Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail Guide: The Best Wineries in Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan is home to two distinct wine regions: the Leelanau Peninsula and the Old Mission Peninsula. While both are located just minutes from Traverse City, each offers a different wine trail experience. The Leelanau Peninsula is best known for its crisp white wines, particularly Riesling and Gewürztraminer, while the Old Mission Peninsula has earned a reputation for elegant Pinot Noir and other cool-climate reds.  (You can explore my full guide to the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail here.)

The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail winds through rolling hills, vineyards, orchards, and scenic shoreline along the beautiful peninsula west of Grand Traverse Bay. Located on the same 45th parallel as celebrated wine regions in France and Italy, this area enjoys an ideal climate for growing cool-climate grape varieties.

Riesling is one of the most widely planted grapes in the region, producing wines with bright acidity and vibrant fruit flavors. The peninsula is also known for producing some outstanding Gewürztraminers, along with Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and many other varietals.

As a longtime northern Michigan local, I’ve enjoyed exploring the Leelanau Peninsula’s wineries in every season of the year. Some visits have been leisurely afternoons with friends, while others have centered around wine trail events, special dinners, live music, or simply stopping in to enjoy a favorite glass of wine and the view.

One of the things I love most about the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is that every winery has its own charm and character. With more than 25 wineries scattered across the peninsula, it’s impossible to visit them all in a single day—or even a single weekend. This guide focuses on the ones I’ve personally visited and explains the winery loops that make exploring the peninsula a little easier.

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My Favorite Wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula

If you only have time for a handful of stops, these are the wineries that left a lasting impression on me – memorable not only for their wines, but for the experiences that come with them. Each winery offers something a little different.

• Rove Winery at the Gallagher Estate– Just six miles from downtown Traverse City, Rove is a great spot to start or end your day visiting any of the Wine Trail Loops. Perched on one of the highest points in Leelanau County, it offers sweeping views, estate-grown wines, a spacious patio, and summer live music. It’s hard to beat a sunset at Rove!
• Shady Lane Cellars – A beautiful fieldstone cottage, vineyard views, hammocks tucked among the trees, and one of my favorite outdoor tasting bars on the peninsula. Set on a picturesque hillside, Shady Lane Cellars specializes in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
• Black Star Farms –One of the region’s flagship wineries, Black Star Farms combines award-winning wines, beautiful grounds, excellent dining, and a year-round calendar of special events. I’ve visited many times over the years.
• Green Bird Organic Cellars and Farm – Out on the northern end of the peninsula, Green Bird Cellars has a homey, off the beaten path atmosphere. With a focus on sustainable, organic farming, it has a relaxed, down-to-earth feel. Be sure to say hello to the goats and sheep while you’re there!
• Brengman Family Wines – one of the warmest and most welcoming wineries I’ve visited. The family-run atmosphere makes it easy to feel at home, while the outstanding food at Café Exalt sets it apart from many other wineries on the peninsula. If you’re looking to pair great wine with a memorable meal, this is one stop I wouldn’t miss.

Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tours: Leave the Driving to Someone Else!

One of the best ways to experience the Leelanau Peninsula wine trail is to leave the driving to someone else. Wine tour companies not only handle the transportation, but also share local insight about the wineries, vineyards, and scenery along the way. It’s a relaxed, fun way to let everyone in your group to enjoy the day.

Understanding the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail Loops

The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail isn’t a single linear route, but a collection of scenic loops that make it easy to explore at your own pace. Most wineries are grouped into three main areas: around Lake Leelanau, along the Northern Loop near towns like Leland and Northport, and on the Grand Traverse Bay Loop closer to Suttons Bay and Traverse City.

Organizing your visit by loop helps minimize driving time and makes it easy to experience a handful of wineries with less time in the car and more time enjoying each stop.

Grand Traverse Bay Loop (Closest to Traverse City)

The Grand Traverse Bay Loop is one of the most accessible and popular sections of the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, with wineries clustered near Suttons Bay and within easy reach of Traverse City.

