Southwest Michigan has become well-respected in the wine world thanks to its glacial soils and lake effect. For instance, Lake Michigan’s climatic influence tempers the air along the shoreline regions, protects fall crops from early frosts, and prevents spring crops from blooming too early. Plus, lake effect snow insulates the vines from extremely cold winter temps. As a result, we have the perfect grape-growing terroir for fine wines. And we certainly have plenty of wineries and vineyards from which to choose. Of course, we have our favorites. Here are our guests’ 7 top Southwest Michigan wineries and vineyards to visit. So, why not plan an overnight getaway and take advantage of our Winery Tasting Getaway Enhancement for the perfect romantic getaway!
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St. Julian Winery
Paw Paw, MI – 21 minutes
It’s no wonder why St. Julian’s made the 7 top Southwest Michigan wineries and vineyards list. Family-owned and operated by the same family for four generations, St. Julian’s is the largest and most-awarded winery in Michigan. They are dedicated to only using Michigan State fruit. Plus, they make some of the finest distilled spirits and ciders, including vodka, rum, and award-winning brandies. -
Warner Vineyards
Paw Paw, MI – 21 minutes
Located downtown in an old 1898 water-works building, Warners is Michigan’s second oldest winery. In fact, for three generations the Warner family has been producing renowned wine. Most notably, their fine wines have been served at the White House and two Super Bowls. They produce French hybrid wines, two non-alcoholic sparkling fruit juices, and dessert wines (Cream Sherry and Grapes of Love). What’s more, they have four tasting rooms located in Paw Paw, Holland, Marshall and South Haven, or shop online. -
Fenn Valley
Fennville, MI – 30 minutes
Established in 1973, this family-owned and -operated vineyard and winery complex produces world-class wines with grapes grown along the shore of Lake Michigan on top of a large sand ridge between Black River and Kalamazoo River.
- Tasting room in Fennville is open – book ahead. Social distancing, outdoor location.
- Online sales with direct delivery are open! Order here.
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Modales Wines
Fennville, MI- 29 minutes
Modales, pronounced “moh-dah-lehs,” literally translates to “Manners,” which are aptly ingrained in the way they run their business. A prime example is found in their vineyard, where they grow and care for grapes in an environmentally responsible manner. They specialize in small-batch, hand-crafted, estate-grown wines, including white, red, and sparkling, along with cider. You’ll savor every moment as you sip a glass of your favorite vino on their 2,800-square-foot patio overlooking their 76-acre farm.- As of June 15, Modale’s is offering drive-in wine tastings in their 70-acre “outdoor tasting room” with a bar-to-car tasting flight (social distancing at its finest). Sip and savor in your car or picnic-style.
- Curbside service and online delivery (currently only delivering within the State of Michigan) is available.
- Contact Modale’s to reserve your tasting.
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Virtue Cider
Fennville, MI – 29 minutes
Virtue Cider, which has been producing remarkable ciders since 2011, is not a winery per se. However, “Virtue’s bended ciders have layers that unfold like fine wines,” says Savaeur Magazine. That’s because cider is made like wine and never brewed. Thanks to Michigan’s prime location for apple-growing (similar climate to England and France), Virtue is able to produce the finest cider. In addition to apples, they use cherries, black currants, plums, pears. Together with French oak, bourbon and Brett barrels, you’ll detect subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, and charred oak, with finishes ranging from dry and minerally to crisp and refreshing.- The Taproom is open for tastings (reservations for outdoor seating only right now).
- Order online for curbside pick-up or direct delivery.
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Crane’s Pie Pantry Restaurant & Winery
Fennville, MI – 28 minutes
Crane’s is a family-run restaurant and winery nestled in the rolling hills of the family fruit farm.- The restaurant is currently open for both dine-in and carry out, with social distancing protocols in place.
- Their bakery, which opens daily at 8am, offers handmade fruit pies made the old-fashioned way, using recipes passed down through generations and fresh fruit grown on the family farm.
- Crane’s Winery in nearby Saugatuck, MI, makes and sells small-batch fruit wine and hard cider, also using the best fruit grown on the farm. The tasting bar is open with private group tastings available.
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McIntosh Cellars
South Haven, MI – 24 minutes
McIntosh Cellars offers a wonderful selection of fruit wines made and bottled on the property. Their main focus is creating traditional Old World-style hard cider and iced apple aperitif.
Castle in the Country is the perfect addition to your winery tasting getaway. We are located in the countryside of Allegan, Michigan, just a short drive from the area wineries. Plus, our Winery Tasting Room Getaway Enhancement provides a customized itinerary based on your preferences. As a result, there is no stress nor planning; you simply show up and enjoy!
Your Winery Tasting Getaway includes:
- A welcome gift.
- To-go treats that will pair perfectly with your selection of local beverages.
- A dinner voucher to one of the top three restaurants in the area.
- A detailed itinerary with our mobile “Adventure Map” app.
- Cost: $185 plus the cost of the room or suite of your choice.
*Package does not include transportation.
So, what are you waiting for? Book direct with us and enjoy 7 Southwest Michigan wineries and vineyards along with romantic and luxurious accommodations at Castle in the Country.