Wineries

    There are more than 150 wineries making wine with grapes found throughout Michigan.


    Most wineries in Michigan are found close to the lakeshore to benefit from the Lake Effect. Photo by: Petoskey Farms

    The first record of wine being made in Michigan was by French explorers back in 1679 using wild grapes found on the banks of rivers. However, wine has been commercially made here since the mid-1800s. Get to know the people and community that braves some of the toughest winter climates to bring you an outstanding range of grapes and wine styles.

    Let's explore the list of Michigan wineries and their wines.

    Michigan Winery Facts

    • There are about 160 wineries making wine from grapes in Michigan.
    • The oldest winery in Michigan that is still running dates back to 1867.
    • More than 600,000 tourists visit Michigan’s wineries each year.
    • The Michigan Wine Industry creates over 45,000 jobs.

    SOURCES

    ♦ The National Association of American Wineries, Michigan Economic Impact Study 2022

    Selected Michigan Wineries

    Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery Image
    15 Wines

    Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery Verified Organization

    Step back in time and enjoy a Pure Michigan experience when you visit Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery. Spanning 155 acres, Brys Estate is the largest contiguous winery estate on the Old Mission Peninsula. Opened in 2005, they are a family-run business that crafts wines from 53,000 vines planted less than a mile from Lake Michigan. The Brys experience includes an old-world tasting room, outdoor deck with panoramic views of their expansive vineyard and East Grand Traverse Bay, a Private Guesthouse offering seasonal overnight accommodations, and a serene Secret Garden where 6,000 lavender plants bloom alongside grapes and apple trees. Walter and Eileen Brys, proprietors of Brys Estate, planted the first of 53,000 vines in 2001 and opened the doors of their tasting room in 2005. Their 44-acre vineyard is part of the 155 acres that makes up Brys Estate. Today there are eight different varietals planted; Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Gewürztraminer. Director of Winemaking & Estate Manager, Coenraad Stassen, has earned over 500 medals in national and international wine competitions for Brys Estate since joining Walt and Eileen in 2007. Coenraad has a strong focus on producing high-quality dry reds and has a crisp, clean approach in producing whites. His focus is to be able to make world recognized wines from 100% estate grown Old Mission Peninsula AVA vinifera grapes from the Brys Estate vineyards.

    Producing:
    Sauvignon Blanc
    Pinot Noir
    Cabernet Franc Blend
    Riesling Blend
    Chardonnay
    Gewürztraminer

    + 7 More