If you find yourself in Northern Michigan, you must make it to the number one wine destination in the Midwest, Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail!  Leelanau peninsula wineries in Michigan hold not only natural beauty, but also world-class wines.  We will take a look at some of the must-see Leelanau peninsula wineries and even throw in some other hidden gems in northwest Michigan.  

Leelanau Peninsula Wineries

This picturesque region is home to over 20 award-winning wineries, each offering a unique experience that will leave you wanting more. From the stunning landscapes to the exceptional wines, here’s why you should plan your visit to the Leelanau Peninsula wineries.

 Wine Lover’s Paradise

The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is renowned for its diverse selection of wineries. Each winery has its own charm and character. As you explore the trail, you’ll encounter a variety of tasting rooms, from elegant establishments with breathtaking views to cozy, intimate settings where you can chat with the passionate winemakers.

Some must-visit wineries include:

• 45 North Vineyard & Winery: Known for its wide range of wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, this winery offers a modern tasting room with stunning vineyard views to create the perfect wine tasting experience.
• Aurora Cellars: This boutique winery offers estate-grown grapes and a charming tasting room where you can enjoy their exceptional wines.
• Bel Lago Vineyards: Known for their cool-climate wines and this distinct location breathtaking views, Bel Lago is a must-visit for any wine lover.
• Black Star Farms: This unique destination features not only a winery but also a luxury inn, farm-to-table café, and even an equestrian facility. It’s the perfect spot for a full day of indulgence.
• Blustone Vineyards: With its industrial-chic tasting room and panoramic views, Blustone Vineyards has quickly become a favorite in the region.
• Boathouse Vineyards: Located on the shores of South Lake Leelanau, this winery offers a serene setting and a variety of wines to enjoy. This winery also offer a fine selection of local cuisine for you to enjoy.  
• Chateau Fontaine: Nestled in a picturesque valley, this winery is known for its award-winning wines and welcoming atmosphere.
• Ciccone Vineyard & Winery: This family-owned winery offers a range of wines and a beautiful outdoor patio perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
• Dune Bird Winery: A newer addition to the trail, Dune Bird Winery offers a unique experience with its stylish wines and beautiful setting.
• French Valley Vineyard: Located in the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula, this winery offers a variety of wines and a cozy tasting room.
• Good Harbor Vineyards: With a focus on sustainable agriculture, this winery produces some of the finest wines in the region, including their popular Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Franc.
• Laurentide Winery: Known for its pure elegance and unparalleled views, Laurentide Winery is a great spot to enjoy a glass of wine.
• Leelanau Cellars: Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, this winery offers a wide range of award-winning wines and hard ciders, making it a local favorite.
• Rove Estate: Situated at the highest point in Leelanau County, Rove Estate offers stunning views and a range of exceptional wines.
• Shady Lane Cellars: Known for its Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris, this winery offers a beautiful outdoor patio where you can enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the rolling hills and unparalleled views.
• Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery: This winery offers a large colonnaded room for tastings and a variety of wines to enjoy.
• Two K Farms: Known for their hard cider and wine, Two K Farms offers a unique tasting experience with a focus on sustainable agriculture.
• Verterra Winery: Located in the charming town of Leland, Verterra Winery offers a range of wines and a beautiful setting.

These amazing wineries make the beautiful Leelanau Peninsula a premier destination for wine lovers. Whether you’re into wine tours, exploring the Sleeping Bear Loop, the Northern Peninsula Loop, or the Grand Traverse Bay Loop, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy wonderful wines and the natural beauty of Northwest Michigan!  

Check out our map of the area to reference their locations. We usually include a map in our blog posts, because we love them!

Events and Experiences

The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail offers a variety of events throughout the year. This makes it an exciting destination no matter when you visit. From the cozy Sips & Soups event in the winter to the Leelanau Wine & Cheese pairing event in the spring, there’s always something happening. Don’t miss the Mystery Vines Wine Hunt, where you can test your wine knowledge with blind tastings and win prizes!

Explore Northwest Michigan

While the wineries are the main attraction, the Leelanau Peninsula and the surrounding Northwest Michigan region have so much more to offer. Take a scenic drive along M-22, visit the charming towns of Suttons Bay and Northport, or explore the breathtaking Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The combination of natural beauty and world-class wines makes this area a must-visit destination.

Plan Your Visit

Ready to experience the magic of the Leelanau Peninsula wineries? Let’s start planning your trip today! Here is a free weekend itinerary for you to get a chance to experience this beautiful area. We’re trip planners and love to help people find the beauty of our country!

Day 1

Morning:

• ​Take a morning flight into Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, Michigan which is about 30 minutes from the Leelanau Peninsula. 
• Less than 5 minutes away, fill up on breakfast at The Omelette Shoppe in Traverse City, known for its delicious breakfast options.
• Drive north on M-22 towards Suttons Bay, enjoying the scenic views of Lake Michigan and turning off at scenic spots like Bay Shore Scenic Shore Turn Off.

Afternoon:

• Visit Black Star Farms Winery in Suttons Bay, one of the top-rated Leelanau Peninsula wineries.
• Enjoy lunch at Martha’s Leelanau Table in Suttons Bay, offering farm-to-table cuisine.
• Continue north on M-22 to Leland, stopping at Verterra Winery, known for its award-winning wines.

Evening:

• Drive to Northport and explore the charming downtown area.
• Have dinner at The Mitten Brewing Company in Northport, offering craft beers and wood-fired pizzas.
• Check in at the Black Star Farms Inn, a top-rated accommodation on a beautiful 160-acre estate.

Day 2

Morning:

• Enjoy breakfast at your inn which is surrounded by beautiful vineyards and offers access to three miles of recreation trails for hiking or biking. Guests can also explore the nearby countryside on a bike tour as part of a package.
• Drive south on M-22 towards Glen Arbor, taking in the scenic views.

Afternoon:

• Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Hike the Alligator Hill Trail for stunning views (2.8-mile round trip).
• Have lunch at Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor, a local favorite.
• Visit 45 North Vineyard and Winery, known for its charming rustic barn tasting room.

Evening:

• Drive back to Suttons Bay.
• Explore the downtown area, filled with specialty shops and galleries.
• Enjoy dinner at Hop Lot Brewing Company, offering a unique outdoor dining experience with fire pits.

Day 3

Morning:

• Have breakfast at 9 Bean Rows in Suttons Bay, known for its fresh pastries and enjoy visiting a variety of shops that reflect the town’s charm and local character.
• Visit Aurora Cellars, a boutique winery with award-winning wines.

Afternoon:

• Drive south on M-22 towards Traverse City.
• Stop at Chateau Fontaine Winery for a final tasting of French-style wines.
• Have lunch at Apache Trout Grill in Traverse City, offering beautiful bay views.

Evening:

• End your trip with a night at your Inn, which offers nightly hospitality hour with wine and small plates and live music nights, or participate in cooking demonstrations and wine-paired dinners as part of special packages.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual sipper, you’ll find plenty to love in this enchanting corner of Northwest Michigan. Cheers to your next great adventure!

Maybe your next winery adventure is in New York, or Wisconsin, or New Jersey! (Wink!) We like wineries!