Lake Michigan has given us the gift of wine—and a lot of it.
There are more than 200 wineries in the Mitten State, and just about all of them fall in the Western half. The lake effect weather and rolling hills of Southwestern Michigan and Leelanau Peninsula especially make for great vino conditions, with a history going back to the 18th Century.
If you’ve ever been on a wine trail, you know one of the best parts of vineyards is not just the wine but the beautiful scenery, large patios, historic tasting rooms and more. The fun of wineries goes beyond the glass—though good liquid certainly helps.
Here are just a few of the many Michigan wineries with plenty to do and see.
Cody Kresta Vineyard & Winery
45727 27th St., Mattawan / codykrestawinery.com
Tucked into a vintage homestead, Cody Kresta is the epitome of small-winery charm. This family-run operation, managed by a third generation of grape growers, feels like a Tuscan getaway—complete with a warm, rustic tasting room and a serene waterfall gurgling just outside. The wine list is both robust and refined, with vintages dating back to 2017. Want the insider experience? Ask about the underground barrel room tour and keep an eye on their calendar for fun, intimate events year-round.
Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
3142 4 Mile Rd. NE, Grand Rapids / robinettes.com
Robinette’s is not your typical winery either, as it’s also an 125-acre orchard with a variety of fruit, a cidery, a historic Apple Haus serving up fresh-baked goods, a shop offering all kinds of Michigan-made products, a 5-mile nature trail, a jumping pillow, AND in autumn, a corn maze, wagon rides and petting zoo. And they’ve been serving wine since 2006. The tasting room in a cozy old barn is full of interesting flavors, including quite a few fruit wines, mulled wine and even a chocolate wine. Plus, you get to keep the glass when you leave, and can bring it back next trip for half-off the tasting.
St. Julian
4425 14 Mile Rd. NE, Rockford / 716 S. Kalamazoo St., Paw Paw
9145 Union Pier Rd, Union Pier / stjulian.com
With three tasting rooms in West Michigan, you’re never far from St. Julian. The mothership is in Paw Paw, with a tasting room, the Apollo Room and a patio, offering not just wine but cider, cocktails and slushies—and of course, tours of the production facility that include an exclusive barrel tasting and charcuterie. At the Rockford location, you can enjoy Flo’s Wood Fired Pizza in addition to all those beverages. And if you’re on your way to or from Chicago, stop by the Union Pier location to enjoy a large patio. Plus, they have tons of events like art and craft parties, and if you join their wine club, you’ll get complimentary tastings and discounted wines at every location.
Chateau Chantal
15900 Rue Devin, Traverse City / chateauchantal.com
Chateau Chantal boasts a huge, gorgeous estate perched on a tall hill with spectacular views of the Grand Traverse Bay. The tasting room inside is robust, but the patio and its sights are hard to resist. Of course, Chantal’s wine selection is fittingly expansive as well, perfect for flights. It’s also an excellent destination for foodies, hosting events frequently like the Handmade Sauces Cooking Class on May 10, various Wine Dinners, Tapas Tours, and the 31st year of Jazz at Sunset, with mesmerizing tunes from the Jeff Haas Trio every Thursday night in summer. While you’re up north, consider staying at the B&B, filled with cozy rooms and spacious suites, each offering views of the vineyard and freshwater bays.
Tabor Hill & Round Barn
185 Mt Tabor Rd, Buchanan / 10983 Hills Rd, Baroda / moerschhg.com
These two sister properties—just under a mile apart—make for a dreamy wine-country stroll. Follow the 3.5-mile trail winding through vineyards and woods (wine glass in hand, naturally), and you’ll hit both destinations. Tabor Hill offers fine wine and Friday date night specials, while Round Barn brings a lively scene and craft beverages to match. Make it a weekend by booking one of their stylish vacation rentals—like the elegant Estate House just steps from the action.
Black Star Winery
10844 E. Revold Road, Suttons Bay / blackstarfarms.com
Settle into the scenic side of M-22 at Black Star Farms, a 160-acre gem that blends high-end hospitality with down-to-earth warmth. Their award-winning wines are only the beginning—you’ll also find a luxurious equestrian-inspired Inn, the seasonal Hearth & Vine Café, and experiences like estate tours, wine cave visits, and progressive food-and-wine tastings. Voted Best Wine Country Hotel by USA Today in 2020, this Leelanau Peninsula estate is a must for lovers of great wine and gracious living.
Hudsonville Winery
3768 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville / hudsonvillewinery.com
Hudsonville Winery brings a laid-back twist to the traditional tasting room. Sip your way through a fun lineup of flavorful wines in a casual setting that also serves up Pike 51 Brewing’s craft beers and hard seltzers. Summer’s the sweet spot—don’t miss their Polar Pouch frozen wine slushies, the ultimate cool-down treat on a hot day.
