Wine connoisseurs have an abundance of choices this summer

Thanks to tremendous growth in Michigan wine and a spike in both quantity and quality of vineyards and wineries, West Michigan’s wine culture has quickly evolved into a tour de force with people around the world coming to try these new wine offerings. Here’s your opportunity to enjoy local wine by attending events, scheduling a tour or bringing home a bottle or two from these local wineries.

South

The Lansing Area has numerous downtown restaurants and they love to bring wines from around the world to Michigan. You can sample fares ranging from local wineries to some from within the United States and even other countries. Either way, you’re getting a diverse lineup of fantastic wines each with their own history and distinct style.

Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks offers two wine-influenced spirits. The Kissing Cousins is a Featherbone Bourbon that is aged for 15 months in their barrels and then an additional six in used wine barrels. Journeyman’s Fine Girl Brandy is distilled from Vidal Blanc grapes grown at St. Julian Winery before being aged in Last Feather Rye Whiskey barrels. You’ll find a unique take on wine here.

Dablon Winery & Vineyards in Baroda is a must visit in Southwest Michigan. They have a gorgeous tasting room and events throughout the summer. You can also take a tour with one of their winemakers through their vineyard, barrel room and wine production area. There is live music throughout the summer so that you can have a soundtrack to your tastings. Sip these handcrafted, estate-grown and -produced wines this summer.

Every month there is something happening on the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. This July, enjoy some of the newest additions to the trail such as Cogdal Vineyards, Dablon Winery & Vineyards and Vineyard 2121. Wineries are close enough that you can enjoy two or three and come back next time for a few different ones. Get more out of your wine trips with a day on the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.

Central

Muskegon has a great recurring event for wine lovers: The Art & a Glass event is your Thursday Happy Hour! Every Thursday from 4pm to 8pm, grab a glass and check out some of the great art pieces at the Muskegon Museum of Art. General admission is free during this event so this is a great opportunity to discover your local museum at no cost.

Bygone Basics Cooking School located at Amanda’s Bequest Bed & Breakfast in Montague will host their Pasta & Pinot event on July 23rd and 31st. Here, you’ll be able to learn how to make fresh pasta by hand! Enjoy a glass of wine there or bring your own. This event is all about the pasta, but wine is more than welcome as you cook and eat your pasta creation.

Downtown Ludington loves its wines. They have a boutique winery, tasting room and gift shop located right in the heart of downtown Ludington. They love their local and unique wines as they match their creations to the seasons.

Reserve Wine & Food in Grand Rapids offers over 100 wines by the glass in addition to their extensive bottle list. It has been recognized by USA Today as one of the top ten places in the country offering wine flights. Pair your favorite wine with one of their locally sourced dishes for a great evening of wining and dining with friends and family.

North

Black Star Farms in Traverse City has fun and unique experiences built around their wine. One of these is their Sunrise Sundays: Yoga in the Vines which is every Sunday in July. Enjoy one hour of gentle yoga followed by a special six-flight wine tasting. Following yoga, you will head over to their tasting room where you’ll be guided through your flight. If yoga isn’t your style, you can sample visit their tasting room where their helpful staff will help you explore their range of wines.

Hotel Walloon’s Wine Maker’s Weekend is November 4th and 5th. This year’s event will feature Adelsheim Vineyards from Williamette, Oregon. The meet and greet will be on Friday, November 4th while the dinner at Walloon Lake Inn will be on Saturday, November 5th.

Douglas Valley in Manistee transforms 640 acres into a sustainable vineyard community. At the center of Douglas Valley is their town square and winery, surrounded on all sides by orchards, vineyards and farms. The rolling hills and panoramic view of Lake Michigan adds a rhythm of nature that is remains unparalleled to this day.

Blustone Vineyard in Lake Leelanau started 20 years ago when the owner’s family visited the area for the first time. They quickly fell in love with the lakes, dunes, hills and fields. Now, the area is home to their vineyard and winery. Their love for family and this amazing part of Northern Michigan reflects in every glass of their wine.

Bellaire offers family-owned wineries with the scenic views of the area. Views such as Lake Bellaire, Torch Lake, and the vineyards where your favorite wines are produced will act as the backdrop to your perfect summer evening. Enjoy a glass or two as you spend time with friends and family.

Charlevoix has helped put Northern Michigan on the map for its famous wines. They have several locations that offer complimentary wine tasting including their Farmer’s Market every Thursday morning. There is even a specialty store that sells unique and hard-to-find wines both local and internationally.

With a wine and mead tasting room in Beulah, St. Ambrose Cellars takes the ancient beverages of mead and wine and gives them a modern twist. They pride themselves on being a family friendly destination and are a must-see destination the next time you vacation up north. They’re pushing boundaries with their innovations in both flavor and process.

Situated on 190 acres of farm in Petoskey, Rudbeckia Winery is nestled in the rolling hills of the “Up North.” The winery has a beautiful view of both Lake Michigan and Walloon Lake. Of course, the main draw is their wine. They specialize in creating limited quantity, delicious artisanal wines that is a must taste for any enthusiast.

A visit to the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula is the perfect summer getaway. Enjoy nine unique wineries as you make your way through this beautiful part of our great state. The wineries include stunning views, tasting rooms, decks, hospitality and their signature wines.