Best 8 Wineries in Leelanau Peninsula MI: A Guide to the Top Vineyards in the Region
Leelanau Peninsula, located in Michigan, is known for its scenic beauty and delicious wines. The region has a thriving wine industry, with numerous wineries offering a variety of wines. From crisp whites to full-bodied reds, Leelanau Peninsula wineries have something for everyone.
If you’re planning a trip to the Leelanau Peninsula and are looking to explore the wineries, you’re in luck. Several must-visit wineries in the region offer exceptional wine-tasting experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a novice, you’re sure to find a winery that suits your palate.
Leelanau Peninsula Overview
Geographical Setting
Leelanau Peninsula is a prominent wine region located in Northern Michigan. It is situated between Lake Michigan to the west and Grand Traverse Bay to the east, making it an ideal location for grape growing. The region is named after the Leelanau Peninsula, which is a long, narrow strip of land that extends about 30 miles into Lake Michigan. The peninsula is surrounded by water on three sides, which creates a unique microclimate that is conducive to grape growing.
Climate and Wine Grapes
The climate in the Leelanau Peninsula is influenced by the surrounding water bodies, which help to moderate the temperature and create a longer growing season. The region experiences cool to moderate temperatures throughout the year, with an average temperature of around 44°F in winter and 72°F in summer. This climate is suitable for growing a variety of wine grapes, including Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
The Leelanau Peninsula is home to over 25 wineries, each with its unique style and approach to winemaking. Many of these wineries specialize in producing cool-climate wines, which are known for their crisp acidity, bright fruit flavors, and mineral notes. Some of the most popular wineries in the region include Chateau Fontaine, Laurentide Winery, Amoritas Vineyards, Boathouse Vineyards, and Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery.
Overall, the Leelanau Peninsula is an excellent destination for wine enthusiasts who are looking to explore the unique terroir of Northern Michigan. With its beautiful scenery, cool climate, and diverse range of wineries, it is no wonder that the region has become one of the top wine destinations in the United States.
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is a popular destination for wine lovers in Michigan. With over 20 award-winning wineries, visitors can experience the beauty of the Leelanau Peninsula while enjoying delicious wines. The trail is divided into three main loops: the Northern Loop, Sleeping Bear Loop, and Grand Traverse Bay Loop.
Northern Loop
The Northern Loop is the longest of the three loops, covering over 50 miles. It includes 11 wineries, each with its unique charm. Some of the wineries on the Northern Loop include Black Star Farms, Chateau Fontaine, and Good Harbor Vineyards. Visitors can enjoy a variety of wines, from crisp whites to bold reds and take in the stunning views of the peninsula.
Sleeping Bear Loop
The Sleeping Bear Loop is the shortest of the three loops, covering just over 20 miles. It includes five wineries, each with its unique character. Some of the wineries on the Sleeping Bear Loop include Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery, Laurentide Winery, and M22 Winery. Visitors can enjoy a variety of wines, including Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay, and take in the beauty of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Grand Traverse Bay Loop
The Grand Traverse Bay Loop covers over 40 miles and includes six wineries. Some of the wineries on the Grand Traverse Bay Loop include 2 Lads Winery, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, and Chateau Chantal. Visitors can enjoy a variety of wines, including sparkling wines, and take in the stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay.
Top Wineries in Leelanau Peninsula
Leelanau Peninsula is home to some of the best wineries in Michigan. Here are some of the top wineries that offer excellent wine-tasting experiences.
Black Star Farms
Black Star Farms is a must-visit winery on the Leelanau Peninsula. The winery is situated on a 160-acre estate and features a bed-and-breakfast-style destination inn. Black Star Farms is known for its award-winning wines, including Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards and winery, participate in wine tastings, and enjoy the beautiful countryside views.
