Must-Visit Michigan Wineries: A 2025 Guide

Over the past few years, I’ve gone from casual wine sipper to full-on Michigan wine enthusiast. It all started with a glass of Blue Heron from St. Julian and quickly snowballed into winery weekends, wine trail road trips, and seeking out the Late Harvest Riesling for its light taste. Along the way, I’ve found some favorites—wineries I return to again and again for the wine, the views, and the warm, welcoming vibes.

Exploring the flavors of Michigan Wineries

If you’re curious about Michigan’s wine scene or planning your own getaway, this 2025 guide highlights my must-visit wineries across the state. And while this post focuses on personal favorites, I’ve included plenty of background on Michigan wine country and trails because I’ll be expanding this into a full wine travel guide soon.

Why Michigan Makes Great Wine

Believe it or not, Michigan is one of the top wine-producing states in the country, with over 150 wineries and five designated American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). From crisp whites in the Leelanau Peninsula to bold reds in Southwest Michigan, the range of wine styles is surprisingly broad and beautifully crafted.

Michigan’s unique climate is what makes it all possible. Most vineyards are located within 25 miles of Lake Michigan, where the lake’s moderating effect protects the vines from harsh spring frosts and early fall freezes. Even our lake-effect snow plays a role—it helps insulate and protect dormant vines in winter.

Michigan also sits on the 45th parallel—the same latitude as world-famous wine regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Piedmont. That means we get just the right balance of warm days and cool nights for high-quality grapes.

Michigan Wine Trails to Know

If you’re planning a wine-tasting road trip, these are the main wine trails you’ll want to explore:

• Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
• Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail
• Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail
• Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail
• Thumbs Up Wine Trail
• Glen Arbor Village Wine Trail

Each trail has its own vibe and varietals, from scenic bayside tastings in Traverse City to charming countryside sips in Southwest Michigan.

My Must-Visit Michigan Wineries

Lazy Ballerina Winery

Address: 321 State St, St Joseph, MI 49085
This friendly spot in St. Joe is Southwest Michigan’s first woman-owned winery. The tasting room is located in St. Joseph’s charming downtown, making it a convenient spot to stop in for tasting. There’s a very friendly vibe here, and the space is light and airy. Try the Cherry Kissed Red- a flavorful blend of Merlot ad Cherry wine.

Fenn Valley Vineyards

Address: 6130 122nd Ave, Fennville, MI 49408
Not far from Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo, this vineyard hosts one of the most extensive and detailed wine making tours in the region, showing the whole process from vine to wine (including wine tasting the whole way through).

What I like best about this vineyard is the distinctly rural atmosphere with a sprawling acreage complete with a big green barn at the heart of it all.

Nothing beats Fenn Valley’s sparkling wines, as these are the keystone to their production, but the reds, dessert wines, and fruit wines never fail to disappoint. Use our Guide to Saugatuck to explore more about the area.

Lemon Creek Winery

Address: 533 E Lemon Creek Rd, Berrien Springs, MI 49103
In Southwest Michigan, Berrien County is home to the Lemon Creek Winery. The farm was first started in 1834 and passed down the Lemon family until the descendants opened the winery 150 years later.

The business is still owned and operated by the Lemon family and has expanded to include a second tasting room in Grand Haven. The winery in Berrien has a farm market open from Summer to Fall and allows you to pick your own fruits seasonally.

Baroda Founders Wine Cellar

Address: 8963 Hills Rd, Baroda, MI 49101
Another must-visit winery on the Southwest Michigan Wine Trail is this unassuming winery in Baroda. I love to grab a seat at the bar and watch as the wine is processed while sipping on a glass of Luce Del Sole, a crisp, white table wine.

St. Julian Winery

Address: Multiple locations throughout Michigan
St. Julian is Michigan’s oldest, largest, and most-awarded winery. In 1921 it was founded in Ontario by Italian immigrant Mariano Meconi and initially was called the “Meconi Wine Company.”

After prohibition had been lifted it was moved into Detroit, then later in 1936, the name changed to St. Julian and moved to its current home in Paw Paw. This winery is laser-focused on making the best wines with “Italian roots, Michigan soil” (the winery’s motto).

With decades to perfect their craft, it’s practically impossible to select a wine that isn’t delicious, from crisp Riesling to rich merlot and just about everything in between.

Black Star Farms

Two locations:
10844 E Revold Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
360 McKinley Rd E, Traverse City, MI 49686

With two locations just outside Traverse City, Black Star Farms is one of the premier wineries in Northern Michigan. This massive operation started in Suttons Bay and now includes two wineries, three tasting rooms, and a distillery – as well as horse stables, trails, a café, and even a stylish and upscale ten-bedroom inn.

While best known for their whites like Riesling and Chardonnay, they have garnered positive attention for their reds as well, meaning whichever you prefer, there is sure to be a wine you’ll love. Aside from award winning wines, there are plenty of activities available. During the summer and fall, enjoy the scenic Leelanau Peninsula views and explore the vineyards and winery property.

Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn

Address: 15900 Rue Devin, Traverse City, MI 49686
On Old Mission Peninsula, Chateau Chantal sits on rolling hills that overlook picturesque Grand Traverse Bay. This exquisite site offers plenty of food wine and entertainment.

Chateau Chantal is offering outdoor igloo dining by reservation this Winter, which means you don’t have to miss out on all that they have to offer for the snowy months. The annual Fire & Ice Wine Dinner held annually in January for the fourth year is a favorite event with wine lovers.

2 Lads Winery

Address: 16985 Smokey Hollow Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
This modern winery stands out with sleek architecture and a strong focus on sustainability. Known for red wines like Pinot Noir and Merlot, 2 Lads also produces a variety of elegant sparkling and white wines in a uniquely minimalist setting.

Verterra Winery

Address:  103 E River St, Leland, MI 49654

There’s something about this winery in the Leelanau Peninsula and its tasting room in downtown Leland; it seems to just catch northern Michigan charm in every bottle.

A relative newcomer on the Michigan wine scene, family-owned Verterra Winery is producing some award-winning wines from their Northpost vineyards. In addition to the Leland tasting rooms – just steps from the Lake Michigan beach – the Ridge at Verterra is a destination event site with stunning panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay.

Final Sip on Michigan Wine

These are just a handful of the amazing wineries you can discover across Michigan. Whether you’re planning a girls’ getaway, romantic weekend, or a solo road trip through wine country, you’ll find plenty to sip, savor, and explore in the Great Lakes State.

I’ll be expanding this guide to include wine events, lodging suggestions, and planning tips—so stay tuned. And if you have a favorite Michigan winery I missed, I’d love to hear about it!