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MICHIGAN WINE REGIONS

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Michigan is home to a dynamic and diverse wine landscape rooted in cool-climate viticulture.

Explore each AVA to discover how soil, elevation, and lake effect shape distinctive styles,  from expressive whites to elegant reds.

This is a place where innovation meets tradition, one region at a time.

FENNVILLE

Fennville AVA is a cornerstone of Michigan wine history. Officially designated in 1981, it was the first American Viticultural Area in the state and one of the earliest in the eastern United States. The petition for recognition was initiated by Fenn Valley Vineyards to highlight the area's distinctive climate and soils shaped by the nearby lake. Although it now sits entirely within the larger Lake Michigan Shore AVA, Fennville was recognized first, reflecting its unique identity as a cool-climate growing zone. This early designation helped legitimize Michigan as a serious player in the national wine landscape and paved the way for future AVAs in the region.

 FENNVILLE
 

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HISTORY
 

  • AVA status granted in 1981

  • One of the first AVAs east of the Rockies

  • Submitted by Fenn Valley Vineyards

  • Preceded the Michigan state-wide AVA designation

Fennville AVA is a cornerstone of Michigan wine history. Officially designated in 1981, it was the first American Viticultural Area in the state and one of the earliest in the eastern United States. The petition for recognition was initiated by Fenn Valley Vineyards to highlight the area's distinctive climate and soils shaped by the nearby lake. Although it now sits entirely within the larger Lake Michigan Shore AVA, Fennville was recognized first, reflecting its unique identity as a cool-climate growing zone. This early designation helped legitimize Michigan as a serious player in the national wine landscape and paved the way for future AVAs in the region.

TERROIR 
 

  • SOIL: Deep, sandy glacial soils from ancient lakebeds; low fertility and excellent drainage

  • GDD: Approximately 2,300–2,600 growing degree days per season (cool climate range)

  • RAINFALL: Around 36–40 inches annually, with higher humidity than other MI AVAs

  • ELEVATION: Roughly 600–800 feet above sea level; flatter than northern Michigan AVAs

Fennville AVA is defined by its deep, sandy soils, which were once part of ancient Lake Michigan lakebeds. These soils provide excellent drainage and moderate vigor, making them ideal for quality grape growing. The region’s flat terrain, combined with its location just a few miles from the lake, results in a strong maritime climate that stabilizes temperatures year-round. Compared to surrounding AVAs like Lake Michigan Shore, Fennville tends to be cooler and receive slightly more precipitation, which can influence both grape ripening and disease pressure. This distinct combination of sand, flatland, and lake effect makes Fennville uniquely suited to cold-hardy varieties and aromatic whites.

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WINE STYLE & GRAPE VARIETIES
 

Fennville AVA is best known for its aromatic white wines, fruit-forward hybrids, and sparkling wine potential, shaped by its cooler, lake-moderated climate. Compared to warmer southern Michigan AVAs, Fennville leans into crisp acidity, moderate alcohol, and early-ripening varieties. Its sandy soils and high humidity make it a stronghold for disease-resistant hybrids, but it also supports classic cool-climate vinifera. Producers in the region often specialize in styles like dry Riesling, sparkling wine, and off-dry or semi-sweet expressions of aromatic whites and reds.

WHITE 

  • Riesling (Vitis vinifera)

  • Pinot Gris (Vitis vinifera)

  • Seyval Blanc (Hybrid)

  • Vignoles (Hybrid)

  • Traminette (Hybrid)

  • Cayuga White (Hybrid)

RED ​

  • Pinot Noir (Vitis vinifera)

  • Chambourcin (Hybrid)

  • Maréchal Foch (Hybrid)

  • Frontenac (Hybrid)

  • Baco Noir (Hybrid)

​​

  • Dress in layers: Weather shifts fast near the lake—bring waterproof shoes.

  • Visit Aug–Oct: Ideal for vineyard views, tastings, and harvest season.

  • Reserve ahead: Popular wineries book up on weekends and in fall.

  • Explore local gems: Try u-pick orchards, farm stands, and Saugatuck’s art spots.

  • Bring a picnic: Many wineries have outdoor seating, check if picnic is allowed.

  • Try hybrids: Don’t miss grapes like Chambourcin and Vignoles.

  • Take the backroads: Scenic drives reveal the charm of the region.