Many tasting rooms here have great views of West Grand Traverse Bay, along with experiences that range from relaxed patios to more refined winery settings. This loop is a great option for visitors short on time or those looking to pair wine tasting with dining, shopping, and other attractions nearby.

Rove Winery at the Gallagher Estate

Just six miles from downtown Traverse City, Rove Winery is an easy first stop on your wine tour – or a perfect place to slow down at the end of the day to enjoy the sunset. Located at one of the highest points in the county, the views stretch out in every direction.

Rove is a fifth generation family farm that focuses on sustainable, small-batch production of red and white wines, plus a couple of hard ciders. 

We love to relax on Rove’s spacious patio and take in the panoramic views. The patio menu includes build-your-own-charcuterie boards, mixed nuts, and delicious chocolate. (I highly recommend Prairie Breeze cheddar cheese and fig jam on your board if they’re available!)

Rove is one of those wineries that we visit in every season of the year. During the summer, we like to drop in a Friday evening for live music on the patio, rain or shine. In fall, we hike the Rove Point Trail, located just behind the tasting room, in order to take in the captivating autumn colors. We return in the winter to make the same trek on snowshoes.

Some of my favorite drinks rotate with the seasons as well. Spring and summer bring frozen wine slushies, fall is the time for hot harvest cider, and a mug of mulled Sangria is a great way to warm up in the winter months.

Rove Winery is located at the base of the peninsula and can easily be incorporated into any of the Leelanau Wine Trail loops.

Located at  7007 E Traverse Highway, Traverse City.

Brengman Family Wines

Brengman Family Wines is a beloved family‑run winery near Traverse City that pairs estate‑grown cool‑climate wines with exquisite farm‑to‑table food.

We love the warm, welcoming atmosphere here. It’s the kind of place where locals drop in regularly and quickly feel like part of the winery family. It’s also one of the few wineries where I feel completely comfortable stopping in on my own, knowing I’ll likely end up in a friendly conversation before long.

On a recent visit during the quieter off-season, we were greeted as soon as we walked into the tasting room by a member of the Brengman family. Over the course of our meal, other family members—and even the winemaker—stopped by our table to check in. We enjoyed lengthy conversations about the family’s passion for wine making.

Brengmans produces exceptional wines. They are especially known for their Gewurztraminer, an aromatic white that thrives in Northern Michigan’s cool climate. Their DaGudScht Red Blend is a Bordeaux-style combination of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

For us, what really sets Brengmans apart is their  on-site restaurant, Café Exalt. The menu changes with the seasons and highlights locally sourced ingredients. The artisan pizzas and truffle fries are a big hit with the locals! Café Exalt also offer dishes like like seared scallops, shrimp scampi, or a juicy 8oz filet mignon that are not often found at most wineries.

During the winter and spring, Café Exalt hosts Oyster Socials on Fridays and Saturdays. The cold bar menu features fresh oysters served either raw or grilled, ahi tuna ceviche, sushi-grade salmon poke, and beef carpaccio – chilled tenderloin topped with shaved parmesan, and a lemon truffle vinaigrette. And of course, it all goes together with great Brengman wine!

We often check their event calendar and plan a visit around one of these special menus. During March’s Restaurant Week, we had a standout meal of roasted golden beet carpaccio, crispy lake walleye, and basil olive oil cake with candied pistachios.

You can’t go wrong at Brengman’s – good wine, good food, and good people!

Located at 9720 Center Highway, Traverse City 

Shady Lane Cellars

Shady Lane Cellars is one of my favorite wineries for for relaxing outdoors during the summer. Set on a beautiful estate along a quiet country road, this boutique winery centers around a charming 100-year-old fieldstone cottage surrounded by vineyards and woods.

One of the things I love most about Shady Lane is its easy access from the Traverse Area Recreation Trail. The paved trail passes near the property, making it an easy stop while biking with friends. The setting is so serene, I occasionally visit on my own and spend an hour or two in one of their comfy hammocks with a good book!

