All About Wine

An American Viticultural Area (AVA) is essentially the birthplace of a wine. It is a geographically designated wine grape-growing region in the U.S. It’s like a badge of honor that helps both winemakers and consumers by indicating a wine’s origin and its unique traits. Think of it as the wine’s… Read More »

Two Northern Michigan wineries have made their mark in the 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice list for Best Wine Country Hotels, securing top spots! Chateau Chantal on Old Mission Peninsula claimed the #1 ranking. Black Star Farms on Leelanau Peninsula took an impressive third place. Chateau Chantal Earning rave… Read More »

Northern Michigan has become a key player in the state’s vibrant wine industry, which has seen remarkable growth over the past few decades. As of 2020, Michigan boasted 3,375 acres of wine-grape cultivation and over 200 commercial wineries, collectively producing 3 million US gallons of wine annually. The wine industry,… Read More »

1. Ice Wine’s Irresistible Sweetness Ice wine is a dessert wine known for its intense sweetness, achieved by using grapes that freeze naturally on the vine. As the water in the grapes freezes, the sugars remain, resulting in a highly concentrated, sweet flavor. 2. Michigan’s Perfect Climate for Ice Wine… Read More »

Embark on an artful journey into the world of wine tasting, where each sip engages your senses and transports you to the heart of Northern Michigan’s vineyards. Whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned enthusiast, learning the art of wine tasting can deepen your appreciation and enhance your connection… Read More »

Northern Michigan is famed for its sugar sand beaches, scenic trails, breathtaking views, and, of course, the Great Lakes. But did you know that this region is also home to some of the world’s most renowned vineyards? Northern Michigan wine country offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich history,… Read More »

The Leelanau Peninsula, situated west of Traverse City, stretches 30 miles north into Lake Michigan, offering a picturesque landscape that includes the renowned Sleeping Bear Dunes, numerous inland lakes, flourishing orchards, diverse farms, hiking and biking trails, as well as a plethora of vineyards and wineries. This area is a… Read More »

The Old Mission Peninsula, nestled in the northwestern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, is a destination renowned for its scenic beauty, rolling vineyards, and top-notch wineries. Stretching into the Grand Traverse Bay, this picturesque area is home to several outstanding wineries. They produce a diverse range of wines, reflecting the… Read More »

Explore the Petoskey Wine Region, formerly known as the Bay View Wine Trail, now boasting 14 family-owned wineries. This region is part of Michigan’s Tip of the Mitt AVA, one of five in the state, recognized for its unique grape characteristics. AVA designation requires 85% locally sourced grapes in wines… Read More »

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and pristine landscapes. The Upper Peninsula has traditionally not been associated with wine production. However, recent advancements in agricultural research is changing that. Research at the University of Minnesota has led to the development of cold-hardy grape varieties. These… Read More »