Top 10 Ways to Celebrate Michigan Wine Month

May is Michigan Wine Month, dedicated to appreciating and indulging in the Great Lakes State’s wines. One of the premier places to find exceptional vintages and wineries is Southwest Michigan, known as the Napa Valley of the Midwest. Here are 10 ways to celebrate Michigan Wine Month with us.

1. Tour the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail on your own 
    The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail highlights 15 wineries. All of the stops in Berrien County have unique vibes and approaches to their wine-making. Please choose from our list of wineries to find the ones that fit your tastes! 
2. Enjoy local wines paired 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. Pair their Michigan wines with their delicious menu items. 
3. Start your summer season off right at the Memorial Weekend Wine & Art Festival 
   From pottery to photography, paintings, and glasswork, this annual Memorial Day weekend festival fuses the arts with tasting wines made from Lemon Creek Winery’s 100% estate-grown grapes, bottled by the Lemon family. 
4. Follow our Heritage Wine Tour 
   If you’re looking for a two-day venture through our countryside, take inspiration from our Heritage Tour itinerary.
5. Pair local wines with rich chocolate
   Few things in life go together as well as wine and chocolate. Make a day of tasting reds, whites, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate.
   
6. Sip coffee and local wines at Rise & Vine
   The Inn at Harbor Shores offers this intimate place that is a coffee shop by day and a wine-tasting room at night. It’s a great spot for conversation regardless of the time of day.
7. Let experienced guides take you along the Southwest Michigan Makers Trail
   Southwest Michigan is home to many different wineries and tasting rooms so it may be challenging to decide where to go while you are here. Let our transportation services help. Join a pre-planned tour or work with them to create your itinerary.
8. Enjoy a glass of wine at the Makers Trail 19th Hole Pavilion
   The Makers Trail 19th Hole Pavilion at the Senior PGA Championship offers an upgraded fan hospitality experience like no other, providing attendees with special access to a covered pavilion with comfortable seating, views of play, TVs to keep an eye on the action, and a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy specially crafted beverages.
9. Rosé and Croquet
   Indulge in a specially curated selection of Tabor Hill rosé wines, perfecting your croquet swing and enjoying a day in a sun-soaked vineyard listening to live music.
10. Wine with a view
    Plank's Tavern on the Water offers an impressive wine list — including a variety of local Michigan wines — and provides a scenic waterfront setting. The combination of excellent wine selections, delicious food, and a beautiful location makes it a great choice for wine lovers.

Show your Makers Trail Passport and earn prizes

This is the last month to participate in the Makers Trail Passport Challenge and win prizes while enjoying delightful craft beverages. The challenge ends on May 31, 2024, so there’s still time to play. The more participating wineries you visit, the more Passport access codes you can scan and the more rewards you can earn. If you haven’t done so, download the Visit Southwest Michigan app to your phone to show at each site. 

Stay minutes from our wineries

The hotels in Southwest Michigan are only a short drive from our wineries and tasting rooms, and some are within walking distance! Extend your stay to discover your favorite wines and party at our May festivals. Let’s raise a glass in Wine Country!

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