3 Wineries for Spring Sipping in Petoskey Area

Having been of the legal drinking age for well over a decade, I have experienced my fair share of wine tastings. But, to be honest, I never would’ve considered this northern Midwest region ideal for grape growing or anything vineyard-related. The Mitten State producing vino and some exceptional vintages was never on my NoMI bingo card.

Michigan is home to five distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVA), with the Tip of the Mitt AVA entering the fray in July 2016 as the newest and largest AVA in the state, encompassing 2,760 square miles in Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, and Presque Isle counties.

Not having a horticultural heart or a green thumb, I wouldn’t have expected our region’s cooler climate and lake-effect microclimate to be perfect for growing grapes, but here we are, acknowledging that Michigan yields hybrid grape varieties that give us tasty Marquette, Petite Pearl, Frontenac Noir, Riesling, and Cayuga varietals.

The Tip of the Mitt AVA includes the Petoskey Wine Region and its 14 wineries, spanning from Central Lake to Alanson, making for a fun adventure of traveling around the Little Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan coastal region to try a variety of tannin-laced tastes.

Now that we’ve gotten the background portion out of the way, here are some wineries I suggest sampling this spring.

 

Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery | Petoskey

3423 US Hwy 131 | Petoskey, Michigan 49770

Located on the south end of town, past Meijer (I think landmarks are helpful), is a sprawling scene beyond a large red barn—Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery.

A family-owned business founded in 2004, this winery and tasting room is the focal point amongst 30 acres of rolling hills, including 15 acres of grape-producing vines, and is one of several establishments belonging to the enterprise. One of the state’s most awarded and recognized wineries, Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery proudly produces wines and brews crafted exclusively with crops grown and processed on-site.

There’s a spacious indoor tasting room with a long bar and tables, as well as a covered patio for en plein air sipping. On my two occasions as a patron, I sat outside enjoying beautiful late summer sunshine, snacks, and flights ranging from dry to sweet. An elderly Golden Retriever also visited my table, which was a special treat.

My favorite taste was the 2019 Estate Petite Pearl. With its full body (something I’m fond of in a red) and touch of pepper, this varietal encourages slow sipping and savoring.

 

Boyne Valley Vineyards | Petoskey

05325 US 131 South | Petoskey, Michigan 49770

Situated between Petoskey and Walloon Lake (not far from Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery), Boyne Valley Vineyards is one winery that I’m dying to visit.

Per co-owner Mary Ann Mahaney, the tasting room opened its doors in 2019 and has grown in the years since, as have the business’ offerings. Attached to the airy and open boutique tasting room, complete with garage doors to open during nice weather, is a treehouse—you heard me right—covered by a canopy of trees that gives sippers gorgeous views of the vineyard and the surrounding woodland area.

Additional amenities on the property include an outdoor cigar bar, heated igloos and a teepee, trails for hiking and snowshoeing, live music and entertainment, and ample outdoor seating for fun, leisurely gatherings.

Boyne Valley Vineyards offers dry to sweet whites and reds, rosés, mead, and hard cider, with some of their most popular wines being their Estate Marquette, Alpine Blanc, and Foxhole Red.

I am so intrigued by the treehouse setting, which would be beautiful during any season, that this winery is on my shortlist for visiting, and I hope it’s on your list, too!

 

Walloon Lake Winery | Petoskey

3149 Intertown Road | Petoskey, Michigan 49770

A scenic setting off Intertown Road, Walloon Lake Winery provides a cozy indoor setting during the off-season with outdoor patio access for the warmer seasons.

In February, a friend and I met at this tasting room for a flight and cozy fireside chat (there’s a wood-burning fireplace) post-workday, and honestly, it was the perfect spot. With lots of natural light, warm-wood paneled walls, a small bar, and cute seating options, this was a welcoming and intimate location. There was also a community puzzle.

Part of a four-generation farm, Walloon Lake Winery’s grape-growing journey started in 2012, with the tasting room officially opening in 2015. The proprietors craft award-winning wines from locally grown grapes—including their on-site grown varieties—and I found two wines that spoke to my palate during my tasting.

First is the Randalls Point Red, an off-dry wine that harbors a pinch of sugar and both plum and lavender aromatics that gave me an experience of warmth and freshness. I won’t be offended if you don’t trust my judgment; however, this wine was indeed a Silver Medal recipient at the Michigan Wine Competition.

Second is the End of the Pike Peach, a sweet sparkling wine that tastes like peak summer—warm starry nights and sunkissed skin. Need a second opinion or several? According to Walloon Lake Winery’s website, this is a crowd favorite, so it’s not just me.

Highlighting these three wineries and tasting rooms is me just skimming the surface of the Petoskey Wine Region and the Tip of the Mitt AVA. There are several others I’m looking forward to trying out, including Maple Moon Sugarbush & Winery of Petoskey, Cellar 1914 of Central Lake, and Lost Cellars of Charlevoix. For a complete list of area wineries, visit Petoskey Wine Region and plot your spring wine-tasting course today—maybe I’ll see you during your next flight!

 

About the Author: Alex Dailey is a long-time Northern Michigan resident who happily calls Petoskey home. When she isn’t at her computer writing and editing, you can find her taste-testing craft cocktails, patronizing downtown shops (especially bookstores), and participating in as many local literary events as possible. She looks forward to sharing her Petoskey Area favorites with you!