A Taste of Michigan: Your Comprehensive Guide to Wineries in the Mitten

Julia DuBois

| 14 min read

Grapes
Michigan is known for its Great Lakes, but something not many people know is that those Great Lakes produce the perfect environment for grape-growing. With this fact in mind, it should come as no surprise that Michigan is full of vineyards, each producing its own take on the perfect glass of wine.
So, we’ve put together this list to help you get started exploring some of the great wines Michigan has to offer:
2 Lads Winery – Old Mission
“We specialize in cool climate red and sparkling wines and have of small runs of white wines to round out the lot. Sustainably farming our land is paramount to the health of our soil, vines and grapes at 2Lads Winery. You get what you give!”
Bel Lago Winery – Cedar
“Our wines are made from grapes grown in family owned vineyards overlooking Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan where the climate and soils favor cool climate classics like Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Auxerrois and others.”
Black Star Farms – Old Mission, Traverse City, Suttons Bay
“A unique agricultural destination that features two winery production facilities with adjacent tasting rooms, a distillery, Inn, and equestrian facility. Our winery and distillery produce some of the most sought after and awarded Michigan wines and spirits.”
Blue Water Winery, LLC – Carsonville
“Blue Water Winery is a vineyard and winery situated a stone’s throw from beautiful Lake Huron just north of Lexington, MI.”
Boskydel Vineyards – Lake Leelanau
“All of Boskydel wines are 100-percent estate-bottled.That means the grapes used to make the wine came from our “estate” or property”
Bowers Harbor Vineyards – Traverse City
“Our family at Bowers Harbor Vineyards invites you to explore the epic views of Lake Michigan and sample our award-winning varietal wines.”
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery – Traverse City
“Come and taste the fruits of our labor, experience our exceptional 2010 vintage”
Burgdorf’s Winery – Haslett
“There were just so many raspberry pies and cobblers one could eat, and thus evolved, the “First Batch of Raspberry Wine”
Carrousel Winery – Houghton
“The Carrousel Winery offers over 30 varieties of wine, appealing to novice and expert connoisseurs. Our wines feature a vast selection of grape and fruit varieties from overseas and from select domestic districts like Stag’s Leap and Woodridge Ranch.”
Carriage House Cellars – Fenton
“Enjoy wine by the glass on our outdoor tasting patio. We offer a variety of fruit wines and hard ciders in a unique farm vineyard atmosphere.”
Cascade Winery – Grand Rapids
“Sample our award-winning variety at the tasting bar; explore the wine – making process; learn about Michigan fruit wines; pick up a few recipes, browse our collection of wine – related gift items, and even create your own customized bottles for tasteful souvenirs or gifts.”
Chateau Aeronautique Winery – Jackson
“Chateau Aeronautique Winery was founded on the ideals of creating fine wines from Michigan grapes and offering those wines for tasting in a beautiful, relaxing setting.”
Chateau Chantal – Traverse City
“Think of it as your very own, perfectly charming winery and Old World Inn. stocked with fine wine and staffed with attentive proprietors whose sole purpose is to provide a space or experience to meet your every need.”
Chateau de Leelanau Vineyard and Winery – Suttons Bay
“Positioned at the entrance to Leelanau County’s wine country, we invite you to begin your tour at the newly re-designed tasting room.”
Chateau Fontaine – Lake Leelanau
“Getting its French title from proprietor Lucie Matthies’ middle name and paying homage to the French immigrants who settled in the area, Chateau Fontaine was a deserted potato farm and cow pasture when Dan Matthies discovered the property in the 1970’s with its favorable south-facing slopes for growing grapes.”
Chateau Grand Traverse – Traverse City, Williamsburg
“It started with one vineyard more than three decades ago. Now Chateau Grand Traverse has moved into its second generation of family winemaking – producing eighteen wine varieties from four vineyards sprawling across more than 120 acres, all earning countless medals to attest to the care and quality we put into every bottle”
Cherry Creek Cellars – Albion, Brooklyn
“For over 100 years, four generations of Burtka’s have been making wines in this country for the enjoyment of their family and friends.”
