From Grape to Glass: Where to Taste Pure Michigan Wines
Any direction you choose to explore, you can easily follow the path of wine grapes from vineyards and tasting rooms to city wine bars that celebrate Michigan varietals.
Michigan’s Wine Regions
In the early hours on the Leelanau Peninsula, cool, crisp air rolls off the surface of Lake Michigan.
Sitting at the same latitude as Bordeaux, the northern Rhône and Oregon's Willamette Valley, the peninsula is where cool-climate wine grapes thrive. The moderating effects of the lake extend the growing season, protecting it from extreme temperatures, while the well-drained sandy loams and glacial soils nurture a range of varietals such as Riesling, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir.
Michigan is home to five American Viticulture Areas (AVAs). Together, the Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula comprise about 55% of Michigan wine; Fennville in southwestern Michigan is the oldest and smallest AVA, within the larger Lake Michigan Shore AVA. Tip of the Mitt is the newest and most northern of all, where cool-climate white and a handful of red grape varietals grow.
Impress your friends with five things to know about Michigan wine.
Get a full-bodied culinary experience at Chateau Grand Traverse, which put Old Mission Peninsula on the map as a wine destination. Expansive vineyards and views of the bay create an idyllic environment to sip estate-grown Rieslings and other famous Michigan wines.
Michigan wine picks: Semi-Dry Riesling, Gamay Noir and Spiced Cherry Wine
Named for the 45th parallel that runs through the Leelanau Peninsula, 45 North Vineyard & Winery has 10 varietals planted over 35 acres of vineyards. Walk or bike the 3-mile vineyard trail and try a wine tasting in the hand-hewn barn next to the vines.
Michigan wine picks: Pinot Blanc, Winemaker’s Reserve Veritas and Blaufränkisch
Further south on the shores of Lake Michigan, Fenn Valley Vineyards is one of the largest vineyards in the state, sprawled over 240 acres between South Haven, Saugatuck and Holland. Enjoy a tour and a tasting as part of your West Michigan itinerary.
Michigan wine picks: Bubbling Rosé, Lakeshore Ruby Red and 42 Ice Wine
Firmly in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA, St. Julian Winery & Distillery in Paw Paw is the oldest and most awarded winery in the state. Four generations over 100 years have been producing a collection of beverages, including distilled spirits, ciders and every type of wine, using fruit sourced from local farms.
Michigan wine picks: Braganini Reserve Orizzonte, Coastline Red Blend and Chambourcin Ice Wine
Just outside of downtown Petoskey, in the Tip of the Mitt AVA, is the aptly named Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery, a stunning 22-acre setting filled with vineyards and lavender fields. An on-site tasting room and a coffee house invite you to sit and sip all day.
Michigan wine picks: La Crescent, Marquette Red and Portoskey
Find more unique ways to experience Michigan wines.
A Taste of Wine-Country in the City
Prefer to savor urban vibes? City wine bars feature choices from around the globe, including a robust representation from Michigan wineries.
Taste your way through Michigan’s wine trails under one roof at Michigan by the Bottle. This Metro Detroit tasting room celebrates estate-grown and locally sourced wines from all over the state.
In addition to favorites from France, Italy and New Zealand, Old Mission Peninsula Riesling has a prominent place on the menu at Vertical Detroit — claiming its space alongside prized finds from the Georgian Republic, Lebanon and beyond.
Vinology in Ann Arbor features bottles from the Leelanau Peninsula alongside hand-selected picks from Italy and France.
Michigan Syrah on tap? Why not? JBiRD Wine Bar in Wyandotte has 44 self-serve wines on tap, along with cider and beer.
Ready to explore? Find our ultimate list of Upper Peninsula wineries, unwind at these southwestern Michigan wineries and find 12 stops on a southeast Michigan winery tour.