6 Best Wine-Country Towns In Michigan
Michigan may be known for its plentiful lakes, dunes, and charming small towns, but it’s also home to some of the Midwest’s most exciting wine regions. From the rolling hills of the Leelanau Peninsula to the scenic shores of Little Traverse Bay at the Tip of the Mitt AVA, this area is packed with boutique wineries, tasting rooms, and vineyards that produce world-class cold-hardy varietals.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic weekend getaway, a road-trip adventure with friends, or simply a scenic escape with plenty of wine, these six towns, each with fewer than 60,000 residents, offer the perfect combination of picturesque downtowns, local history, and easy access to some of Michigan’s most celebrated wineries.
Petoskey
Petoskey is a charming historic town of 5,877 residents, situated on the southern shore of Little Traverse Bay and renowned for its blend of natural beauty, history, and small-town sophistication. In addition to its waterfront, which features boating, kayaking, and breathtaking sunsets over the bay, visitors are drawn to the city's walkable center, which is dotted with boutique stores, quaint cafés, and exquisite Victorian architecture.
The family-run Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery, just outside town, produces dry Chardonnay, sweet Riesling, and a variety of fruit wines, ideal for casual tastings in a picturesque setting. Other wine lovers will find plenty to enjoy, such as the 30-acre Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery, which features rolling hills, a tasting room, and creative beer-wine combinations.
Harbor Springs
With about 1,274 people living there, Harbor Springs is a well-liked vacation area on Little Traverse Bay that is well known for its classic harborfront buildings. It's downtown, which is surrounded by shops, art galleries, and cafés, as well as its waterfront, which is excellent for boating, walking, or simply enjoying the wide-ranging views of the lake, and helps to attract visitors from all over.
Nearby, wine lovers will find plenty to enjoy: Crooked Vine Vineyard & Winery, situated on a 38-acre estate, specializes in boutique, artisanal wines paired with panoramic scenery, and Pond Hill Farm Vineyard & Winery, situated on 190 acres just north of town, offers handcrafted wines, hard ciders, a farm market, and expansive lake views. Both locations are perfect for a leisurely, immersive tasting experience.
Charlevoix
Perched on a short isthmus between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, Charlevoix is a lakeside city with a population of about 2,343. Visitors are drawn to its vibrant downtown, filled with boutique shops, cafés, and art galleries, as well as its beaches, boating opportunities, and ferry service to Beaver Island.
For those who enjoy wine, there's 1918 Cellars at Castle Farms, which offers tastings in a historic castle setting surrounded by exquisite gardens, blending local taste with a distinctive experience, and Spare Key Winery, an estate-grown, family-focused vineyard in town.
Boyne City
Located at the eastern extremity of Lake Charlevoix, Boyne City has a population of around 3,816 people. Visitors are drawn to its lively downtown, filled with boutique shops, as well as its waterfront boardwalk, perfect for walking, boating, or enjoying scenic sunsets.
Anyone can explore nearby trails, beaches, and parks, while those looking for a glass of wine will enjoy Boyne Valley Vineyards just outside town, a family-owned vineyard featuring cold-climate varietals, a relaxed tasting atmosphere, and a treehouse patio overlooking the vineyard, making for a memorable visit.
Suttons Bay
Suttons Bay is inhabited by around 618 residents on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, and is noted for its inviting downtown waterfront and seasonal tourism. Visitors are drawn to its harbor and farm-to-table dining, making it a delightful stop for both relaxation and sightseeing.
While the town itself has few vineyards, its central location on the wine route provides easy access to nearby wineries such as Aurora Cellars, Black Star Farms, Ciccone Vineyard, and Verterra Winery, making Suttons Bay a convenient base for discovering the region’s celebrated wineries.
Empire
Empire has 362 residents who live comfortably close to Lake Michigan on the western edge of the Leelanau Peninsula, and is a gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The town itself emits a peaceful atmosphere, fitting for relaxing after a day of outdoor exploration.
Thankfully, Empire is located in the center of Leelanau grape country, so there are many neighboring wineries, including Chateau Fontaine, Glen Lake Winery, and Leelanau Wine Cellars, where guests may relish in renowned cool-climate whites and reds in serene vineyard settings.
Known for their beverage types, including Riesling, Marquette, La Crescent, and Pinot Noir, Michigan's wineries are viticultural hubs that are naturally bustling throughout the state.
While still offering local cuisine and waterfront parks, these six towns give tourists easy access to vineyards, tasting rooms, and excursions. A journey to any of these locations can teach visitors about the agronomic and cultural aspects of Michigan wine.
