When exploring a new wine region, recommendations are always appreciated. In this article, we’ve curated a great list of the best wineries in Southwest Michigan. Before we get to that list, we’ll share a little background on Southwest Michigan as a wine destination, the grapes grown here and a few tips for visiting the region.

Two designated wine regions are located in Southwest Michigan – Fennville AVA and Lake Michigan Shore AVA. Both areas are home to several unique factors that contribute to this region being home to several of the best wineries in Southwest Michigan.

The climate is influenced by Lake Michigan’s nearby shores, which help prolong the growing season a few extra weeks and allow grapes to ripen on the vine more fully. This warmer climate allows many red grapes to thrive here vs the wine regions further north. German settlers initially settled in the area in the mid-1800s, several of whom brought their knowledge and winemaking expertise. The knowledge is still employed among the best wineries in Southwest Michigan.

Top Grape Varieties

The best wineries in Southwest Michigan are home to diverse grape varieties. Some of the top grapes grown in the region are:

• Cabernet Franc: A standout red variety that adapts well to the cooler temperatures.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: a big, jammy, red grape that can be difficult to grow in other parts of the state.
• Chardonnay: A white grape that thrives in the region’s cool climate, resulting in both oaked and unoaked styles.
• Pinot Grigio: a light, bright white wine whose grapes are well suited to the Southwest Michigan climate
• Pinot Noir: A lighter-bodied red grape highly regarded for its elegant, complex wines.
• Riesling: A white grape that produces aromatic, crisp wines with balanced acidity.
• Vidal Blanc: a hybrid white grape used primarily in the production of sweet ice wine

Tips for Planning a Visit to Southwest Michigan

• Plan ahead – Many wineries don’t require reservations for tastings, but it can help organize your day better if you space out your appointments and ensure enough time at each stop. Also consider visiting during one of several annual festivals or special winery events.
• Book lodging – Visiting the best wineries in Southwest Michigan in a single day is possible, but staying overnight will allow for a more relaxing and enjoyable visit. There are great places to stay in St Joseph, Benton Harbor, and Stevensville.
• Incorporate local restaurants – you’ll find a wide range of places to eat, something for every budget. Whether it’s to grab a cup of coffee to start your day, a quick bite between tastings, or a restaurant offering a multi-course meal incorporating the area’s best wines. There are plenty of options to choose from.
• Add variety to your day – to fully appreciate the wines, limit yourself to 3 or 4 wineries daily. Add stops to take in the local sites and culture.
  • Enjoy the beaches along the lakeshore.Hike the Kal-Haven Trail at Sesquicentennial State Park.
  • Play a round of golf at Harbor Shores.

The Best Wineries in Southwest Michigan

We may be biased, but many of our friends and neighbors offer an incredible selection of quality wines. Each with a unique perspective, here are a few of the best wineries in Southwest Michigan to check out online or in person.

• Nitz Wines– Baroda, MI
  One of the oldest and largest wineries in Michigan, Nitz has operated in the state since the late 1890s and is still family-owned and operated. Probably best known for our award-winning Nitz Reserve Ice Wine, we also offer a fantastic Red Blend and a couple of great white wines to bring to the beach. While there is no public tasting room, the wines are available online, through a wine club, and at several local Michigan retailers.

• Fenn Valley Vineyards– Fennville, MI
  A staple in the region, producing award-winning wines for over 50 years. The property was originally planted to fruit trees, which had to be removed, and the soil was prepared before wine grapes could be grown. They still make a few fruit wines, including Peach, Cherry and Raspberry wines. In addition, they are well known for their Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. They offer wine tours (in the vineyard during the summer/fall months), tastings, and some winery events.

• Round Barn Winery & Estate – Baroda, MI
  Round Barn has three locations: the winery and estate, the tasting room on Union Pier, and the Brewery and Public House. The estate is famous for its rustic setting and diverse wine portfolio. They are well known for their sparkling wines, Pinot Grigio and Merlot. The iconic round barn offers food and wine pairings, live music every weekend during the summer, and private igloos in the winter!

• Tabor Hill Winery – Buchanan, MI
  There is a rich history at Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant. Tabor Hill was the first winery in Michigan to specialize in vinifera wines. Vitis vinifera is a typical European grape cultivated in many varieties, such as Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, the winery produces over 30 different varieties of wine, ranging from the sweetest whites to the driest reds. Explore their modern winemaking facilities with their casual walking tours.

• St. Julian Winery – Paw Paw, MI
  Michigan’s oldest continuously-operated winery was founded by Italian immigrants who started making wine in Detroit in the 1920s after Prohibition and then moved to their Paw Paw location in 1936. Winning countless awards for their wines, they have six tasting rooms throughout Michigan in Paw Paw, Union Pier, Dundee, and Troy. They are best known for their Riesling, Merlot, and fruit wines. It’s a huge selection with something for every palate.

Southwest Michigan as a Premier Wine Destination

For those able to visit the best wineries in Southwest Michigan, it will surely be a trip to be remembered for years to come. Whether following a wine trail, joining a wine tour, or just hitting up your favorite spots, the wineries of Southwest Michigan won’t disappoint. For the best experience, stay for a couple of days to spread out your wine tasting, sample the fantastic local cuisine, and take in the beautiful views and activities of the shore.

If traveling to Southwest Michigan proves too difficult or time-consuming, you can always bring those award-winning wines directly to your home. Most of these wineries offer online stores and can ship to multiple states within the US. Some even have a feature on their websites that allows you to find a retailer or restaurant nearby offering up their wines.