Lake Michigan Destinations

No longer is Napa Valley the only wine region in the United States. West Michigan's cool climate and nutrient rich soil is the perfect combination to grow quality grapes. Southwestern Michigan boasts many vineyards, as does the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas near Traverse City. Here in West Michigan there are at least four vineyards from New Era up to Manistee....Douglas Valley, Jomagrha, Krolczyk Cellars and Tartan Hill.

Local businesses in West Michigan offer their own wine tasting events. Here are some wine tasting destinations:

Ludington Wine Tastings
Sponsored by the West Michigan Society of Food and Wine, Chef Leo of Luciano's Ristoranti complements the finest wines with his culinary masterpieces. Summer's Inn, a charming motel just blocks from downtown Ludington, offers weekly wine tasting events during the busy season.

Hamlin Lake Wine Tastings
Hamlin Grocery has always carried a large variety of wines, and right now they're offering wine tastings from 1pm-5pm Saturdays and Sundays. You may also book a private tasting party by calling Hamlin Grocery.

Manistee Wine Tastings
Douglas Valley, an organic vineyard community just north of Manistee, has a tasting house which once was a "Bunk House" for rail passengers on the Manistee & North Eastern Railroad. The century-old building was renovated and enlarged with a field stone porch, overlooking a serene, rural setting. Tasting hours are Wednesday through Saturday 11am-5pm and Sunday 12-5pm.

Pentwater Wine Tasting Events
Every February, downtown Pentwater hosts the Corks & Canvas Winter Wine Tasting & Art Walk on a Saturday afternoon. This event benefits a local charity. Then in May, the Annual Wine & Art by the Water takes place, sponsored by the Pentwater Women's Club. It's a wonderful afternoon where you can enjoy beautiful artwork, delicious hors d'oeurves and fine wines. All proceeds support college scholarships for graduating seniors.

These locations and many more await your discovery. Good friends and fine wine...enjoy this beautiful area and attend a local wine tasting event here in West Michigan.