Searching for stunning views and delightful wines?
These 10 gorgeous Michigan wineries offer unforgettable scenery and flavors!
1. Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn (Traverse City)
Perched atop a hill on Old Mission Peninsula, Chateau Chantal is the crown jewel of Michigan wineries.
As you approach this French-inspired château, you’ll feel like you’ve been teleported to the Loire Valley – minus the jet lag and confusing road signs.
The winery’s tasting room offers panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay that are so stunning, you might forget to actually taste the wine.
But don’t worry, the friendly staff will gently remind you that you’re here for more than just the Instagram opportunities.
Their award-winning wines range from crisp whites to bold reds, but the real star is their “Naughty” and “Nice” cherry wines.
It’s like having an angel and a devil on your shoulders, except both are encouraging you to have another glass.
2. Bonobo Winery (Traverse City)
No, this isn’t a winery run by primates (although that would be quite the spectacle).
Bonobo Winery, founded by Carter Oosterhouse and his brother Todd, is a sleek, modern establishment that proves Michigan can do upscale just as well as it does rustic charm.
The tasting room feels like a cozy living room designed by a very stylish friend who has impeccable taste and a healthy wine budget.
It’s the kind of place where you can pretend you’re sophisticated, even if you still occasionally drink wine from a box (no judgment here).
Their Chardonnay is so buttery, you might be tempted to spread it on toast.
But resist that urge – it’s much better in a glass, paired with the stunning views of West Grand Traverse Bay.
3. Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery (Traverse City)
If Brys Estate were a person, it would be that annoyingly perfect overachiever who’s good at everything.
Not only do they produce excellent wines, but they also have a secret weapon: the “Secret Garden.”
This lavender-scented paradise is like stumbling into a fairy tale, complete with a quaint bridge and charming gift shop.
It’s so idyllic, you half expect woodland creatures to start helping you pick grapes.
Back at the main tasting room, you can sample their wines while enjoying views that stretch for miles.
Their Riesling is so crisp, it practically does a little dance on your tongue.
And their Cabernet Franc? It’s bold enough to make even the most stoic Michigander show a hint of emotion.
4. Black Star Farms (Suttons Bay)
Black Star Farms is less of a winery and more of a wine empire.
With two locations, an inn, and even their own creamery, it’s like the Disneyland of Michigan wineries – minus the long lines and overpriced mouse ears.
Their Suttons Bay location boasts a stunning hilltop view that’ll make you want to break out into “The Hills Are Alive” from The Sound of Music.
Their fruit wines are a delightful surprise, proving that grapes don’t get to have all the fun.
The cherry wine is so good, it might make you forget about cherry pie altogether.
Blasphemy in Michigan, I know, but try it before you judge!
5. 2 Lads Winery (Traverse City)
With a name like 2 Lads, you might expect a couple of guys in backwards caps serving wine out of red Solo cups.
Instead, you’ll find a sleek, modern winery with some of the best views in the region.
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The minimalist tasting room lets the scenery do the talking, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the beauty of East Grand Traverse Bay.
It’s like Mother Nature is showing off, and who are we to look away?
Their focus on cool-climate reds might raise some eyebrows (Michigan? Reds? Really?), but one sip of their Pinot Noir will turn those raised eyebrows into nods of approval.
It’s so smooth, it could teach a class on charm.
6. Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant (Buchanan)
Tabor Hill is like the overachieving cousin in the family of Michigan wineries.
Not content with just making great wine, they had to go and add a gourmet restaurant too.
Show-offs.
The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the vineyards that are so pretty, you might forget to look at your food.
But that would be a mistake because the food here is as much a work of art as the scenery.
Their Classic Demi-Sec sparkling wine is the perfect accompaniment to a sunset view of the vineyards.
It’s so refreshing, you might be tempted to pour it in your water bottle for later.
(Don’t do that. Or if you do, don’t tell them I suggested it.)
7. Fenn Valley Vineyards (Fennville)
Fenn Valley is the winery equivalent of that friend who’s always up for an adventure.
Their tour is less of a stuffy walk-and-talk and more of a wine-fueled expedition through the vineyards.
The tasting room has a cozy, unpretentious vibe that says, “Come as you are, leave as you wish you could stay.”
It’s the kind of place where you can ask “dumb” wine questions without feeling like you’re auditioning for a role in “Wine Snob: The Musical.”
Their Capriccio red blend is so smooth, it could teach a masterclass in how to glide across a dance floor.
And their Late Harvest Riesling? It’s sweeter than your grandma’s smile when you finally call her.
8. St. Julian Winery (Paw Paw)
St. Julian is the wise old grandparent of Michigan wineries.
Founded in 1921, it’s seen more prohibition agents than most of us have seen Netflix series.
Their tasting room in Paw Paw (yes, that’s a real place name, and no, it’s not a sound effect from a cartoon) is like a liquid history lesson.
You can almost hear the bottles whispering tales of bootleggers and speakeasies.
Their Sweet Nancie sparkling wine is so delightful, it should come with a warning label: “May cause spontaneous happy dances.”
And their Solera Cream Sherry? It’s aged longer than some Hollywood marriages.
9. Bowers Harbor Vineyards (Traverse City)
Bowers Harbor is like that cool, eco-friendly friend who always brings reusable bags to the grocery store.
Their sustainable practices make Mother Nature do a little happy dance every time someone pops open a bottle.
The tasting room, housed in a restored barn, is so charming it could be the setting for a Hallmark movie.
Just picture it: “City girl discovers love and Pinot Grigio in a quaint Michigan winery.”
I’d watch it.
Their Otis the Dog red blend is named after the winery dog, proving that in Michigan, even the pups have good taste in wine.
It’s so lovable, you might find yourself trying to pet the bottle.
10. Ciccone Vineyard & Winery (Suttons Bay)
No, it’s not owned by Madonna (although that would be quite the plot twist).
Ciccone Vineyard offers views of Grand Traverse Bay that are so breathtaking, they should come with an inhaler.
The tasting room, housed in a charming red barn, is like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting – if Norman Rockwell had a thing for really good wine, that is.
Their Gewürztraminer is so aromatic, it’s like a bouquet of flowers decided to jump into your glass.
And their Cabernet Franc? It’s bolder than wearing white after Labor Day in Michigan.
There you have it, folks – ten Michigan wineries that prove you don’t need to go to Napa to get a great glass of vino.
So grab your designated driver (or better yet, book a tour), and get ready to sip your way through the Great Lakes State.
Your taste buds will thank you, even if your liver might not!