Cherry Republic Winery – Glen Arbor, Traverse City
“Taste our passion for cherries at Leelanau County’s only tasting room for all ages”
Ciccone Vineyard – Suttons Bay
“We carry a variety of food products to assist you in making the perfect Italian meal!”
Circa Estate Winery – Lake Leelanau
“Unique among Michigan wineries, Circa stands as a timeless testament to creative inspiration. Each wine, a blank canvas. Each experience, subjective.”
Clay Avenue Cellars – Muskegon
“We encourage you to take a taste drive to visit us and sample our fine variety of Michigan fruit wines.”
Cody Kresta Vineyad & Winery – Mattawan
“Our vineyards are located in the Lake Michigan Shore Viticultural area of southwest Michigan. Like all great wine-growing regions near bodies of water, our vineyards benefit from the westerly breezes that cross the Lake.”
Contessa Wine Cellars – Coloma
“Third generation wine maker, Tony Peterson, perfected his craft while working many years as an apprentice in his father’s winery. All the while, he dreamed of creating an experience that would incorporate the traditional art of wine making, old world charm and the very best of modern amenities.”
Country Mill Winery – Charlotte
“We make and bottle all of our own apple and fruit wines right here at our cider mill. Each of our award-winning wines are designed to satisfy different wine preferences, yet all are the perfect way to get and give a taste of Pure Michigan.”
Dewey Cannon Winery & Brewery Co. – Three Oaks
“Dewey Cannon is a boutique Winery & Brewery featuring a superb selection of Artisanal Wines & Hand Crafted Beers produced by Dewey Cannon, paired with an assortment of fine Harbor Country cuisine.”
Dizzy Daisy Winery and Vineyard – Bad Axe
“Dizzy Daisy Winery and Vineyards handcrafts our own wines in the Thumb Area of Michigan. We grow our own grapes, and other various fruits on site.”
Domaine Berrien Cellars – Berrien Springs
“We are proud of our wines and want to share our excitement with you!”
Douglas Valley Organic Vineyards – Manistee
“Douglas Valley transforms a 640-acre historic fruit-farm into a vast, sustainable organic vineyard community rooted in new ruralism”
Fenn Valley Vineyards – Fennville, Saugatuck
“We’re very busy making sure the vines are prepped, and the fun is flowing”
Fenton Winery & Brewery – Fenton
“The Fenton Winery & Brewery is a relaxing and quaint getaway for a couple hours. A local nightspot offering wines, and 7 beers all
handcrafted on site. You will not be disappointed with this unique, local night spot.”

“Forty-Five North Vineyard & Winery, located in the heart of beautiful Leelanau County, Michigan, is a family-owned producer of many award-winning wines”

Founder’s Wine Cellar – Baroda
“Passion is such an understated word when it comes to the wine business. Without it, you have nothing, and with it, an industry is becoming a reality.”
Free Run Cellars – Union Pier, Saugatuck, Berrien Springs
“Our passion is evolving our family’s legacy with a reverence to tradition, the desire to explore new ideas, and the “Free Run” to find our own style of winemaking.”
French Valley Vineyard – Lake Leelanau
“Where wine flows like water”
Garden Bay Winery – Garden, Munising
“Home of Garden Bay grape variety wines and international award-winning fruit wines.”
Gill’s Pier Vineyard & Winery, Inc. – Northport
“From Cabernet Franc to Semi-Dri Riesling, our wines will delight your palate and fill your senses.”
Good Harbor Vineyard – Lake Leelanau, Northport
“Through hard work and dedication, they created a respected winery that produces a high quality product at an affordable price.”
Harbor Springs Vineyards & Winery – Harbor Springs
“Our wine labels feature local artwork depicting the Harbor Springs Area. They make wonderful souvenirs from your trip to northern Michigan.”
Hickory Creek Winery LLC – Buchanan
“Creating world class wines from grapes grown exclusively on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore.”
Hometown Cellars Winery – Ithaca
“After making a selection, your wine experience need not end. We invite you to experience making your own wine.”
Howell’s MainStreet Winery – Howell
“Howell’s MainStreet Winery invites you to visit, taste our incredible wines and enjoy our wineries unique and charming atmosphere!”
J. Trees Cellars – Blissfield
“J. Trees Cellars is a small Michigan boutique winery, crafting fine wines & ciders from estate grown fruit, as well as other high quality Michigan fruit.”
