The Michigan wineries are typically located in the most scenic parts of the state which makes for the perfect romantic getaway. More and more quality wines are coming out of Michigan, and tours and tasting rooms are becoming the norm in an area that you may not have considered a wine region. Michigan has over 45 wineries with 13,500 acres of vineyards and the national and international wine community is taking notice. Numerous wine festivals and events can be found in Michigan year round, so if you can't necessarily make it out to Napa or arrange a Chianti wine tour in Tuscany, then head to Michigan where you will find the experience to be very authentic. If maybe you need some convincing about the quality of wines in the state, you have your remedy. Michigan's Governer, Jennifer Granholm, has signed a bill that allows for wine tasting kits in Michigan to be shipped outbound. This gives people the chance to learn more about Michigan wine country through direct tasting at home and it allows them to see if the wine fits their tastes without having to actually head to the winery. This hasn't curtailed Michigan wine tours, which are steadily growing in popularity and are a highly recommended addition to any Michigan vacation.

For Detroit natives, a piece of Michigan wine country is a short drive away down route 75 past the town of Monroe. It is here you'll find Manufacturers Market Place Mall and the fastest-growing St. Julian tasting room in the state. St. Julian is the oldest and largest Michigan winery, and although the real Michigan wine country is hours away from Detroit, St. Julian stocks this easterly store with 40 wines including sherry and port. They recently added Cherry Infusion, which is a new cherry brandy which is distilled in across-the-state Paw-Paw, Michigan where St. Julian makes its home. St. Julian has been making wine since 1936, and is a family owned business. The winery was originally founded in 1921 by Mariano Meconi and today his grandson David Braganini continues the tradition. He has been an integral part in making St. Julian the most prestigious of Michigan wineries. They have 5 tasting rooms across lower Michigan allowing many of the state's residents to taste their products for free before they buy.

The actual Michigan wine country is located in the western part of lower Michigan stretching from the southwest corner up along the Michigan coast. It's an area known for growing fruit, and with rolling hills and a large body of water nearby, it would be easy to confuse it with some more notable wine regions of the world. Michigan's wine country produces the abundance of the state's quality grapes within 25 miles of Lake Michigan where the winter snows and seasonal freeze protects the vines. Bud breakage is slowed into the Spring avoiding frost damage to the crop.

Michigan Map

Michigan wineries have been winning some pretty prestigious awards at regional, national and international competitions. These wineries produce an array of choices, including dry and sweet wines, sparkling wines and fruit brandies. They are remarkably clean and crisp wines that exhibit a varietal flavor.

Michigan wine tours are a great way to experience the different regions that comprise Michigan wine country. In Traverse City, you'll find an example of the kind of package to consider for your next Michigan wine tour. Stay at the Traverse Bay Lodge and enjoy a couple days touring beautiful area wineries, each complete with their own tasting rooms. You get two nights of lodging, and a third night free if you mention it during your reservation. When you arrive at the lodge, a complimentary bottle of Private Label Sparkling Michigan wine will be waiting for you, as well as two souvenir wine glasses. You'll receive information on wine tours and a deluxe breakfast. The package goes for about $225. If you love wine and beautiful scenery and are looking for a new experience, look into a Michigan wine tour. You'll find there was a lot you probably didn't know about the Michigan wine country.