Shady Lane specializes in cool-climate varietals like Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Gewürztraminer. They are especially known for their Pinot Gris. It’s a light, fruity wine that originated in Burgundy, and is a great accompaniment for smoked or grilled fish from the local area. It also goes great along with cheese and crackers on the boat!

The winery offers charcuterie boards with artisanal cheeses, salami, and olives, along with snacks like hummus and smoked whitefish dip that are perfect for sharing on the patio.

You can enjoy its handcrafted wines in the tasting room and on the spacious patio year round. There are also special events in every season, from wine pairings, live music and special dinners. I attended a candle making workshop during the winter while savoring steaming, mulled wine.

One of my all-time favorite events was their Father’s Day Paella on the Patio celebration, where a local caterer prepared authentic paella outdoors while guests gathered with wine and live music. It brought back happy memories of meals we enjoyed in Spain.

Pro Tip: Mawby is just a mile and a half away from Shady Lane Cellars, making it easy to visit them both in one afternoon.

Located at 9580 Shady Lane in Suttons Bay

Mawby Sparkling Wines

Mawby Sparkling Wines brings something different to the wine trail – it’s all bubbly, all the time! Known for its exceptional sparkling wines, ciders, and spritzers, Mawby is one of the longest-running wineries in the region. They’ve been making northern Michigan sparkle for over 50 years!

Their sparkling wines are crafted using a second fermentation process rather than simply adding carbonation, giving them their natural bubbles and effervescence.

The atmosphere here is welcoming and relaxed. I’ve stopped into the tasting room on my own more than once and have always felt completely comfortable enjoying a flight and chatting with their friendly staff. In warmer months, the outdoor patio is a great place to savor a glass while taking in the vineyard views.

Mawby offers tasting flights, wines by the glass, and light snacks and cheese pairings are available. I’m especially fond of their smoked whitefish pâté appetizer, which pairs perfectly with their summer sparkling wine called Green. It has crisp citrus and tropical fruit flavors – my server described it as semi-dry sunshine in a glass!

Mawby creates more than thirty varieties of bubbly. Their bestselling is a Brut Rosé, playfully named Sex. . And if you’re the designated driver, Mawby has you covered with Safe Sex, their alcohol-free sparkling option so everyone can join in on the toast.

Located at 4519 S. Elm Valley Road in Suttons Bay

Two K Farms Cidery & Winery

2K Farms has a welcoming, farmhouse-style tasting room that is open year-round. While they do offer highly regarded wines—I’d recommend a glass of their award-winning Riesling or Rosé if your visit is focused on wine—it’s the ciders that really make this place stand out.

The Leelanau Peninsula isn’t just about grapes. Orchards are part of the landscape here too, and apples and cherries thrive alongside the vineyards. At 2K, the ciders are crafted from heritage apples, giving them a depth of flavor that draws cider lovers from across the region.

The cider lineup changes a bit with the seasons. Their Rosé cider is especially popular, with its bright pink color and hint of watermelon.

My personal favorite is the semi-dry Macoun cider. It’s made with McIntosh apples, which is my go-to apple whenever I make applesauce or apple crisp at home. We make sure to stop in and bring home a six-pack whenever we’re in the area.

2K is also known for its award-winning ice ciders, made from estate-grown apples left to freeze naturally on the tree before harvest. The result is a rich, intensely sweet dessert-style cider. They currently offer several varieties, including versions made with Golden Russet and Honeycrisp apples, along with a Heritage blend featuring Macoun, Golden Russet, Baldwin, and King David apples.

In the warmer months, we usually make a beeline for the Adirondack chairs on the wide, covered front porch to soak in breathtaking view of West Grand Traverse Bay. If we’re visiting with friends, we’ll often go for a table under an umbrella on the open patio. That usually turns into a game of cornhole out on the lawn!

When the weather cools down, the outdoor fire pit becomes the perfect place to beat the chill with a glass of warm mulled cider in hand.