TIPS FOR VISITING
 

WINERIES 
 

  • Fenn Valley Vineyards

  • Modales Wines

  • Michigan Wine Company

  • Wyncroft Wine Estate

  • Cogdal Vineyards

  • Glass Creek Winery

  • Fenn Valley Vineyards – Saugatuck TR

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Harvesting Nebbiolo grapes in Serralunga

EVENTS 
 

  • Fenn Valley Wine Festival — June (annually)

  • Vine Wine’d 5K & 1 Mile Run — Early June (annually)

  • sWine Roast at Fenn Valley — July (annually)

  • Summer Evening Cook-Outs — Select Fridays, June through August

  • Winemaker’s Dinners at Fenn Valley — March & November (seasonal)

  • Harvest Festival Weekend — Late September to early October

  • Sip & Shop Artisan Market — November & December (holiday season)

WINE BARS
 

  • Borrowed Time

  • J. Petter Wine Gallery

  • Salt of the Earth

  • Coast 236

  • The Grille at Clearbrook

  • Phil’s Bar & Grille

WINE SHOPS
 

  • Wine Sellers of Saugatuck

  • Liquor Cabinet

  • Lakeshore Convenience

  • The Glenn Store

  • Quick Stop Liquor

  • The Little Store

LAKE MI SHORE

Lake Michigan Shore AVA is the heart of Southwest Michigan wine country. Established in 1983, it is the largest AVA in the state and home to the highest concentration of vineyards and wineries. Its proximity to Lake Michigan creates a distinctive moderating effect, cooling the vineyards in summer and warming them in winter. This extends the growing season and helps protect vines from frost. Although it includes the smaller and earlier-designated Fennville AVA, Lake Michigan Shore stands on its own as a dynamic and diverse region. With a mix of soil types, microclimates, and grape varieties, it has become the engine behind Michigan’s rise as a serious wine-producing state.

LAKE MICHIGAN SHORE
 

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HISTORY
 

  • AVA status granted in 1983

  • Largest AVA in Michigan by area and vineyard concentration

  • Established after the Fennville AVA to recognize broader regional potential

  • Helped define Southwest Michigan as a unified wine-growing region

Lake Michigan Shore AVA holds a significant place in Michigan wine history.

Officially established in 1983, it followed the designation of the smaller Fennville AVA and expanded recognition of the region’s viticultural potential. The broader boundaries were proposed to encompass a wider range of vineyards influenced by the lake’s moderating climate and glacial soils. This AVA helped unify growers across Southwest Michigan under a shared identity while still honoring the area’s diversity. Its creation marked a turning point in the state’s wine development, allowing Michigan to compete more visibly on the national stage and laying the groundwork for continued growth and recognition.

TERROIR 
 

  • SOIL: Varied glacial soils including sandy loam, clay, and gravel; moderate drainage and fertility depending on site

  • GDD: Approximately 2,500–2,800 growing degree days per season (cool to moderate climate range)

  • RAINFALL: Around 30–36 inches annually; moderate humidity with strong lake influence

  • ELEVATION: Generally 600–1,000 feet above sea level; gently rolling terrain with good air flow and frost protection

Lake Michigan Shore AVA is characterized by a varied mix of glacial soils, including sandy loam, clay, and gravel-rich deposits that offer both drainage and water retention depending on the site. The gently rolling topography helps with air circulation and cold air drainage, which is important for frost protection. Just miles from Lake Michigan, the AVA benefits from a strong maritime influence that moderates seasonal extremes, delays spring budbreak, and extends the fall ripening window. These conditions support the cultivation of a wide range of grape varieties, from aromatic whites to structured reds, making it one of Michigan’s most versatile and productive growing areas.

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WINE STYLE & GRAPE VARIETIES
 

Lake Michigan Shore AVA is known for its broad range of wine styles, with a strong focus on structured reds, crisp whites, and traditional method sparkling wines. The region’s moderate climate and extended growing season allow for full ripening of both hybrid and vinifera varieties. Soils and topography vary across the AVA, giving producers flexibility in grape selection and winemaking approach. Popular styles include dry and barrel-aged whites like Chardonnay, fruit-driven reds such as Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and expressive sparkling wines that reflect the lake’s cooling influence.

WHITE 

  • Chardonnay (Vitis vinifera)

  • Riesling (Vitis vinifera)

  • Pinot Gris (Vitis vinifera)

  • Seyval Blanc (Hybrid)

  • Vignoles (Hybrid)

  • Traminette (Hybrid)

  • Vidal Blanc (Hybrid)

RED ​

  • Cabernet Franc (Vitis vinifera)

  • Merlot (Vitis vinifera)

  • Pinot Noir (Vitis vinifera)

  • Chambourcin (Hybrid)

  • Marquette (Hybrid)

  • Regent (Hybrid)

  • Frontenac (Hybrid)

​​

  • Stay lakeside: Base yourself in St. Joseph, South Haven, or Benton Harbor.

  • Beach + wine: Pair tastings with a Lake Michigan beach afternoon.

  • Look for estate-grown: Ask which wines are made from the winery’s own vineyards.

  • Visit during events: Harvest dinners, festivals, and live music are common.

  • Follow the wine trail: Use the Lake MI Shore Wine Trail for a scenic route.

  • Try oak-aged wines: Ask to compare barrel-aged and stainless styles.

  • Support small producers: Discover hidden gems beyond the big names.

TIPS FOR VISITING
 

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Freshly harvested grapes, red wine, dark

WINERIES 
 

  • Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant – Buchanan

  • Round Barn Estate – Baroda

  • Dablon Vineyards & Winery – Baroda

  • Lemon Creek Winery – Berrien Springs

  • Hickory Creek Winery – Buchanan

  • Free Run Cellars – Berrien Springs

  • 12 Corners Vineyards – Benton Harbor

  • Gravity Vineyards & Winery – Baroda

  • Contessa Wine Cellars – Coloma

  • Filkins Vineyards – Coloma

  • Baroda Founders Wine Cellar – Baroda

  • The Vineyard at 12 Corners – South Haven TR

  • Lake Michigan Vintners – Benton Harbor

WINE BARS
 

  • Lazy Ballerina Winery

  • 221 Main – Restaurant & Cocktail House

  • LakeHouse Restaurant & Bar

  • Channel Wine Bar

  • Taste South Haven

EVENTS 
 

  • Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival — June (annually)

  • Art & Wine Festival — Memorial Day Weekend (annually)

  • Unwind in the Vines at Domaine Berrien Cellars — Sundays, June through September

  • Friday Live Music at Lemon Creek Winery — Fridays, June through September

  • Paint & Sip at Filkins Vineyards — Select dates, summer season

  • Lake Michigan Shore Winter Wine Festival — February (annually)

WINE SHOPS
 

  • St. Joe Wine Shoppe

  • Lighthouse Wine Shop

  • Liquor Cabinet

  • The Depot

  • Local Pour

  • Vino 100

  • The Wine Sellers

LEELANAU

Leelanau Peninsula AVA is one of Michigan’s most distinctive wine regions. Officially designated in 1982, it was the second American Viticultural Area established in the state. Nestled between Lake Michigan and the two arms of Grand Traverse Bay, the peninsula benefits from strong lake effect moderation that protects vines from winter damage and extends the growing season. The region’s glacially derived soils—mostly sandy loam and well-drained—combined with rolling hills, create ideal conditions for growing aromatic white varieties like Riesling and Pinot Gris, as well as cool-climate reds like Pinot Noir. The AVA’s recognition helped establish northern Michigan as a legitimate cool-climate winegrowing region and paved the way for future growth throughout the state.

LEELANAU PENINSULA
 

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HISTORY
 

  • AVA status granted in 1982

  • Second AVA established in Michigan

  • Petitioned by local Leelanau winegrowers

  • Preceded the Old Mission and state-wide AVA designations

Leelanau Peninsula AVA is rooted in the early evolution of Michigan’s wine industry. Though grape growing in the region dates back to the mid-20th century, it wasn’t until the 1970s that a handful of pioneering growers—many inspired by European models—began to test the limits of vinifera in this northern climate. Driven by the success of experimental plantings and the moderating influence of Lake Michigan, local vintners pushed for official AVA recognition. In 1982, the Leelanau Peninsula became Michigan’s second federally designated AVA. Its designation marked a turning point: it acknowledged not only the area’s unique glacial soils and microclimate, but also the ambition of a small, dedicated winegrowing community determined to establish northern Michigan as a legitimate wine region. This momentum helped spark further development in the surrounding areas and remains a defining moment in the state’s wine history.

TERROIR 
 

  • SOIL: Well-drained glacial soils composed of sandy loam, with variations including clay, gravel, and limestone-rich subsoils; moderate to low fertility

  • GDD: Approximately 2,300–2,500 growing degree days per season (cool-climate classification)

  • RAINFALL: Averages 30–34 inches annually; humidity moderated by surrounding water bodies

  • ELEVATION: Ranges from 600 to over 1,000 feet above sea level; rolling hills and varied slopes offer diverse mesoclimates

Leelanau Peninsula AVA is characterized by its complex glacial soils—primarily sandy loam with pockets of clay and gravel—that offer excellent drainage and diverse site expression. The peninsula’s hilly topography and elevation create varied microclimates, allowing growers to match grape varieties to specific slopes and exposures. Surrounded by Lake Michigan and the arms of Grand Traverse Bay, the region benefits from a strong lake effect that moderates extreme temperatures, reduces frost risk, and extends the growing season. Compared to more southern AVAs like Lake Michigan Shore, Leelanau experiences a cooler climate with greater diurnal shifts, which supports slower ripening and enhanced aromatic development. This mix of elevation, glacial complexity, and cool-climate conditions makes the AVA especially well-suited to Riesling, Pinot Noir, and other expressive, site-driven varieties.

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WINE STYLE & GRAPE VARIETIES
 

Leelanau Peninsula AVA is known for its high-quality cool-climate vinifera, particularly Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. The region’s long growing season and strong diurnal shifts enhance aromatic intensity and acidity, making it ideal for crisp whites and elegant reds. Compared to southern Michigan AVAs, Leelanau produces wines with more restrained alcohol, vivid acidity, and a strong sense of site. Sparkling wine is also a growing specialty, thanks to the natural acidity and slow ripening. While hybrids are less common than in other AVAs, select plantings of varieties like Vignoles and Marquette also thrive.

WHITE

  • Riesling (Vitis vinifera)

  • Pinot Gris (Vitis vinifera)

  • Chardonnay (Vitis vinifera)

  • Gewürztraminer (Vitis vinifera)

  • Sauvignon Blanc (Vitis vinifera)

  • Vignoles (Hybrid)

  • Traminette (Hybrid)

  • Seyval Blanc (Hybrid)

RED

  • Pinot Noir (Vitis vinifera)

  • Merlot (Vitis vinifera)

  • Blaufränkisch (Vitis vinifera)

  • Cabernet Franc (Vitis vinifera)

  • Regent (Hybrid)

  • Marquette (Hybrid)

  • Frontenac (Hybrid)

​​

  • Layer Up: Morning fog to sunny afternoons is typical

  • Visit Midweek: Quieter tastings and fewer crowds

  • Seek Small Lots: Limited wines unique to each winery

  • Compare Sites: Taste the same grape from different vineyards

  • Try Hybrids: Don’t skip La Crescent or Marquette

  • Add Art Stops: Local galleries are scattered across the peninsula

  • Go in Winter: Ice wine, snowshoeing, and cozy tasting rooms

TIPS FOR VISITING
 

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EVENTS 
 

  • Wine & Cheese Weekend — March 7–9, 2025 (annually)

  • Wine With a Twist — May 2–4, 2025 (annually)

  • Spring Into Summer — May 30–June 1, 2025 (annually)

  • Leland Wine & Food Festival — June 14, 2025 (annually)

  • Suttons Bay Artisan & Wine Walk — June 20, 2025 (annually)

  • Sip & Savor Soirée at Good Harbor Vineyards — July 25, 2025 (annually)

  • LP Harvest Club — Daily throughout September 2025

  • Hunt for the Reds of October — Daily throughout October 2025

  • Toast the Season — First two weekends of November 2025

WINERIES 
 

  • 45 North Vineyard & Winery – Lake Leelanau

  • Amoritas Vineyards – Lake Leelanau

  • Aurora Cellars – Lake Leelanau

  • Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery – Cedar

  • Black Star Farms – Suttons Bay

  • Blustone Vineyards – Lake Leelanau

  • Boathouse Vineyards – Lake Leelanau

  • Shady Lane Cellars – Suttons Bay

  • Chateau Fontaine – Lake Leelanau

  • Ciccone Vineyard & Winery – Suttons Bay

  • Dune Bird Winery – Northport

  • French Valley Vineyard – Cedar

  • Gilchrist Farm Winery – Suttons Bay

  • Good Harbor Vineyards – Lake Leelanau

  • Green Bird Organic Cellars & Farms – Northport

  • Laurentide Winery – Lake Leelanau

  • Leelanau Cellars – Omena

  • L. Mawby Vineyards – Suttons Bay

  • Nathaniel Rose Wines – Suttons Bay

  • Rove Winery at the Gallagher Estate – Traverse City

  • Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery – Suttons Bay

  • Soul Squeeze Cellars – Lake Leelanau

  • Two K Farms – Suttons Bay

  • Verterra Winery – Leland

  • bigLITTLE Wines – Suttons Bay

WINE BARS
 

  • The Tasting Room – Traverse City

  • Left Foot Charley – The Barrel Room

  • Trattoria Stella

  • Forrest, A Food Studio

WINE SHOPS
 

  • Peninsula Provisions

  • Folgarelli’s Market & Wine Shop

  • Lake District Wine Co.

  • The Beverage Company

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OLD MISSION

Old Mission Peninsula AVA is one of Michigan’s most prominent wine regions, officially established in 1987. Located just north of Traverse City, the narrow peninsula stretches into Grand Traverse Bay, creating a unique microclimate ideal for cool-climate grape growing. Surrounded by water on three sides, the region benefits from a longer growing season and protection from frost. Known for its scenic vineyards and high-quality wines, Old Mission has played a key role in the development of Michigan’s wine industry.

OLD MISSION PENINSULA
 

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HISTORY
 

  • AVA status granted in 1987

  • Third AVA established in Michigan

  • Petition led by Chateau Grand Traverse

  • Helped define Michigan as a cool-climate wine region

Old Mission Peninsula AVA holds a significant place in Michigan’s wine history. Officially designated in 1987, it became the third AVA in the state, following Fennville. The petition was led by Edward O’Keefe Jr., founder of Chateau Grand Traverse, who recognized the peninsula’s distinct growing conditions influenced by the surrounding waters of Grand Traverse Bay. His efforts aimed to establish a recognized identity for the region’s cool-climate viticulture, particularly for Riesling and other aromatic varieties. The successful designation underscored the peninsula’s potential and helped elevate Michigan’s profile in the national wine industry, laying the foundation for the state’s modern winemaking reputation.

TERROIR 
 

  • SOIL: Sandy loam over glacial gravel and clay; well-drained with moderate fertility

  • GDD: 2,300–2,600 growing degree days per season (cool climate)

  • RAINFALL: 30–34 inches annually; less humidity than southern Michigan AVAs

  • ELEVATION: 600–850 feet; gently sloping terrain with minimal variation

Old Mission Peninsula AVA is characterized by well-drained glacial soils, primarily sandy loams over gravel and clay, which provide a balanced mix of drainage and water retention ideal for viticulture. What sets Old Mission apart is its narrow, finger-like geography surrounded by Grand Traverse Bay on three sides, creating a powerful lake effect that moderates temperatures in all seasons. This maritime influence reduces frost risk, extends the growing season, and promotes slow, even ripening—especially critical for cool-climate varieties like Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. Compared to nearby Leelanau Peninsula AVA, Old Mission tends to have slightly warmer temperatures and fewer elevation shifts, which can lead to more consistent ripening and slightly bolder fruit expression. This unique convergence of soil, shape, and shoreline helps define Old Mission’s reputation for crisp, aromatic whites and elegant reds.

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WINE STYLE & GRAPE VARIETIES
 

Old Mission Peninsula AVA is known for its high-quality cool-climate vinifera, particularly Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. The region’s slightly warmer temperatures and longer ripening window—thanks to its narrow, water-surrounded geography—allow for more consistent ripeness and concentration than in nearby Leelanau Peninsula, which tends to produce lighter, more delicate wines. Old Mission wines often show brighter fruit, fuller body, and more structure, especially in Riesling and Chardonnay. Dry and off-dry whites dominate, but the region is also gaining recognition for elegant, cool-climate reds and traditional method sparkling wines, with acidity and aromatic clarity remaining key hallmarks.

WHITE 

  • Riesling (Vitis vinifera)

  • Chardonnay (Vitis vinifera)

  • Pinot Gris (Vitis vinifera)

  • Gewürztraminer (Vitis vinifera)

  • Auxerrois (Vitis vinifera)

  • Vignoles (Hybrid)

  • Traminette (Hybrid)

RED ​

  • Pinot Noir (Vitis vinifera)

  • Cabernet Franc (Vitis vinifera)

  • Merlot (Vitis vinifera)

  • Blaufränkisch (Vitis vinifera)

  • Regent (Hybrid)

  • Marquette (Hybrid)

​​

  • Drive the Ridge: M-37 offers stunning vineyard and bay views

  • Book Early: Limited lodging—consider Traverse City stays

  • Sip with a View: Many wineries overlook West Bay

  • Pack a Cooler: Grab small-batch wines sold only on-site

  • Try Riesling Flights: Explore site-driven styles

  • Take It Slow: Winding roads—enjoy the scenic drive

TIPS FOR VISITING
 

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EVENTS 
 

  • Blossom Day — May (annually)

  • Jazz at Sunset — Thursdays, June through August

  • Summer Wine Dinners — June through August

  • Harvest Festival at Chateau Chantal — First Saturday in October

  • Fall Wine Dinners — September through November

  • Winter Warm-Up — January (annually)

  • Winter Wine Pass — December through March

WINERIES 
 

  • 2 Lads Winery

  • Black Star Farms – Old Mission

  • Bonobo Winery

  • Bowers Harbor Vineyards

  • Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery

  • Chateau Chantal

  • Chateau Grand Traverse

  • Hawthorne Vineyards

  • Mari Vineyards

  • Peninsula Cellars

  • Tabone Vineyards

WINE BARS
 

  • The Tasting Room

  • Forrest, A Food Studio

  • Left Foot Charley

  • Trattoria Stella

  • The Little Fleet

WINE SHOPS
 

  • Folgarelli's Market & Wine Shop

  • Blue Goat Wine & Provisions

  • The Beverage Company

  • Geyer's Liquor Store

TIP OF THE MITT

Tip of the Mitt AVA is Michigan’s newest and northernmost recognized wine region. Established in 2016, it spans a broad area along the Lake Michigan shoreline in the northern Lower Peninsula, encompassing towns like Petoskey, Charlevoix, and Harbor Springs. The designation was driven by a collective of local growers aiming to distinguish the region’s emerging identity, shaped by cold-hardy hybrid varieties and a challenging cool-climate environment. While less densely planted than other AVAs, Tip of the Mitt represents a frontier for innovation in Michigan viticulture, where growers are carving out a unique style rooted in resilience and adaptation.

TIP OF THE MITT 
 

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HISTORY
 

  • AVA status granted in 2016

  • First new AVA in Michigan since 1987

  • Petition submitted by the Straits Area Grape Growers Association (SAGGA)

  • Recognized for its cold-hardy hybrids and northern location

Tip of the Mitt AVA represents a new chapter in Michigan’s wine history. Officially recognized in 2016, it was the first new AVA in the state in over three decades and reflects the growing ambitions of northern Michigan winegrowers. The petition was led by the Straits Area Grape Growers Association (SAGGA), a group of producers committed to establishing a regional identity distinct from more established AVAs to the south. Unlike other Michigan regions that focus heavily on Vitis vinifera, Tip of the Mitt’s history is rooted in cold-hardy hybrids like Marquette and Frontenac, which can withstand the harsher winters and shorter growing season. The AVA’s creation marked a formal acknowledgment of the area’s potential and provided a platform for local wineries to market their wines under a shared geographic designation.

TERROIR 
 

  • SOIL: Glacially derived mix of loam, clay, and sand over limestone bedrock; moderate to poor drainage with variable fertility

  • GDD: Approximately 2,000–2,300 growing degree days per season; coldest of Michigan’s AVAs

  • RAINFALL: Around 32–38 inches annually, with notable humidity and increased frost risk

  • ELEVATION: Typically 600–1,000 feet above sea level

Tip of the Mitt AVA is characterized by its glacially formed soils, which include a mix of loam, clay, and sand over limestone bedrock. These soils retain moisture well and can present moderate drainage challenges, requiring careful site selection. The terrain is gently rolling, and while the region sits near Lake Michigan, its distance from the open water reduces the moderating lake effect found in more southern AVAs. This results in a shorter growing season, cooler average temperatures, and a higher risk of frost. What sets Tip of the Mitt apart is its reliance on cold-hardy hybrid grapes like Marquette and Frontenac, which are specifically bred to survive harsh winters and ripen early. This terroir, defined by colder temperatures, shorter seasons, and resilient soils, shapes a distinctive style of Michigan wine that differs significantly from the vinifera-focused regions to the south.

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WINE STYLE & GRAPE VARIETIES
 

Tip of the Mitt AVA is defined by its focus on cold-hardy hybrid varieties, which thrive in the region’s short growing season and colder climate. Unlike southern Michigan AVAs that emphasize vinifera, Tip of the Mitt specializes in hybrids bred for winter resilience and early ripening. Grapes like Marquette, Frontenac, La Crescent, and Prairie Star dominate plantings, producing wines with bright acidity, pronounced aromatics, and moderate alcohol. Red wines tend to show tart cherry, bramble, and spice notes, while whites lean toward floral, citrus, and tropical profiles. Sparkling wine and rosé are gaining traction due to the natural acidity of the fruit, and producers often experiment with barrel aging and blending to add depth and structure to these cold-climate styles.

WHITE

  • La Crescent (Hybrid)

  • Prairie Star (Hybrid)

  • Cayuga White (Hybrid)

  • Brianna (Hybrid)

  • Seyval Blanc (Hybrid)

  • Louise Swenson (Hybrid)

RED​

  • Marquette (Hybrid)

  • Frontenac (Hybrid)

  • Frontenac Gris (Hybrid)

  • Petite Pearl (Hybrid)

  • St. Croix (Hybrid)

  • Sabrevois (Hybrid)

  • Mind the frost pockets: Some tasting rooms sit in lower-lying areas prone to early morning chill—bring an extra layer even on sunny days.

  • Ask about barrel programs: Many hybrid producers here are experimenting with oak aging to add complexity—don’t skip the reds.

  • Look for pét-nats and sparkling rosé: High acidity in the region’s grapes makes it ideal for experimental bubbly styles—some producers release small-batch pét-nats.

  • Support micro-wineries: With small-scale production, you may be tasting wines you can’t find outside the region—buy what you like while you're there.

  • Ask about winter survival stories: Growers here often have tales of deep freezes and survival—it's part of the AVA’s identity and resilience.

  • Look beyond the lake: Unlike Leelanau or Old Mission, not every vineyard here has a lakeside view—the focus is on terroir, not tourism.

  • Expect eclectic tasting rooms: From restored barns to farms with goats and maple syrup, the experience is rustic and personal—lean into it.

TIPS FOR VISITING
 

WINERIES 
 

  • 1918 Cellars at Castle Farms​

  • Boyne Valley Vineyards

  • Cellar 1914

  • Crooked Vine Vineyard & Winery

  • Folklor Wine & Cider

  • Mackinaw Trail Winery

  • Maple Moon Sugarbush & Winery

  • Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery

  • Pond Hill Farm Winery

  • Resort Pike Cidery & Winery

  • Rudbeckia Farm Winery & Burnt Marshmallow Brewstillery

  • Seasons of the North Winery

  • Spare Key Winery

  • Walloon Lake Winery

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EVENTS 
 

  • Petoskey Uncorked — May 17, 2025

  • Michigan Wine Exploration Class: Tip of the Mitt AVA — May 27, 2025

  • SAGGA Summer Vineyard Management Meeting — June 10, 2025

  • Tunes at Walloon — Thursdays, June through August (annually)

  • Artists Market at Walloon Lake Winery — July 6 & August 31, 2025

  • DAYFEST at Dennis Farms — August 10, 2025

  • SAGGA Harvest Time Meeting — August 19, 2025

  • SAGGA Annual Meeting and Harvest Celebration — December 2, 2025

  • Vintage Chophouse | Wine Bar – Bay Harbor

  • Vue Wine Bar – Charlevoix

  • Pour Kitchen & Bar – Petoskey

  • Sip – Bay Harbor

  • Provisions Lounge – Boyne City

  • Chandler's – A Restaurant – Petoskey

  • Palette Bistro – Petoskey

WINE BARS
 

WINE SHOPS
 

  • Symons General Store – Petoskey

  • Toski Sands Market & Wine Shop – Petoskey

  • Provisions Wine Market and Deli – Boyne City

  • Esperance Wine & Food Market – Charlevoix

  • Sip Wine – Bay Harbor

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viticulture

the vines.

enology

the wine.

culture

the background.

lifestyle

the experience.

industry

the business. 

EXPLORE MORE OF MI WINE
 

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