Northern Michigan’s unsuspecting microclimate for growing grapes has made it a destination for wine aficionados from all over the world. From over 40 wineries spread across Michigan’s fingertips, you voted for the Top 6 Wineries in each region. Here are your winners – pop that cork!
A record-breaking 16,000 people voted in MyNorth’s 2021 Red Hot Best Awards, recognizing winners from across seven regions and 46 different categories in Northern Michigan. The categories include everything from healthcare and frontline workers to takeout and hiking trails. This is how we celebrate Northern Michigan!
Searching for the full winner’s list? Here are the Red Hot Best Winners 2021: The Best of Northern Michigan.
Above the Bridge
End of the Road Winery, Germfask
Located in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, End of the Road Winery is run by Jim and Robin Barker out of an old family barn at the end of Burns Rd., hence the charming title. The winery specializes in growing cold climate grapes, suitable for harsh Michigan winters, and offers many fruit wines, white and red wines, and a range of sweet to dry wines. Be sure to pencil in a stop on your next trip through the UP!
View the full list of Above the Bridge Red Hot Best winners to find the best outdoor eating spots, beaches and much more.
Benzie & Leelanau
Blustone Vineyards, Lake Leelanau
Blustone Vineyards is all about the moments in nature that take your breath away, like finding a Leland Bluestone on Michigan’s sparkling shoreline. Blustone Vineyards drew inspiration from these rare, unanticipated moments in life and hopes that each sip of their wine will remind you of such moments too. Stop in and taste from their range of whites, reds, sparkling, and roses and see if you can taste the true beauty of the Leelanau Peninsula. Reservations recommended.
View the full list of Benzie and Leelanau Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.
Photo by Dave Weidner
Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington
Northern Natural Cider House and Winery, Kaleva
Northern Natural Cider House and Winery is all about buying local and growing organic. Specializing in premium organic hard ciders and wines made with organic fruit, as well as their sustainably farmed Gold Medal grape and port wines, Northern Natural is a must-stop on your peninsula wine tour. Try one of their hand-tossed pizzas that use all locally sourced, organic ingredients, or hang around to enjoy live music during their summer concert series!
View the full list of Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington Red Hot Best winners.
Charlevoix & the Chain of Lakes
Boyne Valley Vineyards, Petoskey
Enjoy a more laid-back wine tasting experience with friends and family in this open-air, modern barn tasting room. Located just off M-131, enjoy the backdrop of a scenic 113-acre nature preserve as you sip on their great-tasting range of wines. If you stop by on the weekend during the summer, you’ll even get to enjoy some live music with your pour.
View the full list of Charlevoix & Chain of Lakes region Red Hot Best winners.
Petoskey, Harbor Springs & The Straits
Pond Hill Farm, Harbor Springs
Pond Hill Farm is a little bit of everything all rolled into one! Located just off of the Tunnel of Trees in Harbor Springs, Pond Hill Farm has plenty to do for kids and adults alike! Enjoy the outdoor Biergarten & Cafe Deck, where you guests can order from the daily hot menu as well as choose from locally-brewed beer, wine, hard cider & soft drinks. Shop around inside their farm market, enjoy a delicious hand-tossed, wood-fired pizza, wander the livestock barn, or choose to venture out into their 200-acre property with wine and/or beer in hand. Farm-to-table has never been more fun!
Looking for the best beaches, breweries and more? View the full list of Petoskey, Harbor Springs and The Straits Red Hot Best winners.
Photo by Rachel Haggerty
Traverse City
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, Old Mission Peninsula
Inspired by the elegant, rustic wineries of Napa Valley, Brys Estate is a family-owned and operated winery inside a restored 1890s farmstead on Michigan’s 45th parallel. Visit the scenic upper deck with views of the Brys’ 111 acres and the Eastern Grand Traverse Bay, book a romantic getaway in the barn-turned-guest house, or take a walk through the beautiful “secret” lavender garden. Experience elegance and fine wine on the Old Mission Peninsula at Brys.
Searching for more of Traverse City’s top beaches, breweries and more? View the full Traverse City Red Hot Best winners list.
Photo by Dave Weidner