Located at3872 South W Bay Shore Drive in Suttons Bay

Black Star Farms

Black Star Farms Black Star Farms is one of the signature stops along the Leelanau Peninsula wine trail, and it’s easy to see why. Set on a beautiful estate just outside Suttons Bay, this family-owned winery combines award-winning wines, excellent dining, luxury accommodations, and peaceful vineyard scenery all in one place.

We’ve visited the winery many times over the years in every season, from summer wine tastings on the terrace patio to snowy winter weekends staying at the Inn. No matter the time of year, Black Star Farms is just as much about the experience as it is about the wine.

Black Star Farms is much more than just a tasting room. The estate includes vineyards, walking trails, an equestrian facility, elegant event spaces, and one of the best food experiences on the peninsula.

Overnight guests at the Inn are welcomed with a bottle of house wine, complimentary tastings, gourmet breakfast, hospitality hour with wine and small snacks, and access to the scenic trails around the property.

Of course, Black Star Farms is known for their excellent wines. More than forty five different wines and spirits are produced here, including whites, reds, rosés, dessert wines, and fruit brandies. Their Arcturos collection consistently stands out, and the Arcturos Dry Riesling was even named “Best Riesling in the World” at an international wine competition.

I personally love their red wines. While the highly acclaimed Arcturos Pinot Noir is a best seller, the Arcturous Pinot Merlot is my favorite and is usually the bottle that finds its way home with me.

We look forward to attending Black Star’s seasonal events throughout the year. High on our list is the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail Small Plate event, where local chefs create beautifully paired tapas-style dishes with featured wines. The last one we attended featured crispy chicken over paella-style rice with grilled peaches and smoky romesco sauce, paired with their Dry Riesling.

Our fall favorite is Black Star’s Fido Fest, where dogs are the center of attention. Your four-legged friend will be treated to an agility course, a treat trail, doggie costume contest, face painting and food vendors – for both people and pets! It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a Cidermosa – a special fall drink of sparkling dry Riesling and apple cider, garnished with a caramel and cinnamon sugar rim.

For something really different, sign up for one of Black Star Farm’s Goat Yoga classes! Reduce stress with a little bit of yoga and cuddling with the goats!

Located at 10844 E. Revold Road in Suttons Bay Suttons Bay

Wineries Around Lake Leelanau

The wineries along the Lake Leelanau Loop combine quiet country roads, rolling vineyards, and beautiful views of Lake Leelanau.

Many of the wineries are located just a short drive from one another, making this one of the easiest sections of the peninsula to explore in an afternoon. You’ll find a mix of longtime Leelanau favorites and smaller boutique wineries, each with its own personality, wines, and unique experiences.

Aurora Cellars, 45 North, and Blustone Vineyards can also be easily incorporated into the Northern Loop if you’re continuing farther up the peninsula.

Aurora Cellars

Aurora Cellars is a historic family-run winery that feels a bit more off of the beaten path than some of the larger wineries. Its European-style tasting room, scenic vineyard views, and intimate atmosphere truly make it a hidden gem.

The winery focuses on cool-climate varietals and approachable wines, including whites, reds, and sparkling wines. They’re especially known for dry and distinctive reds like Cabernet Franc and Blaufränkisch, along with their award-winning Brut Rosé.

The setting is one of the winery’s biggest draws. Vineyard views stretch toward Lake Leelanau, and the spacious patio is an easy place to relax with a tasting flight and a few small plates. Aurora offers locally sourced snacks including charcuterie boards, artisanal olives, dips from Carlson’s Fishery, Michigan-made ice cream bars and chocolates from nearby Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate.

If you want to spend more time on the property, Aurora also offers self-guided vineyard tours with videos hosted by the winemaker, along with overnight stays in their renovated 19th-century Vineyard Victorian Farmhouse.

Pro Tip: 45 North is almost next door to Aurora Cellars, so be sure to include both on your itinerary!

