The Leelanau Peninsula, situated west of Traverse City, stretches 30 miles north into Lake Michigan, offering a picturesque landscape that includes the renowned Sleeping Bear Dunes, numerous inland lakes, flourishing orchards, diverse farms, hiking and biking trails, as well as a plethora of vineyards and wineries. This area is a treasure trove for nature lovers and wine enthusiasts alike.
Much like the Old Mission Peninsula, the Leelanau Peninsula benefits from a varied climate, making it an ideal location for viticulture. Although the changes in weather are less pronounced due to its larger landmass, the topography of hills and valleys provides natural protection from harsh weather, creating an environment perfect for growing wine grapes. This unique terroir contributes to the distinctiveness of Leelanau Peninsula wines, many of which have earned national acclaim.
45North Vineyard & Winery
Located directly on the 45th parallel, 45North Vineyard & Winery is committed to sustainable farming practices. The vineyard spans 35 acres, growing various grape varietals. Their on-site production facility handles everything from crushing to bottling, ensuring high-quality wine production.
Amoritas Vineyard
Amoritas Vineyard prides itself on hand-planted and hand-harvested grapes from the Leelanau Peninsula. They offer private vineyard tours for an enhanced visit experience. While walk-ins are welcome at the tasting room, reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties.
Aurora Cellars
Aurora Cellars is a boutique winery offering a full range of wine-tasting experiences, including wine and locally made chocolate pairings or small plates. Guests can enjoy a European-styled tasting room or a patio overlooking the vineyard. Due to its popularity, reservations are highly recommended.
Bel Lago Vineyard & Winery
Named “beautiful lake” in Italian, Bel Lago Vineyard & Winery offers stunning views of South Lake Leelanau. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine or hard cider on the outdoor patio, accompanied by artisan pizzas and other snacks.
Big Little Wines welcomes guests on a first-come, first-served basis, though reservations are advisable for larger groups or special occasions. Leashed pets are welcome in the outdoor area.
Black Star Farms – Suttons Bay
Black Star Farms’ original tasting room features an extensive array of amenities, including a winery, inn, seasonal café, event venue, equestrian facility, and hiking trails. They offer multiple tasting bars and a seasonal terrace patio. Black Star Farms also has a location on the Old Mission Peninsula.
Blustone Vineyards
Perched atop their vineyard, Blustone Vineyards’ tasting room provides breathtaking 360-degree views. They have two vineyards, Estate Vineyard and Bella Fortuna Vineyard, both near the 45th parallel. While walk-ins are accepted, reservations are recommended.
Boathouse Vineyards
Located on The Narrows, a waterway connecting North and South Lake Leelanau, Boathouse Vineyards offers a serene setting for wine tasting. Visitors can enjoy their wine on a covered patio or by the lake, watching boats go by. The vineyard is nestled between Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan.
Brengman Brothers
Situated on Crain Hill Road, a short drive from downtown Traverse City, Brengman Brothers’ tasting room and farm-to-table kitchen offer locally sourced small plates and spectacular views of Northern Michigan.
Chateau Fontaine Vineyard & Winery
Chateau Fontaine’s vineyards, primarily planted in the 1990s, span 75 acres and feature a variety of grape types. Their tasting room, opened in 2000, showcases wines from these carefully selected varietals.
Ciccone Vineyard & Winery
Just off M-22 and minutes north of Traverse City, Ciccone Vineyard & Winery offers a tasting experience in an old-world setting or under a pergola overlooking the vineyard. While reservations are not required, calling ahead is recommended for groups of six or more.
Dune Bird Winery features a unique tasting room with an aviation/industrial theme. Guests can enjoy wine, hard cider, specialty non-alcoholic beverages, or craft espresso, paired with a tapas-style menu.
French Valley Vineyards
This vineyard offers estate-grown grapes, cherry trees, a restored centennial barn, and stunning views. Visitors can relax in a four-season pavilion while children play in the on-site playground.
Gilchrist Farm Winery
Opening their Suttons Bay tasting room in August 2023, Gilchrist Farm Winery focuses on boutique wines paired with small plate creations, sourced from local and seasonal ingredients.
Glen Arbor Wines
Wine and art lounge in the heart of Sleeping Bear. Enjoy a glass at the bar or around the firepit. Live music, play yard games and more. Local cheese and snacks available or bring your own.
Good Harbor Vineyards
Founded in 1980 by Bruce and Debbie Simpson, Good Harbor Vineyards is now run by their children, Sam and Taylor. Known for their wine pairings, they boast a wine for any occasion.
Green Bird Organic Cellars & Farms
Green Bird produces small-batch, estate-grown wines, hard ciders, and sangria through regenerative farming practices. They offer wine and cider flights, bottles to-go, seasonal farm produce, and private tours.
Hawkins Farm Cellars
Sharing space with 22 Vines & Wines Thai Fusion Restaurant and Bar, Hawkins Farm Cellars provides a diverse culinary experience, offering pizza and Thai food.
Laurentide Winery
Laurentide Winery offers walk-in tastings or reserved tables. They provide guided food and wine pairings for parties of two to eight, enhancing the tasting experience.
Leelanau Cellars
Leelanau Cellars, located on M-22 in the village of Omena, offers breathtaking views of Omena Bay. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine and explore the quaint surroundings.
Mawby Winery
Specializing in sparkling wines since the late 1990s, Mawby offers walk-in service but encourages reservations. Guests can enjoy their sparkling wines with dogs welcome on the lawn.
Nathaniel Rose Wine
Situated on West Bay Shore Drive in Suttons Bay, Nathaniel Rose Wine offers a rustic tasting room with a working farm feel. Calling ahead is recommended to confirm availability.
Rove Estate Vineyard & Winery
Rove Estate boasts the highest tasting room in Leelanau County at 1,165 feet. Visitors can enjoy wine by the flight or glass, live music, small plates, and stunning sunsets.
Shady Lane Cellars
Housed in a transformed 100-year-old fieldstone chicken coop, Shady Lane Cellars offers a relaxing outdoor pavilion for wine tasting, complete with live music.
Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery
Silver Leaf’s tasting room displays local artwork, and their estate wines are hand-bottled. They also offer trails for hiking and snowshoeing in the winter.
Soul Squeeze Cellars
With an indoor tasting bar and expansive outdoor space, Soul Squeeze Cellars features a live music stage, picnic tables, and games.
Three Trees Vineyard
Opening in June 2024, Three Trees Vineyard offers great views, wine tastings, and music, promising a memorable experience.
Two K Farms
Overlooking Grand Traverse Bay, Two K Farms’ tasting room offers traditional apple ciders and unique fruit-infused blends. Reservations are recommended for groups of six or more.
Verterra Winery
Family-owned and operated, Verterra Winery offers traditional bar tastings and a more relaxed setting at The Ridge, with sweeping views of Grand Traverse Bay and their vineyards.
Willow Vineyard
As the fifth oldest working winery on the peninsula, Willow Vineyard provides a cozy patio with views of the vineyards and Grand Traverse Bay. Private tours and tastings are available by reservation.
Diverse and Unique
The wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula produce a diverse array of wines, including Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gewürztraminer. Each winery offers a unique atmosphere and tasting experience, often accompanied by stunning views of the vineyards and Lake Michigan.
Read about wineries in other parts of Northern Michighan:
Wineries and Cideries of Alpena
Wineries of the Petoskey Wine Region
Old Mission Peninsula Wineries
Discover all the wineries of Northern Michigan at Up North Wineries.
Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.