20+ Leelanau Wineries for a Northern Michigan Wine Tour

Sip a glass of wine at one of the Leelanau Peninsula’s nearly 30 wineries and tasting rooms with their watery views and gorgeous settings and you’ll see why USA Today readers voted the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail #2 in the entire country. But this American Viticultural Area (AVA) is more than just a beautiful face. Grapes thrive in this microclimate buffered from frosts and debilitating heat by Lake Michigan and inland lakes. The complex soil—a tapestry of clay, sand and glacial till—creates complex flavors that a handful of talented winemakers at Leelanau wineries are turning into national and international award-winning wines. From the light, stone fruit sweetness of a riesling to the elegant notes of a pinot noir, Leelanau’s wines are world-class.

The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail (the marketing organization for the wineries) makes it simple to plot your route by mapping the wineries into three loops: Sleeping Bear, Northern and Grand Traverse Bay. The organization’s website keeps you abreast of all the many fun events happening in wine country from January’s Sips and Soups (soup and wine pairings at the wineries) to September’s Harvest Stompede, a run (or walk) through the vineyards. The site also has extensive information about chauffeured tours (DDs being so important!) and wedding and other group events at the wineries. Find tickets for Leelanau wine events at MyNorthTickets.com.

Sleeping Bear Loop

Amoritas

6701 E. Duck Lake Rd. | Lake Leelanau

One of the area’s newest wineries, Amoritas is known for its food-friendly white wines.

Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery

6530 S. Lake Shore Dr. | Cedar

The beautiful views of Lake Leelanau inspired the name of this family-owned winery.

Boathouse Vineyard

115 N. St. Mary’s St. | Lake Leelanau

Sip the award-winning Boathouse Red from an Adirondack chair on the waterfront. (Dock your boat!)

Chateau Fontaine

2290 S. French Rd. | Lake Leelanau

Sophisticated wines are served up in a friendly setting that pays homage to the locale’s French roots.

Cherry Republic Winery

6026 S. Lake St. | Glen Arbor

Cherry wines are crafted with produce from local orchards and served amid a garden setting that’s both relaxing and fun.

Good Harbor Vineyards

34 S. Manitou Trail | Lake Leelanau

This friendly tasting room boasts a longtime growing legacy and one of the largest pinot grigio plantings in Michigan.

Laurentide Winery

56 S. French Rd. | Lake Leelanau

The family-farm turned boutique winery specializes in cool weather varieties. Fitting, since the winery is named for the Laurentide glaciers that swept over the landscape 10,000 years ago.

Soul Squeeze Cellars

105 E. Phillip St. | Lake Leelanau

Find dry wines and hard ciders at this new tasting room.

Northern Loop

45 North Vineyard and Winery

8580 E. Horn Rd. | Lake Leelanau

Popular wines like 45 Red and Peach Crémant are served in a post-and-beam barn tasting room.

Aurora Cellars

7788 E Horn Dr. | Lake Leelanau

A boutique winery featuring white, red and sparkling wines and local food. The tasting room is outfitted with Old World charm.

Baia Estate

110 Waukazoo St. | Northport

Sip Italian-style wines at the new tasting room, which shares a space with New Bohemian Cafe.

Blustone Vineyards

780 N. Sylt Road | Lake Leelanau

This winery is notable for its light-filled tasting room and the double-gold won for its first unoaked chardonnay. The outdoor fire pit is perfect for cool evenings.