Website: https://www.blackstarfarms.com/
Address: 10844 E Revold Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682, United States
L. Mawby Vineyards
L. Mawby Vineyards is a family-owned winery that specializes in sparkling wines. The winery offers a variety of sparkling wines, including Blanc de Blancs, Brut Rosé, and Cuvée Detroit. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and winery, participate in wine tastings, and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Website: https://mawby.wine/
Address: 4519 Elm Valley Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682, United States
Chateau Fontaine
Chateau Fontaine is a small, family-owned winery that offers a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. The winery is known for its friendly staff and beautiful views of the vineyards and countryside. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and winery, participate in wine tastings, and enjoy the outdoor seating area.
Website: http://www.chateaufontaine.com/
Address: 2290 S French Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653, United States
Good Harbor Vineyards
Good Harbor Vineyards is a family-owned winery that offers a variety of wines, including Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir. The winery is known for its beautiful views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and winery, participate in wine tastings, and enjoy the outdoor seating area.
Website: https://www.goodharbor.com/
Address: 34 S Manitou Trail, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653, United States
Shady Lane Cellars
Shady Lane Cellars is a family-owned winery that offers a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir. The winery is known for its beautiful views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and winery, participate in wine tastings, and enjoy the outdoor seating area.
Website: http://shadylanecellars.com/
Address: 9580 E Shady Ln, Suttons Bay, MI 49682, United States
Two K Farms
Two K Farms is a family-owned winery that offers a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. The winery is known for its beautiful views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and winery, participate in wine tastings, and enjoy the outdoor seating area.
Website: http://twokfarms.com/
Address: 3872 S W Bay Shore Dr, Suttons Bay, MI 49682, United States
Verterra Winery
Verterra Winery is a family-owned winery that offers a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir. The winery is known for its beautiful views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and winery, participate in wine tastings, and enjoy the outdoor seating area.
Website: http://www.verterrawinery.com/
Address: 103 E River St, Leland, MI 49654, United States
Leelanau Wine Cellars
Leelanau Wine Cellars is one of the oldest wineries in Michigan and offers a variety of wines, including Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir. The winery is known for its beautiful views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and winery, participate in wine tastings, and enjoy the outdoor seating area.
Website: http://www.lwc.wine/
Address: 7161 N West Bay Shore Dr, Northport, MI 49670, United States
Leelanau Peninsula has a lot to offer for wine enthusiasts, and these wineries are just a few of the best. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful countryside views, participate in wine tastings, and learn about the winemaking process.
Wine Varieties and Tasting
Leelanau Peninsula is home to a variety of wineries that offer a diverse range of wine varieties for tasting. Wine tasting is a great way to experience the unique flavors of the region and discover new favorites. Visitors can sample reds, whites, fruit wines, and specialty wines, among others.
Riesling and Chardonnay
Riesling and Chardonnay are two of the most popular wine varieties in the Leelanau Peninsula. Riesling is known for its crisp acidity and floral aromas, while Chardonnay is a full-bodied wine with flavors of butter and oak. Some of the best wineries in the region for Riesling and Chardonnay include Chateau Fontaine and Willow Vineyards.
Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir
Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir are two popular red wine varieties in Leelanau Peninsula. Cabernet Franc is known for its spicy, peppery flavor, while Pinot Noir is a lighter-bodied wine with fruity notes. Some of the best wineries in the region for Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir include Ciccone Vineyard & Winery and Shady Lane Cellars.
Gewurztraminer and Merlot
Gewurztraminer and Merlot are two additional popular wine varieties in the Leelanau Peninsula. Gewurztraminer is a white wine with a floral aroma and spicy flavor, while Merlot is a red wine with a smooth, velvety texture and flavors of dark fruit. Some of the best wineries in the region for Gewurztraminer and Merlot include Black Star Farms and Laurentide Winery.
Fruit Wines and Specialty Wines
In addition to traditional wine varieties, Leelanau Peninsula is also known for its fruit wines and specialty wines. Fruit wines are made from a variety of fruits, such as cherries, raspberries, and blueberries. Specialty wines include ice wine, dessert wine, and sparkling wine. Some of the best wineries in the region for fruit wines and specialty wines include Dune Bird Winery and Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery.
Winery Experiences
Leelanau Peninsula is home to some of the best wineries in Michigan, offering visitors a unique experience that combines wine tasting, vineyard tours, and live music events. Here are some of the best winery experiences to explore on the peninsula.
