April is Wine Month in Michigan, and there’s plenty to celebrate as warmth and greenery return to the state’s 92 vineyards. The Great Lake State’s vintners produce award-winning wine as well as memorable experiences enjoying the fruit of the vine at scenic spots in both the Lower and Upper Peninsulas. And with an exceptional 2011 harvest, Michigan’s wineries are expected to be releasing some memorable vintages this year.
New Wineries in Michigan
2011 saw the opening of 11 new wineries across the state, bringing new opportunities and experiences while exploring Michigan’s wine scene.
Good Neighbor Organic Vineyard and Winery in Northport is the first totally certified organic vineyard in Michigan.
St. Ambrose Cellars in Beulah is bringing a new world contemporary sensibility to the old world spirit mead.
Verterra Winery in Leland offers hand crafted red, white and fruit wines embodying the essence of Leelanau Peninsula’s natural bounty.
Boathouse Vineyards in Lake Leelanau features a unique horseshoe tasting bar and award winning wines. Boaters can pull right up to the docks and stop in to try the tasting room.
Brengman Brothers Crain Hill Vineyards, bordering Traverse City, has been planted to take advantage of natural sun exposure and airflow to produce delectable Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Savignon Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay and Pino Noir.
Utilizing the fresh fruit of the season, The Cellars of Royal Farms in Ellsworth offer a beautiful farm setting to enjoy a tasty Michigan wine.
Harbor Springs Vineyards & Winery presents a tasting room filled with aromatic cedar harvested from Pond Hill Farm and the artwork of Trisha Witty on each bottle of wine.
Up in Marquette, S U & D Winery offers UP-made white, red and grape base fruit flavored wines.
Modern Craft Winery in AuGres features a tasting room, incredible scenery and one of the best boat launches in the area.
After a decade of growing and selling grapes in Baroda, Gravity opened its own winery sitting high on a hill overlooking the lake and vineyards.
The Flying Otter Vineyard and Winery in Adrian offers a friendly, unintimidating wine experience for all.
Sip & Stay
Get away to Michigan’s beautiful wine country regions at Bed & Breakfasts or other properties with special overnight packages that combine wine tasting and lodging, including:
Black Star Farms: The epitome of agricultural tourism destinations offers several packages at the charming Black Star Inn.
Chateau Chantal: The elegant “old world” inn on the Old Mission Peninsula offers memorable packages including a Women’s Wine Getaway and Cooking Classes.
Grey Hare Inn Vineyard Bed & Breakfast: Experience a working farm, vineyard and B & B reminiscent of Southern France on the Old Mission Peninsula north of Traverse City. The inn offers the Romantic Wine Country Getaway/Pamper Package.
Kingsley House Bed & Breakfast: Located just outside the resort town of Saugatuck, enjoy wine tasting at Fenn Valley as part of a gourmet dinner package at this romantic inn.
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