Best 7 Wineries in Lake County MI: Top Picks for Wine Lovers
Lake County, Michigan is home to some of the best wineries in the state. With a climate that is perfect for grape growing and a variety of soils that produce unique flavors, it’s no wonder that wine lovers flock to this region. From small, family-owned vineyards to larger, well-established wineries, there is something for everyone in Lake County.
One of the best things about the wineries in Lake County is the variety of wines that are produced. Whether you prefer reds, whites, or something in between, you’re sure to find a wine that you love. From crisp, refreshing whites to full-bodied, complex reds, the wineries in Lake County have it all. And with so many different varietals to choose from, you can explore new flavors and find your new favorite wine.
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a day trip, visiting the wineries in Lake County is a great option. Many of the wineries offer tastings and tours, so you can learn more about the winemaking process and sample some of the best wines in the region. And with so many wineries to choose from, you can create your own custom wine tour, visiting the vineyards and tasting rooms that interest you the most.
Lake County’s Wine Scene
Lake County, Michigan, is home to a burgeoning wine scene that has been gaining popularity in recent years. The region is part of the larger Lake Michigan Shore AVA, which encompasses areas in both Michigan and Indiana. With its unique climate and soil, the region is well-suited for growing a variety of grapes, which has led to the development of a thriving wine industry.
There are several wineries in Lake County that are worth checking out. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Shannon Ridge Winery: This is the largest winery in Lake County, with a wide variety of wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Hickory Creek Winery: This small-batch winery is known for producing classic, European-style wines made from locally grown grapes. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the cozy tasting room or on the comfortable patio.
- Dablon Vineyards Estate Winery & Tasting Room: This winery is located just a short drive from Lake Michigan and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy tastings of their award-winning wines while taking in the beautiful scenery.
In addition to these wineries, there are several others in the region that are worth checking out. Many of them are part of the larger Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, which encompasses wineries throughout southwest Michigan.
Top Wineries in Lake County
St. Julian Winery
St. Julian Winery is one of the oldest and largest wineries in Michigan. Founded in 1921, it has been producing a wide variety of wines for over a century. St. Julian Winery is known for its award-winning wines, including Cabernet Franc, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and a gift shop.
Website: http://www.stjulian.com/
Address: 4425 14 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341, United States
Lemon Creek Winery
Lemon Creek Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that has been producing wine for over 150 years. It offers a wide selection of wines, including Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and a gift shop. Lemon Creek Winery also has a farm market that sells fresh produce and other local products.
Website: http://www.lemoncreekwinery.com/
Address: 533 E Lemon Creek Rd, Berrien Springs, MI 49103, United States
12 Corners Vineyards
12 Corners Vineyards is a boutique winery that produces small batches of high-quality wines. It offers a variety of wines, including Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and a gift shop.
Website: http://www.12corners.com/
Address: 1201 N Benton Center Rd, Benton Harbor, MI 49022, United States
White Pine Winery
White Pine Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that specializes in cool-climate wines. It offers a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and a gift shop.
Website: http://www.whitepinewinery.com/
Address: 317 State St #1247, St Joseph, MI 49085, United States
Fenn Valley Vineyards
Fenn Valley Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery that has been producing wine for over 40 years. It offers a wide variety of wines, including Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and a gift shop. Fenn Valley Vineyards also has a picnic area and hosts events throughout the year.
Website: http://www.fennvalley.com/
Address: 6130 122nd Ave, Fennville, MI 49408, United States
Lawton Ridge Winery
Lawton Ridge Winery is a small boutique winery that produces high-quality wines. It offers a variety of wines, including Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and a gift shop.
Website: http://www.lawtonridgewinery.com/
Address: 8456 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, United States
Black Star Farm
Black Star Farm is a winery and vineyard that produces a wide variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and a gift shop. Black Star Farm also has a farm-to-table restaurant and offers accommodations for visitors.
Website: https://www.blackstarfarms.com/
Address: 10844 E Revold Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682, United States
These are some of the top wineries in Lake County, Michigan. Each winery offers a unique experience and a variety of wines to taste. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and gift shops at most wineries. Some wineries also offer additional amenities, such as picnic areas, farm markets, and restaurants.
