Discover the 22 Must-Visit Wineries in Southwest Michigan

So you love wine.

Red, white, blush. Sweet, dry, sparkling. From tastings to tours to simply kicking back with a glass of your favorite vino, wineries are your happy place.

Fortunately, you don’t need to travel to Burgundy, Argentina, or Tuscany to find world-class wineries. Southwest Michigan, the Napa Valley of the Midwest, is home to many award-winning wines. Situated at the 42nd parallel, the area is renowned for its diverse terroir and climate, similar to some of Europe's finest wine regions. Spending time along the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail/AVA will take you to your happy place. 

The 22 wineries below are all just a short drive from one another. We recommend visiting two or three per day to fully experience each winery's ambiance, selection, and stunning views. Wine is best enjoyed slowly, so take your time and let our wine country be your escape from the everyday rush.

Personalize your wine tour with these top choices

12 Corners Vineyards

Founded by a small group of friends who grew up in Michigan, 12 Corners serves an impressive selection of estate-grown varietals, all crafted from grapes harvested on its 30-acre vineyard.

Estate wines such as Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, and Cabernet Franc are bursting with delicious local flavor. On the other side of the wine spectrum, 12 Corners offers a rotating roster of wine slushy flavors, such as Watermelon and Triple Berry! The tasting room in Benton Harbor has a glass of wine waiting for you.

Baroda Founders

Baroda Founders hits a home run with its lineup of sweet wines. Treat your taste buds to fan-favorite flavors like Cranberry or Green Apple. It also offers delectable dessert wines like Smorleaux, which combines milk chocolate, marshmallow and Merlot into a campfire-worthy concoction.

If you prefer something more traditional, try a Cabernet Franc or a Dry Riesling. Or, explore new flavors with a varietal you may not have tried, like Seyval Blanc or the sweet and flavorful Traminette, a spicy Gewurztraminer hybrid.

Leonard Olson, the founder of Baroda Founders, was the first to plant commercial European grapevines in Michigan, revolutionizing the state's wine industry. His vision is reflected in every bottle. You can visit Baroda Founders at its Wine Cellar in Baroda or at its Tasting Room in downtown St. Joseph.

Chill Hill

Chill Hill, owned by Ashley and Norma Nitz, a grandmother-granddaughter duo, offers 14 wines and 10 ciders on tap! Located between the beaches of Lake Michigan to the west and farm country to the east, Chill Hill in Baroda creates wines that appeal to those wearing flip-flops and steel-toed boots alike.

This winery offers a diverse selection from the zesty, citrus notes of the Pinot Gris, perfect for pairing with seafood, to the fruit-forward freshness of the Unoaked Chardonnay, ideal with chicken piccata. The Dry Riesling delivers a crisp, citrus-driven profile that complements oysters, while the Sweet Riesling balances tart peach flavors with floral aromas. For a special occasion, the Nitz Reserve Ice Wine offers a luxurious blend of apricot and honeyed sweetness, with a smooth, velvety finish. 

One of its standout chill factors is you choose which five wines, ciders, slushies or sangrias you want to be included in your flight. Pretzels and a mustard dip (so good, you will want to buy some to bring home) round out the experience. You would never guess this tropical paradise was once a barber shop!

Contessa Wine Cellars

Third-generation winemaker Tony Peterson apprenticed at his father's winery for years before opening Contessa. He blends old-world charm and traditional winemaking techniques with modern amenities. 

Known for its bold reds and crisp whites, Contessa also produces two sweet fruit wines, Blueberry and Cherry. In addition, they offer Dolce Vita, a sweet red with Concord-like qualities, perfect for those who enjoy red wine without the sharpness of tannins.

Contessa's tasting room, in the fertile hills of Coloma, features a European-style terrace with breathtaking views of the surrounding orchards. As you take in Southwest Michigan’s countryside, you'll want to try everything this premier winery offers.

Dablon Vineyards Winery & Tasting Room

You can't talk about great Michigan wine without bringing up Dablon Vineyards. This award-winning winery grows and harvests 17 varieties, crafting over 30 estate wines from these grapes. 

Celebrated for using traditional winemaking methods, such as hand-planting each vine and hand-nurturing grapes, Dablon crafts a plethora of deliciously dry red and white varietals, including a Tempranillo, a Tannat, and an Unoaked Chardonnay. 

If you prefer sweeter wines, Dablon has plenty to offer. They produce a Sweet Riesling, Moscato and Music Box Matinee Red, featuring flavors of strawberry jam, boysenberry and a hint of pink pepper.

