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Michigan Wine Travel Guide

BY CARPE TRAVEL

Michigan is highly regarded for its unadulterated wilderness: The longest freshwater shoreline in the country, vast lakes, gleaming shorelines, a plenitude of agricultural products and unlimited outdoors activities. Not to mention the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron and of course there’s Detroit, home to the world renowned Henry Ford Museum and Gilmore Car Museum, America’s “Most prominent History Attraction”.

Oh, and did we mention there are more than 150 wineries in Michigan!!! That’s where we come in. With all that Michigan has to offer, wine country is one them.

Let our Michigan Wine Country Guide help guide you on your next wine country getaway.

CLICK TO SEE TABLE OF CONTENTS
WINE REGIONS
WINE TRAILS
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
WHEN TO VISIT
WHERE TO STAY
WHERE TO SIP
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
MORE THINGS TO DO IN MICHIGAN
INTERVIEWS WITH WINEMAKERS
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MICHIGAN WINE REGIONS

Michigan is home to five American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), giving several options for wine country getaways.

Fennville

The Fennville AVA consists of 75,000 acres and is located within the Lake Michigan Shore AVA.It was established as an AVA on September 18, 1981, making it Michigan’s first AVA and the United States’ third. Fenn Valley Vineyards was and still is the only commercial winery located within the AVA.

Tip of the Mitt

In August 2016 the Tip of the Mitt AVA was officially recognized. The area is located in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan and specializes in cultivating of cold-weather wine varietals such as Marechal Foch and Leon Millot.

Leelanau Peninsula

The Leelanau Peninsula AVA located in Leelanau County, Michigan, it was the second AVA in the state, established March 30, 1982. This Michigan wine region includes all of Leelanau County, which forms a peninsula between Lake Michigan on the west and Grand Traverse Bay on the east. Being surrounded by water helps to moderate the climate of the region, which is generally cold for viticulture. Frost can occur on all but about 145 days of the calendar year.

Old Mission Peninsula

The Old Mission Peninsula extends northward from Traverse City into the Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan, ending at Old Mission Point. The peninsula is 19 miles (31 km) long by 3 miles (5 km) wide at its widest point. The climate on the peninsula is moderated by the surrounding waters, helping to prevent frost during the growing season. Grape varietals suitable to cool climates, such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot gris, Pinot noir, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot do best in the Old Mission Peninsula AVA. There are only about 10 wineries offering tasting rooms, but each is located within five miles of each other making it a perfect weekend wine country getaway.

Lake Michigan Shore

The third AVA to be established in Michigan is the Lake Michigan Shore AVA; October 13, 1983. This AVA is Michigan’s largest consisting of 1,280,000 acres and is home to a majority of Michigan vineyards and half of the state’s wine grape production. This region also produces most of the country’s grapes for juice and jelly production, so you will find a lot of vineyards filled with Concord and Niagara grapevines.

While it’s the third AVA to be created, it’s the oldest modern commercial grape region of the state with some vineyards dating back to 1867. The “lake effect” off of Lake Michigan tempers the northern climate helping to create a warmer growing season, as much as two weeks longer than the only other Michigan AVAs. As a result, the area can produce a variety of different wine grapes including, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chancellor, Chardonnay, Chelois, De Chaunac, Gewurztraminer, Lemberger, Malbec, Marsanne, Merlot, Muller Thurgau, Petit Verdot, Pinot gris, Pinot noir, Riesling, Roussanne, Seyval blanc, St. Vincent, Syrah, Traminette, Vidal blanc, Vignoles.

Lake Michigan Shore wine country is a short driving distance from both Chicago and Detroit, making it a perfect destination for a wine weekend.

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MICHIGAN WINE

creekside cellars evergreen colorado

Top Grape Varieties

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Pinot Gris
Merlot
Syrah
Chardonnay
Cabernet Franc
Pinot Noir
Riesling
Gewürztraminer

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GO TO INTERACTIVE MICHIGAN WINE MAP
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MICHIGAN WINE TRAILS

There are five official wine trails in Michigan, pick your perfect pairing.
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Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is the largest and oldest in Michigan and has garnered national attention as a world-class destination. The small peninsula is home to 25 wineries located within diverse microclimates uniquely suited for a variety of wine grapes. Among the internationally acclaimed varietals are Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. The trail is divided into three mini-trails for easy touring: the Sleeping Bear Loop, the Northern Loop and the Grand Traverse Bay Loop. Each tasting room along the trail offers its own unique experience, from pure elegance with unparalleled views to cozy nooks loaded with charm.

Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail

Southeast Michigan’s newest pioneers are the vintners of the early 21st century, growing and selling special wines for you to discover. Southeastern Michigan’s Pioneer wine making region is a great place to spend a few hours … or a few days! The beautiful rolling Irish Hills, many lakes and Hidden Lake Gardens are right along the trail.

Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula

Jutting north between the azure arms of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay lies Old Mission Peninsula. Situated at the globe’s 45th parallel – the ideal climate for growing varietal wine grapes – the seven distinct wineries that comprise this stunning area have been well recognized by international wine enthusiasts and award-winning wines: Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Gewrztraminer.

Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail

They call Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail the Napa Valley of the Midwest. Like the hills of California, this land is ideal for handcrafting fine wines. And its charming resort towns and incredible shoreline are like bottles of bubbly waiting to be uncorked. You’ll find more than 20 Southwest Michigan wineries and tasting rooms along this trail, each with its own style.