Jomagrha Vineyards & Winery – Pentwater
“We are four miles north of Pentwater, 11 miles south of Ludington, just at the Oceana, Mason county line”
K. Edward Winery – Macomb
Featuring Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Zinfandel
Karma Vista Vineyards & Winery – Coloma
“Join us at our tasting room as we watch traffic on the highway far below us and try to decide why everyone else is in such a big hurry. Wine with a point of view.”
Krolczyk Cellars – Free Soil
“The spirit of fun, of passion, and of love for craftsmanship is something Dan brings to all his work — work he hopes you’ll enjoy drinking as much as he enjoys producing.”
L. Mawby Vineyards – Suttons Bay
“Our wines are living things, raised with care, giving voice to our joie de vivre.”
Lake Effect Winery – Muskegon, Grand Haven
“Lake Effect Winery doesn’t produce your ordinary fruit wines – we produce extraordinary fruit wines.”
Lawton Ridge Winery – Kalamazoo
“Warm days and cool nights allow the grapes to mature with the proper balance of sugar and acidity, giving crispness to our white wines and depth and complexity to our reds.”
Leelanau Wine Cellars – Omena, Beulah
Today the winery celebrates 35 years of producing award-winning wines in Michigan’s Wine Coast now approaching 30 wineries; establishing it as a premier wine-producing area in the country.
Left Foot Charley Winery – Traverse City
“Traverse City may be out of reach for many of you but for those with the gumption to find it, seek out this winery. They have plenty of flavors to share.”
Lehman’s Orchard – Niles
“All of our wines and concentrates are created with the taste of homegrown tree-ripened handpicked fruits and berries from our Orchard and are full of all of the flavor you have grown to love in our fresh fruit.”
Lemon Creek Winery – Berrien Springs
“Lemon Creek is a name with over 150 years of grape and fruit-growing experience.”
Lone Oak Vineyard Estate – Grass Lake
“Great grapes make great wine.”
Longview Winery – Cedar
“Longview Winery is about the possibilities in life. The life of our grapes, our wines and ourselves.”
Mackinaw Trail Winery – Manistique
“Mackinaw Trail Winery is a family owned winery located in Michigan’s upper peninsula– Manistique.”
McIntosh Apple Orchard, Cider Mill and Winery – South Haven
“We invite you to come to the winery and taste these premium wines and enjoy them in the beautiful surroundings of the orchards”
Nicholas Black River Winery – Cheboygan
“We have a large variety of wines to satisfy all customer’s taste and we offer free samples of our wines.”
Northern Natural Winery – Benzonia
“Northern Natural Organics is comprised of a small group of northern Michigan family farmers committed to growing and marketing premium organic andnatural produce, juices, wines and hard ciders.”
Old Shore Vineyards – Buchanan
“In life and in business, we all have values, goals and things we’re passionate about. At Old Shore Vineyards, we’re proud to lend our support to people and groups that share common philosophies and are driven by the same passion.”
Old Town Hall Winery – Lexington
“Where the past meets the present and good friends come to meet.”
Peninsula Cellars – Traverse City
“The sun, the rain, the wind, and the soil, all under the watchful eye of the grower, are what make our wines so good.”
Pentamere Winery – Tecumseh
“It’s all in the precision parts—great fruit with distinct regional character—and in the custom detailing.”
Peterson & Sons Winery – Kalamazoo
“If you haven’t tried wine made without the use of chemicals you haven’t tried wine with true fruit taste and aroma. “
Pleasantview Vineyards – Harbor Springs
“Pleansantview Winery is a Northern Michigan vineyard that specializes in unusual, eclectic blends from American varietal grapes.”
Raftshol Vineyards – Suttons Bay
“First a dairy enterprise, and then a cherry orchard, this farm now annually produces over 1000 cases of Bordeaux varietal red wines, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, and also produces fine Chardonnay, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer white wines.”
Red Hat Micro-Winery – St. Clair Shores
Offers a wide variety of both red and white wines
Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery – Grand Rapids
“We are always working on additional wines. We have 18 wines that are all Michigan-made for you to try in the winery.”
