Planning a Southwest Michigan Wine Tour

I love calling Southwest Michigan home for so many reasons. In addition to being located along the gorgeous shores of Lake Michigan, it's also  one of five American Viticulture Areas in Michigan. The sloping terrain, mild temperatures and variety of soils make it the perfect location for growing grapes and other fruits that serve as the inspiration for a vast array of award winning wines. In fact, our growing season has been compared to noteworthy destinations such as Bordeaux, France and Piedmont, Italy.
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With more than 20 wineries dotting the landscape along the Maker's Trail, you can easily enjoy an afternoon or an entire weekend with a glass in hand. In fact, I've lived here for over six years and still have yet to make it to all of our wineries. But fear not, I have done my fair share of sipping (all in the name of research of course) and am sharing my top picks for planning a tour along the Lake Michigan Wine Trail.

Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase which allows me to keep sharing my adventures with you! 

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Round Barn Estate

If I had to choose a favorite winery, this would be it! Round Barn is part of the Moersch Hospitality group who also owns Free Run Cellars, Round Barn Public House and Brewery, and Tabor Hill. The estate is considered the flagship location and home to the iconic round barn which has been transformed into a multi-level tasting bar. Here you'll find a gorgeous outdoor seating area nestled among the vineyards. Currently due to COVID-19 it's all assigned table seating, but in years past guests were welcome to bring their own bag chairs and blankets as you listen to live music during their Jammin' in the Vineyard concert series. Expect to pay a $5 cover to get in on the weekends and if you plan to visit multiple times during the summer buy a season pass for $15. You can also bring your furry friends along with you on a leash.

In addition to their full wine selection and signature red sangria, you can also sip on frozen slushie drinks mixed with their spirits or head upstairs to the beer barn for a cold draft.

Drink of choice: Divine Vodka lemonade slushie topped with red Sangria

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Tabor Hill

If you're looking to visit both Round Barn and Tabor Hill and add a little adventure to the mix, try hiking the newly established Mt. Tabor Trails which connect the two facilities with well maintained paths through the woods and vineyards. Drinks and pups are welcome on the trails! 

Tabor Hill is also a full service restaurant and the food is some of the best around. We are frequent visitors on Thursday nights for their surf and turf special. In addition to a large indoor seating area, they offer an outdoor patio as well as shaded seating areas on the lawn near the vineyard. You can book a private tasting experience which is held in the wine cellar downstairs and allows you to sample a variety of their products. Tabor Hill offers a number of award-winning wines including their classic Demi-Sec which has been served numerous times in the White House.

Drink of choice: Cherry Moscato (my favorite wine of all time - they also have a sparkling variety)

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Hickory Creek Winery

I just recently visited Hickory Creek for the first time and fell in love. They have the most adorable farm feel with the winery housed in an old red barn and an antique tractor on the grounds which is perfect for photo ops. Select 5 different wines for a DIY tasting experience or order a glass of your favorite. They have a variety of seating options under a large shaded tree and even a tire swing if you want to embrace your inner child (of course I had to try it!)

Drink of choice: 2019 Marquette Rosé - Nectarine, peach, and plum with a tart finish.

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Red Top

Although they are relatively new to the Southwest Michigan wine scene, Red Top credits themselves for being "daringly different" and after my first visit I have to agree. They offer a variety of wines and cider and specialize in sparkling varieties - if fact over half of their products are bubbly. Wine by the glass and tastings are served from the tap which provides a unique, fresh flavor or you can purchase a bottle of your favorite. If you don't tend to like fruity wines, this may not be the place for you but it's still worth a shot. Bring your own picnic basket full of snacks and head out to their patio for a relaxing afternoon. They also win my pick for great photo ops with a giant wood logo sign inside and the Red Top bottle cap and oversized Adirondack chair in front of the tasting room.

Drink of choice: Lake Effect sparkling blue wine (yes, it's really blue!)

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Gravity

Bonus points here for a scenic view on their expansive outdoor deck that overlooks a private lake and vineyard on site. This is one of my favorite spots to do a guided tasting as their staff are always so friendly and knowledgeable. Try 6 different wines and take home a souvenir glass for $12. They also have meat, cheese, crackers, chips, hummus and chocolate available for purchase if you're looking for something to pair with a glass of of your favorite wine. 

Drink of choice: Attraction - semi-sweet with flavors of honey drizzled pear and lemon custard

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Dablon

This is my pick for the prettiest tasting room complete with leather couches situated around a cozy fireplace, and arching granite tasting bar and large candelabra chandeliers. If you're a red wine or classic white wine fan this is the place to go as they focus less on the fruity varieties like others in the area and take pride in their distinctive, elegant wines. The tasting room is also adult friendly with no one under the age of 21 allowed.

Drink of choice: Music Box Moscato - apricot and floral aromas lead to flavors of peaches and a refreshingly sweet finish.

Lazy Ballerina Winery

With two tasting room locations in downtown St. Joseph and Bridgman, Lazy Ballerina Winery features an array of small batch wines inspired by homemade family recipes. This women-owned winery offers a fun atmosphere with tutus on the chairs, customized ballerina tasting boards, and wines named after the art such as Pink Tutu and On Pointe. Be sure to check out their event calendar when planning your weekend as they offer a number of special events throughout the year including chocolate and cheese pairings and craft nights.

​Drink of choice: Pink Tutu - sweet blend of red and white grapes with notes of strawberry.

Getting Around

Many of the wineries along The Lake Michigan Wine Trail are located close together and you can easily visit multiple stops in one day by car. However, if you don't want to worry about driving yourself, there are a number of great tour companies in the area who can customize an itinerary and provide transportation for you and a group of friends. A few I would suggest looking into are SWMI Brew Tours and Grape and Grain Tours.