Michigan and the Great Lakes region of the Upper Midwest are gaining recognition from top wine competitions, including TexSom and the San Francisco Wine Competition and from prominent wine connoisseurs around the country. The following wineries have received numerous accolades and awards.

You can visit the wineries below in the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas near Traverse City, Michigan. I have also recommended some incredible restaurants in the region that serve the local wines on their menus. Finally, there are fabulous places to stay while you enjoy your wine; below are a few suggestions.  

Wineries

Verterra Winery

Verterra’s Pinot Blanc won best dry white wine in Michigan and Double Gold in the San Francisco Wine Competition. The Tasting Panel gave the Verterra Sparkler a score of 93. And the late harvest, Riesling won the Judge’s Selection Medal at 2024 TexSom.

The 2021 Pinot Noir with notes of white pepper spice was my top pick.

Aurora Cellars

Aurora’s biggest seller is the Brut Rose of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir, which has earned numerous prestigious awards. The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc won best of class at the 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

My favorite was the Rose of Pinot Noir, a delicate Provence-style summer wine.

Black Star Farms

Black Star Farms is Michigan’s first and only winery to be awarded ‘Best in Show’ at the Canberra International Riesling Competition. Their Blanc de Noirs Anniversary Cuvee won Gold at the 2024 San Francisco Chronicle.

My Somm pick was the Isidors Choice Terrace Red, a blend of Teroldego, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot – a beautiful wine with exquisite minerality.

Mari Vineyards

Mari Vineyards won Best of Class Dry Red in the Michigan Wine Competition, which was judged by several Master Sommeliers and a Master of Wine.

My favorite is the Bel Tramonto (which translates to a beautiful sunset in Italian), a blend of Merlot, Refosco, Sangiovese, and Teroldego. It was a classic Mari wine with lively acid, cranberry notes, and a silky tannic structure.

Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery

Brys Estate has received countless awards, including ‘Best of the Best Winery’ 2024 in Traverse Magazine and Red Hot Best. The 2022 Riesling Reserve won Best of Class at the 2024 San Francisco Chronicle, and the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc/Fume won Silver.

My Somm pick is the Merlot Reserve, a complex wine with tart blueberry notes.

Chateau Chantal

Chateau Chantal won Gold for their 2021 Pinot Grigio and Trio Proprietor’s Reserve at TexSom 2024.

My pick was the Proprietor’s Reserve Pinot Noir, which had candied cherries and Mediterranean spices flavors.

Left Foot Charley

Left Foot Charley’s Kerner won a Platinum Medal at the 2024 TexSom Awards.

My favorite was the 2022 Island View Pinot Blanc, which had bright citrus notes and hints of honey.

Best Restaurants

amical

The downtown restaurant, amical, has an open kitchen and café-style dining room with inside and patio seating. They serve European cuisine using the freshest ingredients, and the menu changes depending on the season. The extensive wine list offered fantastic options, including local choices.

Trattoria Stella

Trattoria Stella is in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons and offers Italian dining at its best. Advanced Sommelier Amanda Danielson is on the Stella team, and her dedication to elevating the Michigan wine industry is exciting. She has curated a spectacular wine list that includes local bottles.

Aerie Restaurant & Lounge

The upscale restaurant is on the 16th floor of the Grand Traverse City Resort and Spa. Aerie offers magnificent views of Grand Traverse Bay, and the culinary team will surely make your evening memorable. The wine list is exceptional and includes local selections.

Best Places to Stay

The Inn at Black Star Farms

The 10-room Inn at the Inn at Black Star Farms has a beautiful lobby, curved staircase leading to the suites, quaint patio seating, and breakfast. The bistro and tasting room are on-site, as are recreational hiking trails and the equestrian facility.

Grand Traverse City Resort and Spa

The full-service Grand Traverse City Resort and Spa offers 54 holes of championship golf, a private beach club, an indoor water playground, indoor/outdoor tennis courts, shopping, and restaurants. There is plenty to do without leaving the resort, which offers kid-friendly options.

Lake Michigan is majestic and admirable, as its waters offer swimming, boating, and fishing and provide the desirable influence for wine grapes to flourish.

Thank you to Traverse City Tourism for hosting my recent stay in the region.