Dablon’s 21+ tasting room is atop one of the highest points in Baroda. Relax outdoors on the picturesque stone-lined terrace or, on cooler days, snuggle while sipping your favorite wines in front of the romantic fireplace. In the winter, reserve a heated igloo or snowshoe through the vineyard on select dates. See what live music or festivals are happening this weekend on their events page.

Domaine Berrien Cellars

As you might expect, Domaine Berrien is located in Berrien Springs and is best known for an array of dry reds and Rhone varietals, including Syrah, Marsanne, and Viognier. Domaine Berrien is also one of the few wineries in the state to produce a Lemberger, often called the Pinot Noir of Eastern Europe.

Since 2001, the winemaker has focused on boutique, handcrafted wines and takes a minimalist approach to let each grape express itself in a varietally accurate manner.

Visit their tasting room on East Lemon Creek Road. Choose from guided or private indoor tastings — the winemaker tour and tasting includes a charcuterie spread of local cheeses, artisan sausages, and chocolates. Or bring a picnic to enjoy with a bottle of wine on their deck. You and your friends will be back often to relax together.

Filkins Vineyards

One of the newest family-owned vineyards and wineries in Southwest Michigan, Filkins Vineyards in Coloma, continues the story of the beloved Karma Vista Vineyards. Since their first winery visit on their honeymoon in California, Zach and Lindsay Filkins dreamed of owning a winery. Karma Vista was the first Michigan winery they visited, and it's where they first fell in love with Michigan wines. They were thrilled when the opportunity came to take the torch from Karma Vista owners Joe and Sue Herman. 

Gaze across the vineyards from the hilltop winery and tasting room — the vista is beautiful all four seasons. The red and white wines are exceptional, and the charcuterie is a delectable pairing. Filkins’ warm hospitality makes it a perfect place for couples, family or friends to come together. They welcome large groups and tour buses. Bring your dog, too.

Enhancing the tasting room’s atmosphere is an art gallery where you can appreciate both the craftsmanship of the winemaker and regional artwork. Remember to show your Creative Connections brochure to collect Filkins’ unique stamp, bringing you one step closer to earning artistic prizes.

Free Run Cellars

One of Michigan's most unique winemakers, Free Run is also located in Berrien Springs and boasts single-vineyard production and small-batch wines created with innovative winemaking techniques.

Free Run's laid-back tasting room hosts live music on Sundays, a European dinner series, and an opportunity to taste memorable wines. Don't miss Free Run's 2018 Pinot Noir, one of the smoothest Pinots you'll find at any price point. Their Cabernet Franc, Rosé, and Sauvignon Blanc are also noteworthy and delicious.

Golden Muse Winery & Gallery

Golden Muse, a woman-owned winery in Southwest Michigan, whisks you away to the Golden Age of Paris the moment you step inside. The winery features a curated selection of vegan-friendly wines and vegetarian small bites, creating a free-spirited atmosphere where delicious wine meets inspiring art. You can enjoy the winery’s Steampunk-inspired tasting room or unwind on the patio with views of scenic Lemon Creek. As part of Creative Connections, Golden Muse will stamp your brochure to help you earn prizes.

Gravity

At every corner, Gravity bucks convention. Located in Baroda with an additional tasting room in South Haven, Gravity defines itself as a "modern, edgy winery," and strives to demystify wine by providing each guest personal time with a tasting consultant. 

These knowledgeable wine professionals will walk you through Gravity's catalog, including light, accessible reds such as Equation — a Bordeaux-style blend, unique wines such as a bubbly Pinot Noir Rosé, and sweet wines such as their Chocolate Cherry Dessert. 

For those who prefer not to drink wine or want alternative options, Gravity offers a Green Apple Cider and R.A.D. (Really Awesome Drinks). These fun, fruity, sparkling wine-based beverages come in many flavors. Your biggest challenge will be choosing which ones to try!

Taste your way to your favorites indoors or outdoors on their large deck overlooking a private lake and vineyard. Seasonal live music makes this an after-work or vacation getaway.

Hickory Creek Winery

Spanning the gap between traditional and approachable, Hickory Creek Winery does everything by hand. "We put our hearts and souls into every bottle," says owner and winemaker Adam McBride. 

Specializing in small batches, Hickory Creek Winery offers a diverse lineup of wines with distinct tasting profiles. The 2022 Pinot Gris features fresh citrus and pear notes with a crisp finish, while the 2021 Gruner Veltliner offers a balance of green apple and floral aromas. Their 2021 Cabernet Franc showcases flavors like black cherry and cocoa. They craft each wine to reflect its unique varietal characteristics, providing an experience that captures the essence of Michigan’s wine-growing potential.

