🍷 The Best Wineries and Distilleries in Northern Michigan
There’s something special about fall in Northern Michigan — the air turns crisp, the maples glow red, and the lakes shimmer under golden light. It’s the perfect time to explore what locals already know: this region has quietly become one of the best places in the country for wine, cider, and craft spirits.
From Charlevoix and Boyne City to Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Traverse City, and the Leelanau Peninsula, every stop offers incredible scenery, welcoming people, and drinks made right here in the north.
Below, you’ll find a full guide to the best wineries, distilleries, and cideries in Northern Michigan — followed by a complete city-by-city list at the bottom for easy reference. Every one of these spots is open to the public and perfect for enjoying fall colors.
🍇 Charlevoix – Where Wine Meets the Water
Charlevoix might be known for its harbor views and mushroom houses, but it’s also home to some of the most charming vineyards in Michigan.
Start at Folklor Wine & Cider, where everything is grown and fermented on-site. Their dry ciders and bright white wines capture the purest taste of the 45th parallel — crisp, clean, and balanced.
Then stop at Lost Cellars, tucked into the hills north of town, known for small-batch, award-winning wines that reflect Charlevoix’s cool nights and lake influence.
Spare Key Winery keeps things personal — the owners planted the vines themselves and still pour most tastings. Expect estate-grown reds and whites in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Finish at Blu Dot Farm & Vineyard, with panoramic views stretching between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Their rosé and crisp whites are as good as the view itself.
For something different, visit Royal Farms Cellars in nearby Ellsworth. It’s a century-old family farm turned winery and cidery, crafting delicious fruit wines and small-batch hard ciders straight from their orchards.
🍷 Boyne City – Vineyard Views and Northern Spirits
The hills between Boyne City and Walloon Lake are ideal for vineyards, and Boyne Valley Vineyards proves it. Their timber-frame barn and outdoor decks overlook acres of vines, with treehouse tastings in summer and heated igloos in winter.
A short, scenic drive away in Central Lake, Mammoth Distilling produces grain-to-glass spirits — from lavender gin to rich barrel-aged whiskey — and serves them in a warm, rustic tasting room that feels like pure Northern Michigan.
🍁 Petoskey – The Heart of the Petoskey Wine Trail
Petoskey anchors the Tip of the Mitt AVA, one of Michigan’s newest and fastest-growing wine regions. Cold-hardy grapes thrive here, and local producers are turning heads with creative techniques and unique flavors.
Start with Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery for unbeatable vineyard views and crowd-favorite wines like their Joyful Red and Alpine Blanc.
Next, head to Maple Moon Sugarbush & Winery, America’s first maple winery, where maple sap becomes smooth, golden wine and zesty hard cider.
At Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery, enjoy estate-grown wines and craft beer on a hillside patio that glows during sunset.
For cider lovers, Resort Pike Cidery & Winery pours over 20 rotating flavors — from dry apple and cherry blends to spiced seasonal releases — all made with local fruit.
And for spirits, Gypsy Distillery near Bay Harbor is a must-stop destination. It’s the production home of Gypsy Vodka and Petoskey Stone Gin, featuring a full cocktail garden and live music on fall weekends.
🌾 Harbor Springs – Hillside Wines and Farmhouse Fun
Harbor Springs offers the perfect mix of countryside charm and coastal beauty.
Pond Hill Farm is both winery and cidery, serving blueberry cider and cold-climate wines alongside farm-fresh meals, hayrides, and live music under twinkling lights.
In nearby Alanson, Crooked Vine Vineyard & Winery offers stunning hilltop views and wines made from cold-hardy Northern Michigan grapes.
Finish your visit at Seasons of the North Winery near Burt Lake — a cozy, family-run tasting room known for approachable, Michigan-grown wines and a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere.
🥃 Traverse City – Wine, Whiskey, and Bay Views
The Old Mission Peninsula, just north of Traverse City, is a must for wine lovers.
Visit Chateau Chantal for sweeping bay views and elegant Rieslings, and Brys Estate for estate-grown reds and crisp sparkling rosé.
Mari Vineyards, founded by Marty Lagina, pushes northern winemaking limits with Italian varietals like Sangiovese and Nebbiolo — grown using innovative geothermal techniques.
Back downtown, Traverse City’s craft spirit scene shines bright. Grand Traverse Distillery crafts rye, bourbon, and cherry whiskey from local grain, while Traverse City Whiskey Co. has earned national recognition as “The Whiskey of the North.”
🍏 Leelanau Peninsula – Wine Country at Its Peak
The Leelanau Peninsula is the crown jewel of Michigan’s wine country, with over two dozen wineries and cideries surrounded by Lake Michigan views and winding M-22 drives.
Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay offers the full experience — a winery, inn, restaurant, and equestrian estate producing world-class Pinot Noir and Riesling.
L. Mawby perfected Michigan’s sparkling wines, serving approachable bubbles in a laid-back tasting room that embodies Leelanau charm.
45 North Vineyard & Winery and Good Harbor Vineyards deliver classic, crowd-pleasing wines, while Tandem Ciders and Two K Farms showcase the region’s apple heritage through crisp, dry, small-batch ciders that taste like fall in a glass.
🌅 Bonus: Mackinac Island – A Sweet Finish
You won’t find vineyards here, but Mackinac Island Rum Co. is worth the ferry ride. Run by the team behind Gypsy Vodka, their fudge-infused spiced rum is as unique as it sounds — and somehow perfectly fits the island’s nostalgic charm.
🍂 The Complete List — By City
Charlevoix
- Folklor Wine & Cider
- Lost Cellars
- Spare Key Winery
- Blu Dot Farm & Vineyard
- Royal Farms Cellars
Boyne City / Central Lake
- Boyne Valley Vineyards
- Mammoth Distilling
Petoskey / Bay Harbor / Walloon Lake
- Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery
- Maple Moon Sugarbush & Winery
- Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery
- Resort Pike Cidery & Winery
- Gypsy Distillery
- Walloon Lake Winery
Harbor Springs / Alanson / Burt Lake
- Pond Hill Farm Winery & Cidery
- Crooked Vine Vineyard & Winery
- Seasons of the North Winery
Traverse City (Old Mission)
- Chateau Chantal
- Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
- Mari Vineyards
- Grand Traverse Distillery
- Traverse City Whiskey Co.
Leelanau Peninsula
- Black Star Farms
- L. Mawby / MAWBY Sparkling
- 45 North Vineyard & Winery
- Good Harbor Vineyards
- Tandem Ciders
- Two K Farms Cidery & Winery
- Chateau Fontaine
- Verterra Winery
Mackinac Island
- Mackinac Island Rum Co.
🍾 Final Pour
Whether you’re sipping cider under golden maples, tasting wine on a hillside, or sampling small-batch whiskey by the bay, Northern Michigan’s craft beverage scene captures everything that makes this place so special — local pride, endless beauty, and a deep appreciation for good company.
Cheers to the 45th parallel. 🍷