Bay View Wine Trail

Following the shores of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay and the inland lakes of the “Northwest Michigan Wine Region”, you’ll find new wineries with remarkable old world wines, as well as exceptional new grape, and fruit varieties to the wine world. Come enjoy a relaxing wine tour without the crowds, and discover why this beautiful area comprised of Charlevoix, Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Indian River has been attracting resorters for more than 100 years.

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PLANNING YOUR VISIT

Read on to find Carpe Travel’s first-hand travel tips and recommendations to help make your stay in Michigan Wine Country a memorable one.

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WHERE TO STAY

Lake Shore Michigan AVA / Fennville AVA

South Cliff Inn
The Duncan House
Fairfield Inn and Suites
Hilton Garden Inn Benton Harbor / St. Joseph
The Painted Turtle Inn
The Inn at Harbor Shores

Leelanau Peninsula AVA

Empire Lakeshore Inn
Duneswood Resort
Maple Lane Resort
The Inn at Black Star Farms
Mill Pond Inn
Korner Kottage Bed & Breakfast
Bayshore Resort

Old Mission Peninsula AVA

The Inn at Chateau Grand Traverse
Aberdeen Stone Cottage B+B

WHERE TO SIP

The Santa Barbara Wine Collective - Santa Barbara Funk Zone Wineries

Michigan Wineries to Know...

Amoritas Vineyards
Try the Mary’s Folly White Wine Field Blend 2017

Black Star Farms
Try the 2018 Arcturos Gewurztraminer

Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery

Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery

Chateau Fontaine Winery
Try the Big Paw Red

Dablon
Try the Cabernet Sauvignon

Chateau Grand Traverse

Karma Vista Vineyards
Try the Stone Temple Pinot 2015 from Coloma

Left Foot Charley

Lemon Creek Winery
Try the Kerner 2018 from Berrien Springs

Shady Lane Cellars

St. Julian
Try the Braganini Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 from Paw Paw and the Braganini Reserve Gruner Veltliner

White Pine Winery

Wyncroft Wine

Verterra Winery
Try the Rosé of Pinot Noir Dry 2018 and Pinot Blanc 2018

The 10 Best Wine Bars in Michigan!
Detroit’s Best Wine Bars – Thrillist
Wine Enthusiast Magazine Awards First 90Point Rating to a Michigan Cabernet Sauvignon
We’re busy bottling more of this information, stay tuned!
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FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Be sure to check out these Michigan Wine Festivals and Events that are not to be missed!
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Leland Wine & Food Festival

Enjoy tasting local award-winning wines from 12 Leelanau Peninsula wineries and one local brewery, delicious specialties from eight local food vendors while soaking up beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands from our Leland Harbor venue. Live music, artist booths and the beach will all be a part of the festivities.

FIND OUT MORE

Detroit Uncorked

One of Michigan’s largest wine tasting events, Detroit Uncorked features more than 250 wines, Michigan beers and premium spirits.

FIND OUT MORE

Wine & Harvest Festival

The festival offers something for everyone including tastings and tours for wine enthusiasts; a 5k, grape stomping competition, kayak race, and other contests for the active members of your family; four stages of entertainment for music-lovers; and carnival rides, fireworks, and the parade for all ages. This is one weekend you won’t want to miss.

FIND OUT MORE

Lake Michigan Shore Wine Fest

The festival features fantastic regional live music programming, a big top tent that houses locally-grown-and-produced wine varietals from The Lake Michigan Shore AVA including 12 Corners, Baroda Founders, Cody Kresta, Cogdal, Contessa, Dablon, Domaine Berrien, Fenn Valley, Gravity, Hickory Creek, Karma Vista, Lawton Ridge, Lazy Ballerina, Lemon Creek, Round Barn, St. Julian, Vineyard 2121, Warner and White Pine. Visitors have access to the beach and beautiful Lake Michigan, an enviable sunset all below the backdrop of the towering sands of Warren Dunes.

FIND OUT MORE
From A to Z: Top Wine Festivals in Every State Not to Miss

WHEN TO VISIT MICHIGAN WINE COUNTRY

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SPRING

Coming Soon!

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FALL

Coming Soon!

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SUMMER

Coming Soon!

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WINTER

Coming Soon!

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BEYOND THE VINES

More about Michigan Wine Country and things to do beyond the vines.
Winter Wineries
Winter Wineries to Sip In
Winter Wineries
Winter Wineries to Sip In
Will Travel For Wine Podcast Poster
Will Travel for Wine – Episode 3: Exploring Michigan Wine Country
Will Travel For Wine Podcast Poster
Will Travel for Wine – Episode 3: Exploring Michigan Wine Country
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INTERVIEW WITH A WINEMAKER

Interviews with Michigan Winemakers coming soon! Meanwhile, check out the entire series.
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ADDITIONAL MICHIGAN WINE RESOURCES

Check out these recommended books for exploring Michigan Wine Country.

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Additional online resources for exploring Michigan Wine Country.
Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council
Michigan Tourism
The 5 Best Beaches in Traverse City, Michigan for Escaping the Crowds, by Archives of Adventure

The utlimate guide to visiting Michigan wine country

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© 2011-2020 Elaine Schoch/Carpe Travel. All rights reserved. May not use text or photos without permission.

Nice To Meet You!

Elaine Schoch, Carpe Travel

Cheers! I’m Elaine Schoch, the editor and founder of Carpe Travel. I’m an award-winning travel writer, wine judge and certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET II), one of the world’s leading providers of wine education and certifications and an American Wine Expert. More…

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