Top 10 Ways to Celebrate Michigan Wine Month
May is Michigan Wine Month — a time to sip, swirl and celebrate the flavors that make the Great Lakes State a destination for wine lovers. And there’s no better place to toast the season than in Southwest Michigan, often called the Napa Valley of the Midwest. Situated at the 42nd parallel, the area is renowned for its terroir and temperate climate, similar to some of Europe's finest wine regions. The winemakers produce some truly delightful wines, many of which have earned regional and national recognition.
Uncork Adventure This May in Wine Country
Here are 10 fun and flavorful ways to make this year’s Michigan Wine Month unforgettable.
1. Tour the Southwest Michigan Makers Trail
Our 22 wineries and six tasting rooms are all within a short drive from one another. We recommend visiting two or three per day to fully experience each winery’s ambiance, selection, beautiful views and attentive staff. 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 to find vintages that fit your tastes.
2. Attend a Derby Day Party
Celebrate the Kentucky Derby in style at Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant. Sip signature wines, enjoy Southern-inspired bites and cheer on your favorite horse during a live race viewing. Dress to impress for a chance to win prizes. It is the perfect blend of vineyard charm and Derby-Day fun!
3. Pair Local Wines with Unique Eats at the Bistro on the Boulevard
Winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for one of the best restaurant wine lists in the world, the Bistro features the largest wine menu in the area. Their staff will happily assist you in pairing Michigan wines with their delicious menu items.
4. Hike the Mt. Tabor Trails
Hike, sip and explore over 3.5 miles of scenic trails winding through vineyards and woods on the Mt. Tabor Trails, connecting Round Barn Estate and Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant. With a glass of wine in hand from either winery, you can take in the beauty of the landscape at your own pace — no trail fee required.
5. Go to the Memorial Weekend Wine & Art Festival
Lemon Creek Winery’s annual Memorial Day weekend festival combines artistic expression with wine tasting, from pottery and photography to paintings and glasswork. The Lemon family makes and bottles its wine from 100% estate-grown grapes.
6. Take a Heritage Winery Tour
If you’re looking for a two-day venture through our countryside, take inspiration from our Heritage Tour itinerary. Visit some of the state’s and region’s oldest wineries — and discover why they have been part of our landscape for decades.
7. Enjoy Local Wines with Decadent Chocolates
Few things in life go together as well as wine and chocolate. Make a weekend of tasting reds, whites, milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Or try wines with hints of cocoa, too.
8. View Art While Sipping Wine
Step into the artful world of Golden Muse Winery, where fine wines and creative expression create a Parisian-inspired, Steampunk setting. Explore a bold collection of evocative art, then relax with a glass of wine on the patio overlooking the scenic Lemon Creek. During your visit, show staff the downloaded Southwest Michigan’s Creative Connections Challenge on your phone or present the printed game sheet now available at the Southwestern Michigan Travel Information Center.
9. Use a Designated Driving Service to Tour Wine Country
With so many incredible wineries and tasting rooms in our region, choosing where to begin can be the hardest part. Let our transportation services make it easy. Whether you join a pre-planned tour or design your itinerary, you’ll enjoy door-to-door service, local insight and a smooth, carefree ride from one sip-worthy stop to the next.
10. Complement Michigan Wines with the Perfect Cheeses
After a day of wine tasting, stop by The Cheese Lady inside The Market in St. Joseph to complete your pairing experience. Sample a variety of artisan cheeses and get expert recommendations to match the wines you’ve collected.
Stay minutes from our wineries
The hotels in Benton Harbor, St. Joseph and Stevensville are only a short drive from our wineries and tasting rooms — some are even within walking distance! Extend your stay to discover your favorite wines and party at our May festivities. Let’s raise a glass in Wine Country!
Share with Us
Please send us photos and videos of your Southwest Michigan getaway. Use our hashtag #swmichigan or upload your photos to our content collector below. This is an opportunity for your photos to appear on our social media, website or marketing materials. Thanks for sharing your memories!