Located at 7788 East Horn Road in Lake Leelanau

45 North Vineyard & Cellars

45 North Vineyard & Winery gets its name from its location right on the 45th parallel, the same latitude as celebrated wine regions like Bordeaux in France and Piedmont in Italy. This is a great spot to relax and have fun while sampling 45 North’s handcrafted wines and ciders. 

The family-owned winery is housed inside a rustic post-and-beam barn tasting room with a western theme. You can warm up with a glass of wine in front of the large stone fireplace in the cooler months, or take a seat at the bar on bar stools made from actual saddles. There’s even a horse statue dressed as a cowboy standing guard near the men’s room. If you’re visiting with a larger group, it’s worth reserving the private upstairs tasting area ahead of time.

This winery is known for its white wines, especially Riesling and Unoaked Chardonnay. Being a red wine lover, I tend to gravitate toward their Pinot Noir. Their crisp ciders are also worth trying. They’re available in cans, making it easy to bring them along for a picnic or to enjoy later.

When the weather is nice, take your glass outside to enjoy on the deck or challenge someone to a game of bocce ball. And before you leave, be sure to stroll down to the “Wine on the Line” sign on the 45th parallel for a classic photo opportunity.

If you’re up for a walk, take the scenic three-mile trail through the vineyards. The trail starts near the tasting room and heads through the vineyards up a hill where you’ll be rewarded with views of the surrounding countryside. You can hike or bike the trail in summer. During winter, the trail is groomed for cross-country skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing. 

If you visit in the fall, check out the seasonal wine slushies. Their Pumpkin Pie and Apple Pie versions are made with the winery’ estate-grown Pinot Gris topped with whipped cream and a local pumpkin cinnamon sugar donut from Gallagher’s Farm Market & Bakery.

Located at 8580 East Horn Road in Lake Leelanau 

Blustone Vineyards

Blustone Vineyards– is set on 40 scenic acres just off M-204, only a mile down the road from 45 North Vineyard & Winery. The contemporary hilltop tasting room is filled with natural light thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows.

The winery itself takes its name from the rare “Leland Blue” stones sometimes found along the Lake Michigan shoreline near Leland. Like those stones, Blustone feels a bit like discovering a hidden local treasure.

Blustone draws plenty of visitors, but it also has the feel of a neighborhood wine stop where loyal locals regularly gather for a glass of wine and conversation. In warmer weather, the spacious patio becomes the place to be, with panoramic views of vineyards and orchards. Cooler days are perfect for pulling a chair up to the outdoor fire pit with a blanket and a glass of red.

Blustone’s award-winning wines reflect the character of the Leelanau Peninsula, with everything from sparkling wines and crisp whites to rosés and fuller-bodied reds. Their first unoaked Chardonnay earned double gold recognition.

In addition to wine flights, they offer small plates and an excellent charcuterie board. Their guided tastings have become especially popular. These work well for group sizes from one to six persons. It’s a little like having your very own personal wine concierge! It’s a great opportunity to ask questions, talk about the wines you’re tasting, and learn some of the insider details about the wine making process.

We especially look forward to Foodie Fridays during the summer, when local chefs create rotating à la carte menus designed to pair with Blustone wines.

We make a point to reserve a table whenever Boardman Valley Catering is on the schedule. Last summer, we enjoyed an incredible meal that included a Southwest chicken sandwich with black bean and corn salsa on a pretzel bun, avocado potato salad, and a summer salad with dried apricot. It was topped off with a decadent s’more brownie layered with raspberry jam and Andes mint ganache. So good!

From late June through August, Sunset Saturdays bring live local music to the patio, making Blustone another wonderful spot to end the day on the peninsula.

While walk-ins are welcome at Blustone as space allows, they have shifted to reservations to offer a more boutique, individualized experience.

Located at 780 N Sylt Rd in Lake Leelanau

Chateau Fontaine

Chateau Fontaine is a family-owned winery that specializes in cool-climate varietals, particularly Pinot Gris and Riesling, while also producing lesser-known wines like Auxerrois and Grüner Veltliner.