Wine Tasting Experiences
Lake County in Michigan is home to some of the best wineries in the state, each offering unique and unforgettable wine-tasting experiences. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just looking to explore the local wine scene, there is something for everyone.
Tasting Room Visits
Visiting a winery’s tasting room is a great way to sample their wines and learn about the winemaking process. Most wineries in Lake County have tasting rooms where visitors can taste a variety of wines and purchase their favorites to take home.
Some wineries offer guided tastings where a knowledgeable staff member will guide you through the tasting and provide information about each wine. Others offer self-guided tastings where visitors can taste wines at their own pace and ask questions as needed.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are a great way to learn about the winemaking process and the history of the winery. Some wineries in Lake County offer guided tours that take visitors through the vineyards, production facilities, and barrel rooms. During the tour, visitors can learn about the different grape varieties used to make the wines and the techniques used to produce them.
One popular tour option is the wine wagon tour. Visitors can hop on a wagon and take a tour of the vineyards and winery while sipping on wines and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Another option is the wine bar, where visitors can taste wines while learning about food pairings and the history of each wine.
No matter what type of wine-tasting experience you are looking for, Lake County has something to offer. From tasting rooms to guided tours, visitors can explore the local wine scene and discover their new favorite wines.
Varieties of Wine
Lake County MI is home to a wide variety of wines that are sure to please any palate. There is something for everyone, from reds to whites, dessert wines to sparkling wines.
One of the most popular red wines in Lake County MI is Cabernet Franc. This wine is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor and is often compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Another popular red wine is Syrah, which is known for its spicy notes and dark fruit flavors.
For those who prefer white wines, Riesling is a popular choice. This wine is known for its crisp, refreshing taste and is often paired with seafood or spicy dishes. Gewurztraminer is another popular white wine in Lake County MI, known for its floral aromas and spicy notes.
Lake County MI is also known for its fruit wines, which are made from locally grown fruits such as cherries, blueberries, and raspberries. These wines are often sweet and fruity, making them a great choice for dessert.
For those who enjoy a lighter wine, Rosé is a popular choice. This wine is made from various red grapes and is known for its refreshing taste and pink color. Pinot Noir is another popular lighter wine, known for its delicate flavor and light body.
Finally, for those who enjoy sparkling wines, Lake County MI has a number of options. Sparkling wines are perfect for celebrations or special occasions and are often made from Chardonnay or Pinot Noir grapes.
Vineyards in Lake County
Lake County is home to several vineyards that produce some of the finest wines in Michigan. These vineyards are known for their estate-grown grapes, unique climate, and ideal growing season.
Estate-Grown Grapes
Many of the vineyards in Lake County grow their grapes on their estate, ensuring that the grapes are of the highest quality and are carefully tended to throughout the growing season. Some of the most popular grape varieties grown in Lake County include Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc.
Climate and Growing Season
The climate in Lake County is ideal for fruit growing, with warm summers and cool nights. This unique climate, combined with the sandy soil and lake-effect weather patterns, creates the perfect growing conditions for grapes. The growing season typically begins in April and ends in October, with harvest taking place in September and October.
Events and Activities
Lake County MI is home to some of the best wineries in Michigan, and they offer a variety of events and activities throughout the year. From wine dinners to live music, there’s always something to do at these wineries.
Cogdal Vineyards is one of the most popular wineries in the area, and they offer a range of events throughout the year. In the summer, they host live music events on their outdoor patio, and in the fall, they offer wine dinners featuring locally sourced ingredients. They also have an app that allows visitors to explore the vineyard and learn about the winemaking process.
McIntosh Apple Orchards is another popular winery in Lake County MI, and they offer a range of activities for visitors. In addition to wine tastings, they have a wine cave that visitors can explore, as well as a rustic barn that is perfect for hosting events.
For those looking for something a little more unique, Crane’s Pie Pantry is a must-visit. In addition to their delicious pies, they also have a winery that offers a range of fruit wines. They also host events throughout the year, including jazz concerts and wine tastings.
Overall, there’s no shortage of things to do at the wineries in Lake County MI. Whether you’re looking for live music or a wine dinner, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes.