25+ Best Leelanau Peninsula Wineries (Traverse City)

If you’re looking for a wine-tasting adventure, the Leelanau Peninsula and Traverse City areas are some of the best places to go. The Leelanau Peninsula is known for its world-class vineyards, and the Traverse City area has some excellent wineries as well. Let’s not forget about the best Old Mission Peninsula Wineries also in the area.

Exploring the best wineries in Northwest Michigan can be a lot of fun, but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. There are dozens of wineries in the Leelanau Peninsula and Traverse City areas, and it can be hard to decide which ones to visit.

There are two wine loops in Northern Michigan. The first wine loop extends north of M-204, where North Lake Leelanau and South Lake Leelanau meet to Northport, Michigan.

The second wine loop is south of m-204 and extends along the Grand Traverse Bay coastline and as far west as Glen Arbor, Michigan.

We’ve organized these wine trails in a way that makes reference easy for you. Here are some of the best wineries in the Leelanau Peninsula and Traverse City areas, based on our expert opinion.

Best Leelanau Peninsula Wineries: Northern Loop

Being able to explore some of the best wineries in the Leelanau Peninsula is a treat. The area is home to many world-class vineyards, and there are plenty of excellent wineries to choose from.

Blustone Vineyards

Located on 40 acres off M-204, Bluestone is one of the newer vineyards in the area. The vineyard was planted in 2006, and the tasting room opened in 2011. The vineyard features a wide variety of wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and more.

You’ll also love the modern, industrial tasting room with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offer stunning views of the vineyard. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their wines, and they’re always happy to help you find the perfect wine for your taste.

Address: 780 N. Sylt Road, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

Website: Blustone Vineyards

Phone Number: 231-256-0146

45 North Vineyard & Winery

Located on the 45th Parallel (hence the name), 45 North is one of the most famous wineries in the area. Its rustic barn tasting room sits atop the outskirts of the 35 acres of vineyards, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The vineyard features a variety of wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and more.

Address: 8580 E. Horn Road, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

Website: 45 North Vineyard & Winery

Phone Number: 231-271-9463

Aurora Cellars

Known as a boutique winery, Aurora Cellars is located on secluded acreage off M-22. The vineyard is planted with Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir grapes and the small production wines are only available at the tasting room.

The intimate setting of the tasting room makes it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine. The venue is also used for small weddings. Enjoy specialty wines from the winery, such as Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, while entertaining up to 300 people for your wedding.

Address: 7788 E. Horn Road, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

Website: Aurora Cellars

Phone Number: 231-994-3188

Tandem Ciders

Located in Suttons Bay, Michigan, Tandem Ciders is a great place to visit if you’re looking for something a little different. The cidery produces small-batch artisan ciders made from Michigan apples.

The tasting room is located in an old, converted barn, and it’s the perfect place to try a flight of cider or grab a pint to enjoy on the outdoor patio. The cidery also offers tours of the production facility, so you can learn more about how the cider is made.

If you’re feeling guilty about leaving your dog at home while sampling local wines and ciders, you don’t have to. Tandem Ciders is one of the only pet-friendly cideries in the area, so feel free to bring your four-legged friend along for fun.

Address: 2055 N. Setterbo Road, Suttons Bay, MI 49652

Website: Tandem Ciders

Phone Number: 231-271-0050

French Valley Vineyard at the Vineyard Inn

Located on the shores of the Grand Traverse Bay Loop, French Valley Vineyard is one of the most scenic wineries in the area. The vineyard is planted with Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Merlot grapes, and the wines are available for tasting in the on-site tasting room.

The Vineyard Inn is a great place to stay if you’re looking for somewhere to relax after a day of wine tasting. Take in amazing views on the beach of Lake Michigan while enjoying a drink or a glass of award-winning wine.

Address: 1338 N. Pebble Beach Dr., Suttons Bay, MI 49652

Website: French Valley Vineyard at the Vineyard Inn

Phone Number: 231-866-1010

image of a flight of wine glasses in traverse city leelanau peninsula winery

Nathaniel Rose Wines at Raftshol Vineyards

Located on the eastern coast of the Leelanau Peninsula, Raftshol Vineyards is a beautiful place to visit for wine tasting. The vineyard is planted with Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Merlot grapes, and the wines are available for tasting in the on-site tasting room.

Nathaniel Rose Wines is a small production winery that is also located at Raftshol Vineyards. The wines are only available for tasting at the vineyard, so make sure to try them while you’re there.

Address: 1865 N. West Bay Shore Drive, Suttons Bay, MI 49652

Website: Nathaniel Rose Wines at Raftshol Vineyards

Phone Number: 231-271-5650

Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery

If you are looking for Cherry wine from local cherries, look no further than Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery. The vineyard is located in the heart of Michigan’s cherry belt, and it produces a variety of cherry wines, including sweet, semi-sweet, and dry.

The vineyard was previously a farm that was converted for growing grapes that produce Michigan dessert wine, sparkling wine, and cherry wine.

Address: 11087 E. Silver Leaf Farm Road, Suttons Bay, MI 49652

Website: Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery

Phone Number: 231-271-3111

Leelanau Wine Cellars

One of the most beautiful Michigan wineries in all of the Grand Traverse Bay and Leelanau Peninsula, Leelanau Wine Cellars has an extensive list of red, white, and blush wines.

The picturesque vineyard is planted with Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The stunning setting is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the incredible waterfront views from their modern building and tasting rooms.

Perhaps you’re boating on the East Grand Traverse Bay and want to experience this winery? No problem, as there are boat docks right on site!

If you’re looking for a place to stay while visiting Leelanau Wine Cellars, consider the on-site Bed & Breakfast. The Inn at Blackberry Farm offers six guest rooms that overlook the vineyards and surrounding countryside.

Address: 5019 N.W. Bayshore Drive (M22), Omena, MI 49674

Website: Leelanau Wine Cellars

Phone Number: 231-386-5201

Green Bird Organic Cellars & Farms

An organic winery located on 67 acres, Green Bird Farms, is one of the unique Michigan wineries. The family-owned and operated farm grows organic grapes, as well as other fruits and vegetables.

The wines are produced using sustainable farming practices, and they’re available for tasting in the on-site tasting room. In addition to wine, the farm also produces a variety of other products, including honey, maple syrup, and jam.

I’ve tasted some of their ciders. Some are filtered with cheesecloth, and they are fantastic!
The tasting room offers amazing views of rolling hills, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine after a day of exploring the farm.

Address: 9825 Engles Road, Northport, MI 49670

Website: Green Bird Organic Cellars & Farms

Phone Number: 231-386-5636

Verterra Winery

Located one block from Lake Michigan in Leeannau, Verterra Winery is a great place to visit for wine tasting. The vineyard is unique as it’s a 3-year consecutive winner for the “Best Dry White Wine” in the State of Michigan. That’s never happened in the 35-year history of the Michigan Wine Competition.

erterra Winery is very proud of their streak, and the award-winning wines are available for tasting in the on-site tasting room, or you can purchase a bottle.

Address: 103 E. River Street, Leland, MI 49654

Website: Verterra Winery

Phone Number: 231-256-2115

Best Leelanau Peninsula Wineries: Southern Loop (Sleeping Bear Loop Wine Trail)

There are also a good number of wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula that are S of M-22. These wineries below are located between Glen Arbor and West of S. Lake Leelanau. This area and the wine trail are often referred to as the “Sleeping Bear Loop”; however, a majority of the wineries are located off of M-22.

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is just W of the wineries and offers amazing vistas, dune climbs, freshwater lakes to swim in, and miles of pristine beaches to explore. After your wine tours, it can be a breathtaking place to spend some time.

Cherry Republic

Located off the beaten path, Cherry Republic is one of the most popular places to visit on the Leelanau Peninsula. The family-friendly farm is home to a variety of animals, including goats, pigs, chickens, and rabbits. The farm also grows cherries, apples, and grapes.

In addition to being a working farm, Cherry Republic is also a restaurant, bakery, and cafe. The food is all made with fresh ingredients from the farm, and it’s available for tasting in the on-site cafe. The bakery offers a variety of cherry pies, as well as other pastries and baked goods.

The farm also has a retail store where you can purchase cherry products, as well as other Michigan-made products.

Cherry Republic is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a unique farm experience.

Address: 6026 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI 49636

Website: Cherry Republic

Phone Number: 231-334-3150

Good Harbor Vineyards

Located a few miles south of Leeland, Good Harbor Vineyards has been family-farmed since 1980. Their winery specialty is sparkling wines and white wines on their 150 acres of land on the Leelanau peninsula.
The vineyards are beautiful, and the tasting room offers a variety of wines to sample.

Address: 34 S. Manitou Trail (M22), Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

Website: Good Harbor Vineyards

Phone Number: 231-256-7165

Chateau Fontaine

The highly rated Chateau Fontaine is a family-owned winery that specializes in French-style wines with 27 acres of grapes. It was originally a potato farm. Today, it’s home to many types of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot, Gris, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Auxorrais, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc.

Address: 2290 S. French Road, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

Website: Chateau Fontaine

Phone Number: 231-256-0000

Laurentide Winery

A boutique-specialized winery located on the 45th Parallel (the halfway point between the North Pole and the Equator), Laurentide Winery is a great place to visit for wine lovers. The winery produces a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines, as well as cider.

The tasting room offers a variety of wines to sample, as well as a selection of cheese and charcuterie.
The vineyard also has a beautiful patio where you can enjoy a glass of wine and take in the stunning views of rolling hills. You may be able to catch a glimpse of N. Lake Leelanau or Lake Michigan from the vineyard views.

Address: 56 S. French Road, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

Website: Laurentide Winery

Phone Number: 231-994-2147

Amoritas Vineyards

Located in Leelanau County, Amoritas Vineyards provides wine tasting, local food, and snacks and specialize in white wines. On display is art from local painters, and you can enjoy the views of vineyards and fruit trees from their outdoor seating.

There is also an on-site retail shop where you can purchase a variety of Michigan-made products, as well as Amoritas Vineyards’ own wines.

Address: 6701 E Duck Lake Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

Website: Amoritas Vineyards

Phone Number: 231-944-2300

Boathouse Vineyards

If buying a bottle of wine and wine tasting by boat on the Leelanau Peninsula sounds like your idea of a good time, then you’ll want to check out Boathouse Vineyards.

The vineyard offers boat slips for easy access by boat. So, if you are coming from the old mission peninsula to Leelanau County, you can dock your boat and enjoy a refreshing glass of wine.

The vineyard also has a tasting room where you can sample a variety of wines, as well as a retail shop where you can purchase bottles of wine to take with you.

Address: 115 N. St. Mary’s Street, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

Website: Boathouse Vineyards

Phone Number: 231-256-7115

Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery

If lake views are your thing, consider Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery. The vineyard is located on the shores of Lake Leelanau and offers stunning views of the water.

These wines are made from family-owned wine grapes and vineyards. The tasting room offers a variety of wines to sample, as well.

Address: 6530 S. Lake Shore Drive, Cedar, MI 49621

Website: Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery

Phone Number: 231-228-4800

Best Leelanau Peninsula Wineries Southern Loop (Grand Traverse Bay Loop Wine Trail)

The third wine trail located on the Leelanau Peninsula is the Southern Loop of the Grand Traverse Bay Wine Trail. This wine trail features eight different wineries, all located within a few miles of each other.

Each of these wineries offers something unique, so be sure to check them out if you’re looking for a great wine-tasting experience on the Leelanau Peninsula.

Rove Estate

Rove Estate is a winery that specializes in sustainable, small-batch production of red and white wines. The vineyard offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The modern tasting room offers floor-to-ceiling windows and a variety of wines to sample.

Be sure to hike the Rove Point Trail to experience Leelanau Peninsula’s highest point and take in the breathtaking views.

