Complete Guide to Wine Regions in Michigan
Michigan is a hidden gem when it comes to wine regions in the United States. With over 200 wineries across 5 American Viticulture Areas (AVA), there is no shortage of incredible wine production that this state has to offer. I’m excited to share this complete guide to the wine regions of Michigan!
Although many states in the Midwest have difficulty growing well-known dry red varietals, such as Cabernet Franc and Tempranillo, Michigan has shown that it has many incredible wineries for red wine.
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About Michigan Wine Regions
Guide to Wine Regions in Michigan
Without further ado, here are the 5 wine regions of Michigan + lists of the best wineries to visit in each!
Fennville AVA
This AVA is located in southwestern Michigan and was the first AVA established in Michigan, and actually the third in the entire United States!
It is a small AVA that grows several wine varietals, such as Cabernet Franc, Chardonel, Chambourcin, Pinot Noir, and Riesling.
WINERIES
There are a limited number of wineries in this small AVA, but they all offer tasting experiences with their own unique wines. Check out these wineries while in Fennville:
- McIntosh Wine Cellars
- Wyncroft
- Fenn Valley Vineyards
- Tabor Hill Winery
- Cogdal Vineyards
Lake Michigan Shore AVA
Lake Michigan Shore AVA surrounds the smaller Fennville AVA. This region also benefits from the moderating lake effect that protects the vines during winter months. The topography is also very well suited for grape growing.
This region can grow many of the same varietals as Fennville AVA, but can also grow bolder reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, and delicate and flavorful white wines such as Traminette, Vidal blanc, and Vignoles.
WINERIES
Lake Michigan Shore has a wide range of wineries that specialize in various grapes. There is also a range of aesthetics of the estates, from casual to chic.
- Dablon Winery & Vineyard
- Domaine Berrien Cellars
- Tabor Hill Winery
- Lemon Creek Winery
- Hickory Creek Winery
- Round Barn Winery
- Free Run Cellars
- Gravity Winery
- Baroda Founders Wine Cellar
Leelanau Peninsula AVA
Leelanau Peninsula was the second AVA established in Michigan, encompassing the northwestern region of the mitt. This AVA gets cool climates from lake effect from Lake Michigan, Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Leelanau.
Leelanaue Peninsula is one of the larger regions of Michigan, making the variety of what can be grown here much greater than other regions. The AVA is known for Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc.
WINERIES
Leelanau Peninsula features three distinct wine trails that allow you to experience what Michigan has to offer from its wineries only a short distance away!
Sleeping Bear Loop
- Amoritas Vineyards
- Bel Lago Vineyard & Winery
- Boathouse Vineyards
- Chateau Fontaine
- French Valley Vineyard
- Good Harbor Vineyards
Northern Loop
- 45 North Vineyard & Winery
- Aurora Cellars
- Dune Bird Winery
- Leelanau Cellas
- Gilchrist Farm WInery
- Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery
- Verterra Winery
- The Ridge at Vertebra Winery
- Nathaniel Rose Wine
Grand Traverse Bay Loop
- Black Star Farms
- Brengman Brothers
- Ciccone Vineyard & Winery
- Mawby Sparkling & Biglittle Wine
- Rove Estate
Old Mission Peninsula AVA
This small AVA on the peninsula surrounded by water creates a perfect growing environment for wine. The terroir is sandy requiring frequent irrigation, but is protective from frigid winters.
This AVA is highly regulated, making the bar even higher for growing grapes and producing wine in Lake Michigan Shore. The wines that grow in this region are similar to those of Leelanlau Peninsula. The most common varietals grown are Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
WINERIES
The Old Mission Peninsula wine trail includes 10 wineries! With so many to choose from, it’s hard to decide where to visit.
- 2 Lads
- Black Star Farms
- Bowers Harbor Vineyards
- Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
- Chateau Chantal
- Chateau Grand Traverse
- Hawthorne Vineyards
- Mari Vineyards
- Peninsula Cellars
- Tabone Vineyards
Tip of the Mitt AVA
Although the most far north, this AVA has the longest frost-free growing season, allowing for more growing days. Due to the longer growing season this AVA is able to produce high quality grapes that other regions are unable to grow. The major production in this wine region is hybrids such as Frontenac, Marquette and La Crescent, as well as typical white wine varietals of Riesling and Chardonnay.
WINERIES
The Tip of the Mitt AVA is a smaller wine trail, with 9 wineries for you to explore and enjoy.
- Garden Bay Winery
- Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery
- Pond Hill Farm
- The Cellars of Royal Farms
- Thunder Bay Winery & Brew
- Torch Lake Cellars
- Vista Ridge Vineyards
- Walloon Lake Winery
- WaterFire Vineyards
Michigan Wine Regions Conclusion
The five wine regions in Michigan are Fennville, Lake Shore Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula, Leelanau Peninsula, and Tip of the Mitt. Throughout these wine regions, you will find unique terroir and varietals of grapes to be enjoyed!