Make sure to visit Hickory Creek's spacious outdoor seating area, complete with fire pits and a picnic spot, as well as its indoor tasting bar. All of this awaits you in Buchanan. 

Lake Michigan Vintners

Lake Michigan Vintners stands for all things local. They buy from local growers, press fruit in-house, and craft products that exemplify the best that Michigan wine has to offer. They are also home to the Midwest's first commercial teaching winery, providing students with hands-on experience.

Their tasting room on the Benton Harbor campus of Lake Michigan College, lets you taste the fruits of their labor, literally. Lake Michigan Vintners' wines trend towards traditional varietals, such as Pinot Gris, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, but when you visit, don't miss the chance to try their exquisite Blaufränkish, as well.

Stop by Lake Michigan Vintners and taste the future of Michigan winemaking!

Lazy Ballerina Winery

Lazy Balleri​​na, a women-owned winery, has been producing high-quality Michigan wines since 2015. They have a tasting room in downtown St. Joseph that offers a wide range of reds, whites, and blushes. Recently, they began producing Spiced Rum, vodka, and brandy, expanding their product line to include spirits.

Standout selections include Cran Jeté, an 18% ABV cranberry wine, Barrel Rouge Rye, a Cabernet Franc aged in Journeyman Rye barrels and Cherry Kissed Red, an enchanting blend of Lazy Ballerina's Merlot and Cherry wines. 

As if these award-winning wines weren't enough reason to visit, Lazy Ballerina caters to your creative side with earring and metal stamping workshops and artisan pop-up markets!

Lehman's Farmhouse / Lehman's Orchard

Do you prefer luscious, sweet fruit wines? Look no further than Lehman's. This winery/orchard/brewery/distillery, known for its sustainable agriculture practices, offers at least 12 fruit wines, including Black Currant, Pure Raspberry, Pure Plum, and Honeycrisp Apple.

Fans of traditional varietals will also enjoy Lehman's Petite Syrah, Traminette and Sauvignon Blanc, among others. In addition, Lehman's produces ciders, meads, beers, whiskey, gin and more. Its taproom serves a variety of pizzas, sandwiches and salads. 

Lehman's Farmhouse Store and Taproom is in downtown Buchanan and its orchard is in Niles. 

Lemon Creek Winery

Few Michigan wineries produce timeless iterations of classic varietals better than Berrien Springs' Lemon Creek Winery. Their award-winning wines are 100% estate-grown and bottled to this day by the Lemon family — keeping a tradition that has lasted for over 160 years.

From Pinot Blanc and Gewurztraminer to Shiraz and Petit Verdot, Lemon Creek's wines are effortlessly exquisite. In true Michigan winery fashion, Lemon Creek also crafts a few fruit-forward wines, including a Raspberry Spumante, Peach Spumante and a Cherry Wine.

The winery often hosts art and music events at its tasting room, so check their calendar frequently!

Moonrise

The first winery to open in Bainbridge Township, Moonrise, a family operation owned by Tom and Karen Zabadal, crafts small-batch wines with love, passion and patience. 

Moonrise is unafraid to introduce new varietals to the Michigan wine market, such as its take on a Grüner Veltliner, the leading white wine in its native Austria. 

Visit Moonrise's tasting room in Watervliet and sample their Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Rosé and Amore, a semi-dry white. Prefer something sweeter? Try Concord Jack, made from 100% Concord grapes, or enjoy Moonrise's refreshing, easy-drinking sangria.

Red Top Winery

Baroda's Red Top Winery isn't afraid to get a little boozy with its Spirit Series — three different varietals aged in liquor barrels. Rum Barrel White, El Vino Tequila Barrel White and Bourbon Barrel Cab Franc offer a delicious fusion of spirits and grapes.

Are you meeting friends at a beach house? Grab a bottle of Red Top's Caribbean Twist. Replete with coconut and pineapple, this sparkling wine is perfect for summer afternoons. In addition, Red Top also crafts a slew of tasty ciders! Visit their tasting room and prepare to be impressed.

Round Barn Winery

Round Barn does it all. From wine to beer to spirits, this Southwest Michigan mainstay boasts three locations: the Round Barn Winery & Estate and Brewery & Public House in Baroda, and a tasting room in Union Pier.

Must-try Round Barn wines include American Pinot Noir, Edel Doux, and Vineyard Tears, a succulent blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Riesling that will leave your taste buds anything but sad.

Best known for the namesake white round barn at its Estate location, this winery hosts family-friendly live music, lawn games, and other events on its expansive lawn. Enjoy the privacy of a reserved cabana or deck seating overlooking the vineyards. In the winter, create a memorable date or time with friends in a heated igloo or sipping wines around a crackling fire pit. 