Their Big Paw wines are longtime local favorites. Big Paw Red strikes a nice balance between fruity and dry, making it an easy wine to enjoy with pizza, burgers, or pasta, while Big Paw White blends several varietals together for a delicious, dry white.

If you’re in the mood for something bubbly, try Cows on the Beach, the winery’s sparkling wine with peach and lemon flavors and just a touch of sweetness. They also produce hard ciders in flavors like apple, blackberry, dark cherry, and grapefruit, available by the can or in take-home four-packs.

The outdoor patio is especially inviting in the summer, with live music on Wednesdays and Sundays and plenty of space to relax with friends. Dogs are welcome outside as well, as long as they are on a leash.

Chateau Fontaine also has one of my favorite winery gift shops. They sell sweatshirts, hats, and wine accessories. Best of all, they sell hilarious cocktail napkins featuring funny (and occasionally slightly inappropriate) sayings that get a chuckle out of shoppers. I buy them for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, or White Elephant gifts for my friends who appreciate that kind of humor.

Located at 2290 South French Road in Lake Leelanau

Bel Lago Vineyard & Winery

Bel Lago Vineyard & Winery has long been one of the classic stops along the Leelanau Peninsula wine trail. The name means “beautiful lake” in Italian, and once you settle onto the patio overlooking Lake Leelanau, it’s easy to understand why.

Bel Lago offers both indoor and outdoor seating. A beautiful perennial garden wraps around the front porch and spills out toward the patio, creating a colorful entrance to the bright, sunlit tasting room. Outside, tables are surrounded by flowers, vineyard views, and glimpses of Lake Leelanau in the distance.

Bel Lago grows more than 100 grape varieties selected specifically for the region’s cool climate. Their winemakers have a special passion for reds, so the winery is especially known for their Pinot Noirs, Cabernet Francs, and specialty red blends.

The winery also produces nine varieties of hard cider, so it’s worth ordering a cider flight if you’re visiting with a group. Their Blood Orange cider is especially refreshing, balancing citrus flavor with just a touch of sweetness.

Bel Lago is open year-round, offering wine, hard cider, flatbread pizzas, and snacks in every season. During the colder months, they even offer Take & Bake pizza specials paired with bottles of Bel Lago Red, which is my idea of the perfect northern Michigan winter night at home!

Of course, we keep our eye on the winery’s website for special events and unique experiences. One of our favorite visits included a tour of Bel Lago’s North Farm. We walked through the vineyards and sampled wines paired with small plates. My favorite was their Nocturo Amber wine accompanied by peach, prosciutto, basil and feta skewers. There’s just something about tasting a wine right in the vineyard where the grapes were grown!

We also had the chance to meet the winery’s friendly Highland cows. They help manage cover crops and play a role in the farm’s sustainability efforts.

 On our calendar for this year? Bel Lago bocce ball! Visit the website to book a 90-minute bocce court reservation for up to four guests, plus a pizza of your choice and four glasses of wine.

Located at 6530 S Lake Shore Drive in Cedar

Northern Loop Wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

The Northern Loop offers a quieter, more rural side of the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. The drive winds through forests, farmland, vineyards, and small towns like Leland, Omena, and Northport, with beautiful countryside views around nearly every bend.

Wineries in this area a little more spread out and relaxed, making this a wonderful route for visitors who enjoy slowing down and savoring the experience as much as the wine itself. Thanks to the cooler climate farther north on the peninsula, many of the wineries here produce crisp whites and elegant reds that thrive in northern Michigan.

Verterra Winery in Leland fits easily into the Northern Loop, but it can also be paired with wineries around Lake Leelanau.

Gilchrist Farm Winery

Gilchrist Farm Winery is a wonderful stop for visitors who love pairing great wine with great food. Located right in downtown Suttons Bay, this farm-to-table winery and restaurant feels a little different from many of the peninsula’s larger vineyard estates. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and just as much about the dining experience as the wine itself.

