Day trips are fun, but if you really want to experience the full Michigan viticultural scene, why not plan to stay awhile? Several of the state’s wineries offer lodging on-site, giving guests a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of Michigan wine country, known for its rolling vineyards, waterfront views, Midwestern hospitality, and award-winning wines.
According to a 2022 study commissioned by WineAmerica, Michigan’s wine regions draw in nearly 616,000 visits and $209 million in tourism spending a year. Michigan winemakers cater to “oenotourists” by offering a variety of accommodations and amenities. Here are several options we found, from award-winning inns and cozy guesthouses to unique Airbnbs (and even a yurt!).
The Inn at Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay
Once again voted one of the best wine country hotels in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards last year, the Inn at Black Star Farms is on a 160-acre estate boasting terraced vines and a gorgeous equestrian facility.
The iconic red inn offers 10 elegant rooms and suites, including a honeymoon suite (complete with a grand marble fireplace) that’s getting a new luxe bathroom this year. Amenities include a private sauna, outdoor fires, and, of course, wine. Black Star Farms makes a variety and is perhaps best known for its Arcturos-label Rieslings. Guests receive a bottle of wine upon arrival and a free flight or glass in the tasting room, and they are invited to attend a nightly hospitality hour with vino and small plates.
In addition, guests can find outdoor fun all year round with wagon rides in the fall; sleigh rides in the winter when weather allows; and hiking, biking, and snowshoeing on Black Star Farms’ trails. In the summer, guests can get out on the water with packages that include kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing.
“We have a 34-foot sailboat and captain who will take couples out on the pristine waters of West Grand Traverse Bay,” says Sherri Campbell Fenton, Black Star Farms’ managing owner.
As far as interactive experiences starring wine and food, Black Star Farms offers cooking classes, charcuterie workshops, and special dining events that offer themed tastes of northern Michigan with a European twist at the on-site bistro. Those looking for the “ultimate experience” can sign up for a morning hike, cooking class, winemaking tour and tasting, and private wine-paired dinner.
“We really focus on creating memorable experiences and delivering world-class hospitality,” Campbell Fenton says.
Chateau Chantal, Traverse City
Voted the best wine country hotel in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards yet again last year, Chateau Chantal’s bed-and-breakfast is perched high on a ridge on the Old Mission Peninsula overlooking the crystal waters of Grand Traverse Bay.
“Throughout all four seasons you get a beautiful view,” says Kyle Brownley, the property’s director of marketing.
Chateau Chantal launched in 1993 with just three B&B rooms in addition to the tasting space and winery. Today, the B&B offers 12 rooms, each completely unique with rich colors on the walls and a touch of playfulness in the furnishings, art, and linens.
“It’s definitely a French countryside feel mixed with French luxury,” Brownley says.
Wine dinners and cooking classes are popular activities for guests, and chef-prepared breakfasts include a “world famous” bacon recipe passed down from Nadine Begin, who founded the winery with her husband, Robert. The property is now operated by their daughter, Marie-Chantal Dalese, who carries on the tradition of combining northern Michigan hospitality and cool-climate wines, including new nonalcoholic options that make a visit to the beautiful countryside even more inclusive.
“This is the most immersive Traverse City Wine Coast experience you can have,” Brownley says. “Often guests will not leave the peninsula the whole weekend. There’s so much to do right here.”
Chateau Grand Traverse, Traverse City
After a whirlwind 50th anniversary in 2024, Chateau Grand Traverse is settling back into its longstanding routine of producing some of the state’s most recognizable wines.
Located on the Old Mission Peninsula next to the winery, Chateau Grand Traverse’s countryside lodge features large windows with views of the vineyards, West Grand Traverse Bay, and Bowers Harbor Park. There are six tranquil guest rooms with private balconies, and a breakfast room where a European-style spread is laid out for self-service in the morning. The inn’s community spaces, including two sitting rooms with fireplaces and a big wraparound porch, make the location ideal for small groups or couples. There’s also an exercise room with a sauna on-site.