Address: 7007 E. Traverse Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684

Website: Rove Estate

Phone Number: 231-421-7001

Shady Lane Cellars

Located between Lake Leelanau and West Grand Traverse Bay, Shady Lane Cellars, located in Suttons Bay, is a family-owned and operated vineyard that specializes in small-batch, award-winning wines. Shady Lane Cellars offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan, as well as a variety of wines to sample in the tasting room.

Address: 9580 Shady Lane, Suttons Bay, MI 49652

Website: Shady Lane Cellars

Phone Number: 231-947-8865

Chateau de Leelanau

(PERMANENTLY CLOSED)

From family-owned vineyards, Chateau de Leelanau specializes in producing sparkling wines from local fruits grown. Unfortunately, this winery is permanently closed. You can check the status of the winery and reach out to the owner on their Facebook page.

Address: 5048 S.W. Bayshore Drive, Suttons Bay, MI 49652

Website: Chateau de Leelanau

Phone Number: 231-271-8888

Willow Vineyards

Established in 1992, Willow Vineyards offers 12 acres of vineyards with a variety of vines. The winery located in Suttons Bay has a tasting room where you can sample their wines.

Address: 10702 E. Hilltop Road, Suttons Bay, MI 49652

Website: Willow Vineyards

Phone Number: 231-271-4810

Ciccone Vineyard & Winery

A Suttons Bay favorite, Ciccone Vineyard & Winery is also a popular wedding venue destination. The family-owned vineyard is set on rolling hills with beautiful views of Lake Leelanau. The European-style tasting room offers a variety of red and white wines to sample, as well as a retail shop where you can purchase bottles of wine to take home with you.

Rumor has it (well, according to Susan B. From Chicago!), this is Madonna’s Family’s winery, and maybe you too could catch an A-list celebrity sighting.

Address: 10343 E. Hilltop Road, Suttons Bay, MI 49652

Website: Ciccone Vineyard & Winery

Phone Number: 231-271-5553

Mawby Vineyards & Winery

If you are looking for something to do on Thursday evenings, check out Mawby Vineyards & Winery’s popular Sunset Sips.

This winery is known for sparkling wine. Stop for a drink and taste wine by the flight, bottle, or glass here. Food is also available as well in their tasting rooms for pairing. Kids are welcome as long as they stay seated and remain with your party.

Address: 4519 S. Elm Valley Road, Suttons Bay, MI 49652

Website: Mawby Vineyards & Winery

Phone Number: 231-271-3522

Two K Farms

Two K Farms is known more for ciders, especially barrel-aged ciders, but they do have a small vineyard and produce wine as well. The cidery is family-friendly, with games and a large lawn for the kids to play on while you enjoy a glass of wine or cider.

The majority of the ciders produced at Two K Farms are dry, but they do offer a variety of semi-sweet and sweet ciders, as well. The tasting room offers a variety of ciders to sample, including French, English, and American Colonial ciders. There’s also a retail shop where you can purchase bottles of cider to take home with you.

Address: 3890 SW Bay Shore Dr., Suttons Bay, MI 49652

Website: Two K Farms

Phone Number: 231-866-4241

Black Star Farms

Black Star Farms is not only on Old Mission Peninsula but also on Suttons Bay on Leelanau Peninsula. Their winery is known for many things, such as an exceptional wedding venue, farm-to-table dining with amazing food, and of course, wine. The vineyard offers a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines to sample in the tasting room.

You can experience all of that above at a winery not far from downtown Traverse City.

Address: 10844 E. Revold Road, Suttons Bay, MI 49652

Website: Black Star Farms

Phone Number: 231-944-1270

Michigan Leelanau Peninsula Wineries Wrap Up

Just minutes north of downtown Traverse City, the Leelanau Peninsula is a stunning stretch of Michigan vineyard coastline. The peninsula is home to over 25 different wineries, many with tasting rooms overlooking Lake Michigan.

Those mentioned above are some of the best wineries the Leelanau Peninsula has to offer, but there are many more worth exploring. So, grab a friend or two and hit the road for a day (or two) of wine tasting in Michigan.