The Lake Michigan shore is one of Michigan's wine regions, and a lot of people do not realize it until they get here.
These tasting rooms are easy to work into a weekend. Some are out in the country, some are right downtown. Pick two or three for an afternoon and make it a slow one.
Why this blog? Hi, I'm Katie. My family and I run Mitten Rentals, and I have been hosting vacation rentals for more than ten years (Superhost since 2015). This is where I share the places I send our own guests along the West Michigan lakeshore.
READ: Wine Harvest Season Along the Shore
My Favorite Lakeshore Tasting Rooms
1) Fenn Valley Vineyards
A family winery in Fennville, open for tastings all year.
If you only make one winery stop, I would make it this one. It works in any season.
Fenn Valley is a good way to see what lakeshore wine is all about. Take your time with a tasting and pick up a bottle for dinner at the house.
2) Cogdal Vineyards
A winery just outside South Haven.
It is an easy add on a South Haven day, before or after the beach.
Cogdal is a nice way to fit a winery into a South Haven weekend without a long drive. Go in the afternoon and pair it with an evening downtown.
3) 12 Corners Vineyards Tasting Room
Downtown wine tasting on Phoenix Street in South Haven.
No driving out to the country needed. Pair it with a walk downtown.
12 Corners is a good pick for a casual tasting when you are already downtown. It is easy to walk in, try a few things and head back out to the shops. Afterward, stay downtown for dinner.
4) Warner Vineyards Holland
A downtown tasting room on 8th Street for Michigan wines.
This is the easy pick on a Holland weekend, right between dinner and a walk through downtown.
Warner is the easiest winery stop on this list if you are staying in Holland. Do a tasting after a day at the beach, then walk to dinner.
READ: 6 Lakeshore Breweries Worth the Drive
5) Tanglewood Winery
A country winery in Holland known for its blueberry and fruit wines.
If someone in your group says they do not like wine, bring them here.
Tanglewood is a fun stop for anyone who likes something a little sweeter. The blueberry wine is a very West Michigan thing to try.
6) Fox and Hen Winery
A farm winery near Grand Haven, open Friday and Saturday afternoons.
Plan around those hours. It is worth fitting in if you are staying up north.
Fox and Hen is a good choice for a quiet afternoon on a farm. Since it is only open Friday and Saturday afternoons, plan your visit around those days. It is a nice change from the downtown tasting rooms.
Please plan a driver or a ride for your tasting day, and pace yourself. Two or three stops is plenty for one afternoon. Bring a cooler for your bottles if it is a warm day.
Fennville River View sits in the middle of wine country, so Fenn Valley is close by. Come stay with us and make a weekend of it.
More favorites in my Saugatuck area guide.