Another reason to add this to your bucket list is the Mount Tabor Trails between Round Barn and its sister winery, Tabor Hill. It’s up to 3.5 miles of tasting pleasure through the woods and vineyards. 

St. Julian Winery

It's virtually impossible to live in Southwest Michigan without being aware of St. Julian's existence. It’s the most-awarded winery in Michigan for a reason: it has been family-owned and operated for over a century, and its commitment to quality is unwavering. St. Julian’s portfolio contains over 100 products. From spirits to ciders to countless varietals, these Michigan wine giants do it all. 

Don't know where to start? Try the fruit-forward Michigan Awesome Red Blend, a versatile medium-bodied red or the Social Butterfly Sweet Rosé. When you feel adventurous, pack a bottle of PB&J for lunch, a sweet red that tastes like the iconic sandwich.

With tasting rooms and retail stores throughout Michigan, there’s a St. Julian wine tasting in your near future. While in Southwest Michigan, start finding your favorite vintages at Union Pier. 

Tabor Hill Winery

Within Michigan wine circles, the name Tabor Hill is synonymous with upscale wine tasting and dining. With its large outdoor deck, expansive indoor views of the vineyards, and a welcoming fireplace, you will be in no hurry to leave. 

Their wines won’t disappoint you. From dry whites like Albariño and Pinot Blanc to big, bold reds such as Meritage and Cabernet Sauvignon, Tabor Hill nails the standards. For those with sweeter palates, fruit wines such as Blueberry Franc, Cherryscato, and Cranberry are also available. 

Celebrate your special occasion with a bubbly bottle of Grand Mark in one of Tabor Hill's indoor event spaces or its Estate Tent! As mentioned in the Round Barn Winery & Estate description, you can hike and sip along the Mt. Tabor Trails — bring snowshoes in the winter to enter all the snowy beauty. 

Or, as you travel along I-94, swing into the Bridgman tasting room to see what all the talk is about. You will be happy you did.

Vineyard 2121

Husband-and-wife-owned Vineyard 2121 has provided world-class wines and a relaxing getaway destination since opening its doors in 2015.

Don't be fooled by this winery's relative youth. Vineyard 2121 produces some of Michigan's top wine, like Miss Fortune Red Blend — which effortlessly combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc with Merlot and Chambourcin into an approachable, yet assertive, blend that is aged in French oak for two years.

For something completely different, indulge in a bottle of Peach Passion Spumante. Or, try a Wine Slushie in flavors like Cherry or Mango Piña Colada in a frozen to-go pouch, perfect for those toasty Michigan summer days!

Grab a seat on Vineyard 2121's patio overlooking a 14-acre vineyard and enjoy the bevy of exquisite vintages that this winery has to offer!

White Pine Winery

Last but certainly not least, White Pine Winery crafts impeccable iterations of traditional varietals. Owner Dr. David P. Miller, a South Bend native, honed his craft during a lengthy tenure at St. Julian.

The winery is best known for its incomparable Ice Wine. It’s dessert in a bottle made from naturally vineyard-frozen grapes. White Pine also produces an award-winning Cabernet Franc and a tasty Traminette, among others.

Its tasting room is in the heart of charming downtown St. Joseph. Stop in and order a flight. Or request a to-go cup to sip while window-shopping in the social district. 

One more reason to search for your favorite wines — prizes

Southwest Michigan's wineries offer incredible wines as well as unforgettable experiences. Each winemaker combines passion and flavor with tradition and creativity. Don't take our word for it — visit every winery and discover the magic of Southwest Michigan wines. 

To encourage you to seek your favorite vintages each year, we offer our Makers Trail Passport Challenge between Labor Day and April 30. The more participating wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries you visit, the more cool prizes you can earn — including a chance to enter our grand prize drawing for a two-night stay at one of our hotels. It is so much fun to see what our makers are uncorking, tapping, and mixing each year. 

Day trips are good, overnights are 10x better. 

Yes, you can reach Southwest Michigan’s wine country in a day away from the Midwest’s major metro areas. But you can only uncork a few bottles in a one-day stay. Extend your wine search adventure into two or more days by reserving a room or suite at one of our lodgings. This will give you more time to explore our beautiful Lake Michigan beaches and dunes, dive into our vibrant arts scene, discover charming towns with specialty shops and talented chefs, gather fresh produce from local farms, and simply unwind. And don’t limit your wine discoveries to the warmer months. Winter is a magical season to gather with family and friends over glasses of wine.

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