The winery is housed inside a beautifully restored farmhouse with several smaller dining rooms that flow into one another. The tasting room feels light and airy thanks to the many windows throughout the space, while the fireplace room becomes especially cozy during the cooler months. In warmer weather, the patio serves as an extension of the dining room, creating a lovely spot to enjoy lunch or dinner.

We’ve become big fans of the chef here. The menu changes seasonally and focuses on fresh, scratch-made dishes that highlight local ingredients and natural flavors. One winter visit included wild rice and bacon soup, chicken pot pie, pulled pork mac and cheese, and cherry cheesecake for dessert.

Gilchrist also has a deli-style display case stocked with sandwiches, dips, snacks, nuts, and chips, making it an easy place to grab picnic supplies before heading farther up the peninsula.

Gilchrist is a great place to stop in even if you’re not up for a full-on day of wine tasting. You can easily combine lunch here with time exploring the village itself. Suttons Bay sits right along Grand Traverse Bay and has a lovely waterfront park, unique boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. On a rainy day, you might even duck into the historic Bay Theatre for a movie.

Gilchrist’s location also makes it a convenient launching point for exploring the Lake Leelanau Loop.

Located at 417 North St Joseph Street in the heart of Suttons Bay

Leelanau Cellars

Leelanau Cellars Leelanau Cellars is one of the true pioneers of the Leelanau Peninsula wine industry. Founded by the Jacobson family in 1974, it remains family owned and operated more than fifty years later. Located along scenic M-22 on the shores of Omena Bay, it has become a favorite stop for both visitors and locals exploring the northern end of the peninsula.

One thing that sets Leelanau Cellars apart is the sheer variety of wines available. Their portfolio includes more than 50 award-winning wines ranging from dry reds and crisp whites to sweeter styles. It’s also known for offering some of the most affordable wine tastings and bottles on the peninsula.

In addition to traditional varietals, Leelanau Cellars has built a loyal following for its fruit wines, including cherry, blueberry, and apple. They’re perhaps even more famous for Witches Brew, a seasonal spiced wine that has become a northern Michigan fall tradition. Choose from Witches Brew Spiced Red, Witches Brew Spiced Apple, or Witches Brew Pumpkin Spice.

The tasting room has a casual, welcoming feel. During the warmer months, the waterfront patio is the place to be. Grab a glass of wine, settle into a chair overlooking the bay, and enjoy the view. Dogs are welcome on the patio, and live music adds to the atmosphere throughout the summer.

We first visited during the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail’s annual Sips & Soups event, one of my favorite winter traditions. On a snowy afternoon, we made our way from winery to winery sampling homemade soups paired with local wines. The stop at Leelanau Cellars featured a hearty white chicken chili paired with their Dry Riesling—the perfect combination for warming up after a day of winter wine tasting.

If you’re heading out on the boat, to the beach, or on a picnic, be sure to check out their high quality canned wines. Available in red, white, and rosé varieties, they’re an easy way to bring a taste of Leelanau wine country along on your northern Michigan adventures.

Located at 5019 N. West Bay Shore Drive in Omena

Green Bird Organic Cellars and Farm

Green Bird Cellars in Northport is furthest winery from downtown Traverse City on this list, but it’s absolutely worth the drive. t feels a little more off the beaten path than many of the peninsula’s wineries, which is one of the reasons we enjoy visiting so much.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything they do. Green Bird focuses on organic farming practices and produces small-batch wines and ciders that reflect the character of the farm. Be sure to say hello to the goats and sheep before or after your tasting!

The tasting room has a rustic, welcoming feel that fits perfectly with the farm setting. Their wine list includes white varietals such as Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer. Being a red wine drinker, I love both their Pinot Noir and Concord Rosé.

I’m also a fan of Green Bird’s hard ciders, made with Heirloom apples. High on my list are the Empire Hard Cider on draft, made with empire and spy apples, and Ida Rye Cider, drier than their other ciders made with Ida Red apples and aged in a rye whiskey barrel.

We visited during the winter, when the farm was quiet and peaceful beneath a blanket of snow. I’m looking forward to returning in the summer, when their seasonal Ginger Cider and Ginger Pear Cider will be available. Our server enthusiastically described them as “a sparkling, spicy ginger ale.”

