19 places every Michigan wine lover should visit

By Metro Times Staff on Fri, Apr 8, 2016 at 8:10 pm

With more than 120 wineries listed on the official website of the Michigan wine industry, there's no shortage of places for wine lovers to visit, but usually southeast Michigan is absent from wine-lover destination lists. That's why we searched for all the great spots within driving distance of Detroit because hey, you don't always want to have to take a long road trip to experience the Mitten’s booming wine scene. From an emerging wine trail in the Thumb to vineyards sprinkled across the Irish Hills, there are plenty of places to sip local wines right here in southeast Michigan.

We rounded up a bunch of our favorites, let us know what you think!

By Colleen Kowalewski

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3 North Vines, Croswell
Located near the shores of Lake Huron, not far from the charming town of Lexington, 3 North Vines offers a range of wines from sweet whites to dry Spanish and South African style reds. Part of the Thumbs Up Wine Trail.
(Photo Credit: 3 North Vines via Yelp)

Burgdorf’s Winery, Haslett
Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you - this mid-century home is really Burgdorf’s year-round tasting room, where visitors can sample seasonal fruit wines in addition to more conventional varieties. Part of the Pioneer Wine Trail.
(Photo Credit: James B. via Yelp)

Chateau Aeronautique, Jackson
Home to hangers as well as a tasting room, this high-flying Jackson area vineyard blends the vintner’s passion for flying with the craft of winemaking. Part of the Pioneer Wine Trail.
(Photo Credit: Erin K. via Yelp)

Cherry Creek Winery, Brooklyn
A historic one-room schoolhouse is home to this quaint winery and tasting room, where visitors can sample the wines made by a fourth-generation vintner paired with other gourmet treats including freshly made fudge and locally roasted coffee. Part of the Pioneer Wine Trail.
(Photo Credit: J. B. via Yelp)

Dizzy Daisy Winery, Bad Axe
With more than 50 varieties of wine that include unusual flavors such as rhubarb and elderberry, this Thumb area winery is a true original. And with complimentary tastings, you can be as adventurous as you like and still know you’re going home with the perfect bottle. Part of the Thumbs Up Wine Trail.
(Photo Credit: Dizzy Daisy Winery via Facebook)

Fieldstone Winery, Rochester
This urban winery and tasting room in Downtown Rochester bills itself as a “wine snob free zone”, with helpful staff on hand to assist visitors in choosing just the right wine for their tastes. Part of the Thumbs Up Wine Trail.
(Photo Credit: Fieldstone Winery via Yelp)

Filipo Marc Winery, Clinton Township
What could be better than more than 70 varieties of wine from a single urban winery? Making your own wine in the winery’s small-scale production area before enjoying the tasting room. Part of the Thumbs Up Wine Trail.
(Photo Credit: Laura P. via Yelp)

Flying Otter Vineyard, Adrian
With a focus on sustainability and grape varieties adapted to the local climate, this Adrian winery produces several uncommon varieties of wine that won’t be found at every stop on the trail. Part of the Pioneer Wine Trail.
(Photo Credit: Reese F. via Yelp)

Grand River Brewery, Jackson
The folks at Grand River Brewery know their spirits. In addition to a full line of wine, from dry reds to bubbly dessert wines, this Jackson stop is also a brewery and distillery and also has a full restaurant menu. (Photo Credit: Nathan L. via Yelp)

Green Barn Winery, Smiths Creek
A hidden gem just minutes from I-94 near Port Huron, this winery offers a full line of wines and small town charm in a tasting room located in - you guessed it! - a big green barn. Part of the Thumbs Up Wine Trail.
(Photo Credit: Mike R. via Yelp)