Michigan wineries are more than places to stop for a glass of wine on a tasting tour. Many also host private events, from birthday parties and reunions to weddings, bridal showers, and anniversary celebrations.
Here’s what you need to know before you host your next private gathering at a Michigan winery.
Pick Your Setting
Winery venues around the state range from quaint lofts to extravagant tents, so there’s something for every taste. Adorned with twinkle lights and vintage accents, the loft at Westview Orchards & Winery in Washington is housed within an old cider barn. The loft holds 80 people and is perfect for cozy, rustic celebrations with a hint of luxury. Across the state in Buchanan, Tabor Hill has both indoor private event spaces and a 4,000-square-foot estate tent perfect for wedding receptions. Holding up to 200 guests, the tent is nestled within the vineyard and places your party directly among the vines.
Consider Using the Event Planning Team
Some wineries, like Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay, employ planners and a catering staff to provide event planning services. Also in the Suttons Bay area, Shady Lane Cellars has an event planning crew that can coordinate a wide range of vendors from caterers to florists prior to the occasion. The team also assists with wine selections, giving party-throwers a run-through of Shady Lane’s diverse wine portfolio.
Plan for Weather
In a state like Michigan, poor weather conditions are always a possibility. If planning an outdoor gathering feels too risky, consider taking the party inside. Plenty of wineries have indoor event spaces. Chateau Chantal on the Old Mission Peninsula, for example, rents out its tasting areas for up to 50 guests and its 2,000-square-foot Hospitality Room complete with stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay.
Don’t Forget Lodging
If you’re hosting guests from out of town, you’ll want to factor in overnight accommodations. The Inn at Black Star Farms is located on the winery grounds and offers bed-and-breakfast-style amenities. Every stay includes a bottle of house wine in guests’ rooms upon arrival, daily chef-prepared breakfasts, and more. Chateau Chantal also has a B&B on-site with several elegant rooms available.
Many Michigan wineries offer event spaces and accommodations for their guests. When selecting an event venue, don’t let factors like inclement weather or the stress of party planning scare you. With indoor and outdoor spaces, staffs filled with capable coordinators, and plenty of room for lodging, wineries provide a unique, beautiful backdrop for any event.
Facebook Comments