Located at  9825 East Engles Road in Northport.

Verterra Winery

Verterra Winery has been helping shape Northern Michigan’s wine scene for decades. The winery’s name comes from a combination of the Latin words Veritas (truth) and Terra (land), reflecting a philosophy of creating wines that are true to the land where they are grown.

The original tasting room sits in downtown Leland, near the Leland River. Housed in a rustic brick building, Verterra offers a selection of wines and ciders on tap and makes an easy stop while exploring one of my favorite towns on the peninsula.

Combine a visit to the Leland tasting room with an afternoon spent wandering through the galleries and shops downtown.

Be sure to leave time for a stroll through Fishtown, the village’s historic working waterfront. You can watch fishing tugs unloading their catch while exploring the weathered fishing shanties and wooden boardwalks that have been transformed into unique shops and restaurants.

Our visits always include a stop at the Village Cheese Shanty for a pretzel bread sandwich and Carlson’s Fishery for smoked whitefish.

For a completely different experience, head a few minutes north to The Ridge, Verterra’s Verterra’s vineyard property. The setting is worlds away from the bustle of downtown Leland and is one of the most scenic places to enjoy a glass of wine on the peninsula.

This beautiful property offers wine flights, snacks, and plenty of outdoor seating when it is open to the public. Because it also serves as a wedding venue, public hours vary throughout the season, so be sure to check ahead before making the drive.

Pro tip: Leland is a popular tourist and shopping village. The town and Verterra tasting room can get quite busy on summer weekends.

Located at 103 E. River Street in Leland The Ridge at Verterra is located at 8080 N Swede Road in Northport.

Where to Stay near the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

The Inn at Black Star Farms offers the ultimate wine country getaway. In addition to its award-winning winery, the property is home to a beautiful inn that was named one of the top wine country hotels in the country. Overnight stays include a complimentary bottle of house wine, a nightly hospitality hour with wine tasting and small bites, a gourmet breakfast, and access to the estate’s walking trails and vineyards.

Fountain Point in Suttons Bay is the place to stay for a classic northern Michigan summer experience. Located right on the shore of Lake Leelanau, this historic family resort features a 13-room hotel and 19 cottages. Guests can swim, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or challenge one another to a game of ping-pong, foosball, pool, or board games between wine trail adventures.

The Leland Lodge is a great choice if f you’d like to stay closer to the northern end of the peninsula. The property offers both traditional lodge rooms and private cottages, all just a short walk from Leland’s shops, restaurants, and historic Fishtown.

Boona Vista Cottage is a beautiful vacation rental on the shores of Lake Michigan. With room to spread out and easy access to both wineries and beaches, it’s a wonderful alternative to a traditional hotel stay. It’s perfect for families and groups.

If you’d rather base yourself in Traverse City, that’s a great option too. The city is less than 30 minutes from many of the wineries on the peninsula and offers everything from waterfront resorts and boutique inns to budget-friendly hotels. Be sure to check out my full guide on the best places to stay in Traverse City for more ideas where to stay in Traverse City, including waterfront hotels, boutique inns, and budget-friendly options.

Is the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail Worth Visiting?

Absolutely!

The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail offers far more than great wine. It’s an opportunity to spend a day—or several days—exploring scenic back roads, lakeside towns, beautiful vineyards, and some of the most breathtaking views in northern Michigan.

One of the things I love most about the trail is how different each winery feels. You might spend one afternoon listening to live music on a sunny patio, then find yourself enjoying a quiet tasting overlooking the vineyards. Along the way, you’ll discover family-run wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, sparkling wines, hard ciders, and seasonal events that make every visit a little different.

Over the years, I’ve returned in every season and always found a new winery to explore, a special event to attend, or a favorite wine to revisit. With more than 25 wineries spread across the peninsula, there’s always a reason to come back.

Cheers to your next Leelanau Peninsula wine adventure!