Guests receive a complimentary bottle upon arrival and then a glass in the tasting room each ensuing day of their stay. The winery’s chic lounge and expansive patio are also fantastic places to enjoy the site’s wide variety of wines. Chateau Grand Traverse offers tours and tastings as well with a focus on educating guests about the winemaking process.
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, Traverse City
Located on the Old Mission Peninsula, this 155-acre estate features rows upon rows of vines and sweeping views of East Grand Traverse Bay. Visitors can book a stay right on the property in the private guesthouse, a former barn converted into a tidy two-bedroom, two-bath retreat. Seasonal accommodations include a complimentary bottle of wine, charcuterie board, and tasting tower as well as a discount at the charming Secret Garden gift shop. Guests have multiple places where they can settle in to sample Brys Estate’s various wines, including the old-world-style tasting room, the upper deck with its awe-inspiring views, and the laid-back lawn bar.
Aurora Cellars, Lake Leelanau
The Victorian farmhouse at Aurora Cellars is reserved for couples getting married at the vineyard and eligible members of The Proprietor wine club. The house blends rustic charm with modern elegance and provides a romantic getaway right near the tasting room. Available experiences and amenities include wine and private chef services, massages, sleigh rides and snowshoeing in the winter, private yoga sessions, and a cedar barrel sauna. If that’s enough to entice you to book a vineyard wedding, Aurora’s estate venue accommodates up to 300 people.
Cellar 1914, Central Lake
Situated in serene Central Lake in the Tip of the Mitt American Viticultural Area, Cellar 1914 offers guests a rustic retreat on the historic Shooks Farms. Purchased in 1914 by Great-Grandpa Shooks, this family-owned estate started with cherries and is now home to a charming winery complete with lodging. Accommodations at Cellar 1914 include a farmhouse, available for booking through Airbnb, and a yurt nestled within a cherry orchard near gorgeous Torch Lake. Guests are invited to explore the expansive 1,100-acre farm, where Cellar 1914 grows its cold-hardy grapes, and enjoy the picturesque views of orchards and vineyards.
Mackinaw Trail Winery and Resort Pike Cidery & Winery, Petoskey
Sibling businesses Mackinaw Trail Winery and Resort Pike Cidery & Winery offer guests a cozy-country lodging experience in the Tip of the Mitt AVA. Located minutes from downtown Petoskey, the wineries’ historic farmhouse is available to book on Airbnb and can fit nine guests across five bedrooms.
The farmhouse serves as a good home base for wine tasting at the two locations, which are only a couple of miles apart. While Mackinaw Trail crafts a variety of wines, Resort Pike specializes in carbonated counterparts: sparkling wine and hard cider. Guests can relax in Mackinaw Trail’s spacious tasting room or on the dog-friendly outdoor patio, taking in scenic views of the vineyard and surrounding woods, or enjoy the rustic vibes at Resort Pike’s red barn tasting room.
Warner Vineyards, Paw Paw
For travelers seeking a lodging experience that’s off the rails, Warner Vineyards offers a 1912 train car transformed into a fully equipped Airbnb. Set along the scenic Paw Paw River, this antique railcar seamlessly blends historical charm with modern amenities, providing a distinctive retreat on the grounds of one of Michigan’s oldest wineries. Adding to the one-of-a-kind atmosphere are the surrounding amenities, such as the on-site amphitheater that hosts concerts throughout the summer. Guests staying in the Airbnb also receive a complimentary wine tasting at the winery, just steps away.
Round Barn Winery & Estate, Baroda
Characterized by the stunning architecture of its Amish round barn, this estate combines a winery, a brewery, and a distillery on-site. Inside the barn, the tasting room invites guests to sample a wide array of craft beverages. Outside, lush vineyards serve as the backdrop for events and live music. Just steps away, guests can Airbnb or VRBO the luxurious Estate House, which accommodates up to eight people and provides access to Mt. Tabor Trails.
A version of this article originally appeared in the 2025 Michigan Wine Country magazine.
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