Travel
Discover Michigan's wine: cool climates, diverse wines, and passionate winemakers. From tranquil peninsulas to warm southern shores, an unforgettable journey.
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Planning a journey through Michigan's wine region reveals a landscape rich in variety and steeped in the tradition of winemaking. From the picturesque sand dunes of Lake Michigan to vine-covered peninsulas, this wine travel guide will lead you through Michigan's wine destinations.
By the way, Michigan, famous for its succulent cherries and other agricultural delights, delivers a genuine farm-to-table experience with a cherry on top.
- Where to Go
- Wine-Focused Highlights Not to Miss
- Other Sights You Can’t Miss
- Getting There (When and How to Do it Best)
- Additional Planning Resources
Where to Go
Great Vineyard Destinations in Michigan's Northern AVAs
Traverse City and Petoskey serve as ideal bases for your wine exploration in Northern Michigan. Both cities offer easy access to wine trails along with many lodging options, ranging from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts. Additionally, the culinary scene complements the wine experience, with numerous farm-to-table restaurants that highlight the region’s agricultural bounty.
Explore behind the scenes with Michigan Winemakers
A key destination for wine enthusiasts offering a diverse range of cool-climate wines like Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. With 25 wineries to visit, you can’t go wrong. Stretching 21 miles (34 km) north to south, this unique region is noted for wines with vibrant acidity and complexity.The picturesque landscapes also make it a must-visit.
Check out the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail to find out what’s on when you’re visiting.
Known for its stunning views and high quality, cool climate Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir. This 19 mile (31 km) stretch of rolling hills also has a Riesling for every palate. Extending into Grand Traverse Bay, Old Mission Peninsula is a very scenic wine touring experience. With 11 wineries to visit, make sure to give yourself enough time to see them all!
Check out the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail to see what’s on when you visit.
The newest and most northern AVA with a cooler climate that's experimenting with cold-hardy grape varieties. This area is perfect for adventurous wine travelers looking to explore emerging wine regions.
With over 20 wineries to visit, make sure you check out Petoskey Wine Trail to see them all.
Discover Michigan's Shore Wineries
For southern Michigan wine tours, check out Kalamazoo or St. Joseph. Both offer quick access to Lake Michigan Shore and Fennville AVAs, blending urban charm with scenic vineyard excursions. Enjoy vibrant dining, arts, and tranquil beach settings as you explore Michigan's renowned wine regions.
Enjoy a broad range of wines, including many red wines, thanks to the lake's moderating effects. With a winemaking history going back to 1867, you’ll find the oldest running winery in Michigan here. It’s also ideal for those visiting from Chicago as it’s the closest area to Illinois.
Make sure you check out all 15 wineries and check the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail for upcoming events.
The Fennville AVA, Michigan's first recognized wine region, is renowned for its boutique wineries that offer intimate tasting experiences amidst picturesque vineyards nestled along the shore of Lake Michigan.
Organize a Wine Tour
Experience organized tours from Traverse City or tours from Petoskey featuring guided tastings and behind-the-scenes insights. You can even rent a bicycle for the day and ride up and down Old Mission or Leelanau Peninsulas or through the vineyards of Tip of the Mitt with the wind at your back. You can also ride through various trails on the Lake Michigan Shore and then feel the sand between your toes.
Other Sights You Can't Miss
Ponder the Universe
Michigan's skies transform at night into a stunning star show. Surrounded by darkness thanks to the Great Lakes, it offers unrivaled stargazing at six state Dark Sky Preserves and three international parks. Headlands International Dark Sky Park is close to Tip of the Mitt AVA.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
This National Park is an essential visit for its stunning dunes, clear waters, and scenic beauty. Perfect for hikers, families, and nature enthusiasts, it offers breathtaking views, beautiful beaches, and a chance to explore Michigan's natural wonders in a captivating setting. As a bonus, it’s close to Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas.
Experience The Tunnel of Trees
The Tunnel of Trees is one of Michigan's most iconic scenic drives, especially beautiful in the fall. The narrow road meanders through dense forests that create a tunnel-like canopy over the roadway. There are several pull-off points where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding countryside. The drive is close to various vineyards in the Tip of the Mitt AVA, offering a peaceful and picturesque journey through Northern Michigan's natural beauty.
Visit a Lighthouse
Michigan’s coast is dotted with historic lighthouses. In fact, it has the most lighthouses of any state, even though it’s not on the ocean! A scenic drive along the coast can be a peaceful way to spend a day between winery visits.
Visit the Wild Upper Peninsula
For adventures in the Upper Peninsula, don't miss Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, showcasing stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Getting There (When and How to Do it Best)
Best time to Visit
Late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the best weather for wine touring. Harvest season in September and October is particularly special, but visiting in the winter also can offer some amazing experiences if you’re ok with the cold.
How to Get There
Flying into Traverse City or Grand Rapids offers the most direct access to Michigan’s wine regions. Renting a car is advisable for flexibility in exploring the wineries and the scenic areas at your own pace.
If you’re coming from Detroit or Chicago, you can be in the vineyards within 1-2 hours drive or the northern AVAs within 4-5 hours.
Explore all the regions of Michigan
Additional Planning Resources
We're geeks about Michigan wines, but not the local experts. So check out these additional resources to help plan your trip:
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