
Round Barn is also part of the MHG Sip & Savor Wine Trail, where you can visit several Southwest Michigan wineries, collecting stamps as you go, to redeem a prize after your visits.
Round Barn Tasting Room, Union Pier
Right off of I-94 at Exit 6, Round Barn’s Union Pier Tasting Room is the perfect stop for a quick trip to enjoy some of your favorites wines, beers, and spirits from Round Barn and their sister wineries, Tabor Hill and Free Run Cellars.
Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub, Marshall
Head to Marshall to visit the historic Schuler’s Restaurant, that has recently released their very own collection of wines, with labels depicting several historic Marshall landmarks.
The wine is available in five varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and White Zinfandel, and can be enjoyed by the glass at their restaurant, or purchased by the bottle to bring home.
Shady Lane Cellars, Suttons Bay
“Taste Wine in A Charming Chicken Coop.” Still not sold? Shady Lane Cellars’ tasting room is located inside a 100-year-old fieldstone chicken coop, which has been renovated and transformed into an elegant tasting room.
If you prefer to enjoy your wine outdoors, they also have a 32-foot covered tasting pavilion.
St. Julian Winery, Paw Paw
When a winery has over 100 years of experience, you know that you’ll be enjoying a quality beverage! St. Julian is celebrating 100 years of winemaking this season, with some special wine releases and events planned for later in the season that you won’t want to miss.
You’ll also find St. Julian locations in Union Pier and Rockford.
Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant, Buchanan
Located in the heart of Southwest Michigan wine country, the family-owned and operated Winery & Restaurant is proud to offer an experience like no other – award-winning wines and upscale dining.
You can also take advantage of their Mt. Tabor Trails, which connect from Tabor Hill to Round Barn Estate. Taking your favorite beverage to-go is encouraged!
Tabor Hill Winery Tasting Room, Bridgman
Located just off of I-94, the Tabor Hill Tasting Room is perfect for a quick stop or an extended stay in the area.
You’ll find the same great tasting experience as the main winery, plus select wines from Round Barn Winery and Free Run Cellars.
Vineyard 2121, Benton Harbor
With an expanded outdoor seating area overlooking the vineyard and plenty of live music, Vineyard 2121 is a great place to get away and relax.
Try one of their tasting flights to sample four pours from their extensive list of wines, ciders, beer, and even alcoholic slushies! Your flight comes with a souvenir glass and $5 off a purchase of two or more bottles.
Walloon Lake Inn, Walloon Lake
If you want to be “in-the-know” in the village of Walloon Lake, learn about what makes the “17s” special: they were extraordinary boats first built in 1934 with 17-meter sails which launched a golden age of sailing for Walloon Lake.
The 17s are now synonymous with Walloon Lake, to the degree that Walloon Lake Inn even offers an exclusive “17” Pinot Noir which embodies the sailing experience on a 17: smooth, fair winds, and an award-winning ethos.
During your visit to the Inn, you can also reserve an all new five course tasting experience with sommelier selected wine pairings only available at The Varnish Room, their lakeside private dining room added in 2021.
Summer Wine Events
Traverse City Uncorked
Wine events, lodging packages, wine tasting specials and wine themed prizes are part of this year’s celebration of Michigan Wine Month through Traverse City Uncorked. Beginning May 1, participants can take a self-guided wine tour via a digital mobile phone passport, and can “check in” to Traverse Wine Coast members to take advantage of specials. Those who check into five wineries can redeem their passport at Traverse City Tourism for a Traverse City Uncorked t-shirt, corkscrew or wine glass. Visitors staying at participating hotels can also register to win a wine themed vacation in Traverse City.
Wine School at RedRock Grille and Reds at Thousand Oaks
Grab your friends and join RedRock Grille or Reds for Wine School! Once a month, they offer 4-5 wine pours paired with 3 small plate courses, and a fun class about the wine selection with a wine specialist. Reservations are required, so be sure to save your spot!
Festivities at Fenn Valley
Fenn Valley is hosting great events in Fennville this season for wine lovers! On May 7th, join their Winemaker’s Dinner, starting with a sparkling wine and cheese reception followed by dinner. Each dinner course contains a Fenn Valley wine specifically paired by the chef and winemaker. Or attend their grilling demonstration on May 28th, where you’ll learn about grilling techniques just in time for summer, followed by a family style lunch and beverages.
Wine on the Water
On May 14, 2022, the Star of Saugatuck paddlewheel boat will be hosting their Wine on the Water cruise. Sit back, sip, and savor the wine and views of the Kalamazoo River as a wine professional guides you through tastings of each featured wine.