Rose Valley Winery – Rose City
“To that end, many say I have been extremely successful … but don’t just take their word for it … come and taste for yourself!”
Round Barn Winery & Distillery – Baroda, Saugatuck, Union Pier
“Here, Rick’s passion for farming and creating wine blossomed and the seeds for a larger dream of his own winery were planted.”
Sandhill Crane Vineyards – Jackson
“Sandhill Crane Vineyards is an award-winning, family-owned vineyard and winery in rural Jackson County, Michigan featuring estate-bottled wines”
Sandy Shores Winery – Jeddo
“Getting ready for the grape harvest to create some fabulous wine.”
Shady Lane Cellars – Suttons Bay
“Our tasting room is a century old fieldstone chicken coop that we lovingly renovated and converted to our tasting room. It’s a memorable environment to enjoy our exceptional wines.”
Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery – Suttons Bay
“We are dedicated to making wines that reflect the unique character and quality of our vineyard and the vineyards of Michigan.”
Sleeping Bear Winery – Albion
“What happens when you take a fun approach and a passion for local Michigan fruit and products? You get Sleeping Bear Winery and taste of Michigan store!”
Spotted Dog Winery – Saline
“Spotted Dog Winery invites you to visit us at our tasting room in lovely Downtown Saline.”
St. Julian Wine Company – Dundee, Frankenmuth, Union Pier, Paw Paw
With a rich history, St. Julian still produces some on the long-time favorites, including Sholom Kosher Wine and our award-winning Solera Cream Sherry.
Stoney Acres Winery – Alpena
“Stoney Acres Winery is proud to offer a unique wine tasting experience during all hours of operation. Come and immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings the Sunrise Side has to offer.”
Superior Coast Winery – Sault Sainte Marie
“All our wines are made on the premises in a space that was once part of the original Woolworth’s store.”
Tabor Hill Winery – Bridgman, Benton Harbor, Saugatuck, Buchanan
“At Tabor Hill we’re proud of our carefully planned growth and of our gold-medal achievements.”
Tartan Hill Winery – New Era
“Following the tradition of some of the classic wine regions, most of our wines are made from blends of different grape varieties.”
Tempo Vino Winery – Kalamazoo
“Our wines are hand crafted in small batches from grapes grown around the world”
The Fox Barn Market & Winery – Shelby
“Come experience the best of what our region of West Michigan produces.”
Threefold Vine Winery – Garden
“Over 30 different varieties of wine grapes have been planted on the site with some showing great promise.”
Uncle John’s Fruit House Winery – Saint Johns
“Uncle John’s Fruit House Winery features a combination of fruit and traditional grape wines, along with carbonated dessert and other specialty wines”
Valley Mist Vineyards – Rose City
“Come join us for some great wine.”
Village Winery – Romeo
“Our wines are custom crafted in small lots from the finest juices imported from around the world.”
Vine2Wine Custom Winery – Northville
“Since our wines start with very high quality raw juice, they ferment into excellent, smooth, low sulfite premium wines that are comparable to commercial wines of more than double the price.”
Vinomondo Winery – Fort Gratiot
“We look forward to serving you, and getting to know your smiles!”
Warner Vineyards – Paw Paw, South Haven
“Good wine needs neither bush nor preface to make it welcome.”
White Pine Winery – Saint Joseph
“White Pine Winery showcases Southwest Michigan’s finest wines and warm hospitality in our lakeshore destination in the charming town of St. Joseph.”
Willow Harbor Vineyards – Three Oaks
“Willow Harbor Vineyards sits on a beautiful 40 acre parcel in SW Michigan’s Harbor Country just 15 minutes from Lake Michigan.”
Willow Vineyards – Suttons Bay
“Willow Winery was established in 1992. It was and continues to be,
a work of passion and love created and designed by John and Jo Crampton.”
Wolcott Orchards, Cider Mill & Winery – Mount Morris
“Here you will find our selection of fine wines, wine accessories and much, much more! “
Wyncroft – Buchanan
“Wyncroft operates in the style of a tiny French “garagiste” winery. With no tasting room, its limited-release wines are more frequently talked about than tasted, available only by mailing list and at a select group of restaurants.”
Did we miss any? What are some of your favorite Michigan wines?
Photo credit: wharman

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