Tasting Rooms
The tasting rooms in Leelanau Peninsula wineries offer visitors the opportunity to sample some of the best wines in the region. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, making it a great place for wine enthusiasts to learn more about wine production and tasting. Some of the top tasting rooms include:
- Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery
- Chateau Fontaine
- Good Harbor Vineyards
- Laurentide Winery
- Shady Lane Cellars
Vineyard Tours
Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards to learn more about the winemaking process, from grape to bottle. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide insight into the history of the winery and the winemaking process. Some of the best vineyard tours include:
- Black Star Farms
- Cherry Republic Winery
- Forty-Five North Vineyard and Winery
- Verterra Winery
- Willow Vineyard
Events and Music
Leelanau Peninsula wineries host a variety of events and live music performances throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy live music, food and wine pairings, and other special events. Some of the best wineries for events and music include:
- Black Star Farms
- Chateau Chantal
- Left Foot Charley
- Rove Estate Vineyard and Winery
- Shady Lane Cellars
Atmosphere and Staff
The atmosphere and staff at Leelanau Peninsula Wineries are warm and welcoming, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about wine, making it a great place to learn more about wine production and tasting. Some of the best wineries for atmosphere and staff include:
- Bel Lago Vineyards and Winery
- Black Star Farms
- Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery
- Chateau Grand Traverse
- L. Mawby Vineyards
Leelanau Peninsula wineries offer visitors a unique experience that combines wine tasting, vineyard tours, and live music events. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing day out, the wineries on the peninsula have something for everyone.
Food and Other Offerings
Cider and Hard Cider
While Leelanau Peninsula is known for its wineries, there are also several cideries and hard cider options for those who prefer something different. Tandem Ciders, located in Suttons Bay, offers a variety of hard ciders made from locally grown apples. Their tasting room is open year-round and offers a cozy atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. Another popular option is Suttons Bay Ciders, which offers both traditional and modern hard ciders made with Michigan apples.
Winery Restaurants and Food Pairings
Many of the wineries in Leelanau Peninsula offer on-site restaurants or food pairings to complement their wine tastings. Black Star Farms, for example, has a farm-to-table restaurant that serves up dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Their wine and cheese pairings are also a popular option. Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery offers wood-fired pizza on its outdoor patio, which pairs perfectly with its award-winning wines.
For those who love cherries, Chateau de Leelanau offers cherry-infused wines and cherry-themed food options. Their cherry sangria is a must-try for visitors. Shady Lane Cellars also offers a unique food pairing experience with their “Wine & Ramen” nights, where they pair their wines with delicious ramen dishes.
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Leelanau Peninsula wineries is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. The peak season runs from June through August, but September and October also offer pleasant weather and beautiful fall foliage. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the weekdays or during the shoulder season.
Accommodation Options
There are plenty of accommodation options available in Leelanau Peninsula, ranging from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts. Some popular options include:
- The Homestead: A four-season resort located on the shores of Lake Michigan.
- The Inn at Black Star Farms: A charming bed and breakfast located on a vineyard.
- The Lodge at Leelanau Sands Casino: A modern hotel with a casino and entertainment options.
Transportation and Directions
Leelanau Peninsula is located in northwest Michigan, approximately 30 minutes from Traverse City. The nearest major airports are in Detroit and Chicago, both of which offer connecting flights to Traverse City.
Once you arrive in Traverse City, the best way to explore the wineries is by car. There are several car rental companies available at the airport, or you can arrange for a private car or taxi service.
Leelanau Peninsula is also accessible by bus. The Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) offers daily bus service from Traverse City to Northport, with stops at several wineries along the way.
To get to the Leelanau Peninsula from the south, take US-131 to M-115, then head north on M-37. From the north, take M-22 south.
Overall, the Leelanau Peninsula is a beautiful destination for wine lovers, offering stunning scenery, delicious wines, and charming accommodations. Whether you’re visiting in the summer or fall, there’s always something to see and do in this picturesque corner of Michigan.