Less than two hours northeast of Traverse City, a lesser-known viticultural haven awaits Michigan wine lovers: the Petoskey Wine Region, a trail spanning just over 50 miles from Central Lake to Indian River and encompassing 14 unique wineries.
The region, situated in the broader Tip of the Mitt American Viticultural Area, is known — among other things — for its resilient, cold-hardy grapes.
“Marquette, which is a red wine grape, is probably the most popular,” says Abbie McCarthy, the Petoskey Wine Region’s administrative assistant. “Every single winery [in the Petoskey Wine Region] grows Marquette.” The American hybrid grape, which can withstand long winters and cold snaps, is considered a genetic grandchild of Pinot Noir. The grape is known for high sugar levels and moderate acidity, and it tends to produce medium-bodied wines with notes of cherry and black pepper on the nose and palate. McCarthy says both dry and sweeter variations can be found along the trail. The grape is also used to make rosé at wineries such as Petoskey Farms and Boyne Valley Vineyards.
Petoskey’s wine trail offers some novel experiences that wine lovers aren’t likely to find elsewhere. At Maple Moon Sugarbush and Winery, owners Todd and Christi Petersen ferment the naturally occurring sugars in maple syrup to create wines ranging from dry to sweet. (“It’s really not too sweet,” McCarthy insists.) Visitors can also pick up bottles of syrups; maple candy and granola; and a range of sauces, seasonings, and jams.
The most unique tasting experience in the Petoskey Wine Region may be at Blu Dot Farm & Vineyard, a small-batch winery and cidery where guests can enjoy a summertime tasting in a renovated Airstream trailer.
“Our vintage Airstream [has] sofa seating inside, a bar seating section, service windows, and a state-of-the-art tap system for cider and wine,” says General Manager Sam Smiertka. “It basically sits behind the vineyard. … It’s flanked by some shade sails that have sofa seating, and it sits on a concrete pad that not only keeps it level but has umbrellas, table seating, and a nice patio setting. So lots of outdoor vibes!”
First launched in 2023, Blu Dot’s Airstream tasting room is open May through October; 15 or so people can fit inside, and there is room for several more on the charming patio. For inclement weather and private parties, Blu Dot also has a small indoor tasting room (used mainly from October to the first week of May) connected to what will soon be the winery’s production and storage facility. While the wine may be fabulous — Smiertka particularly recommends the Itasca, a clean, crisp, mineral-laden white — the atmosphere is decidedly unpretentious.
“The owner, she really wanted it to be just super fun and casual,” Smiertka says. “‘Fun and flirty’ is what we say.”
Those wishing to sample all the region’s offerings in one stop have a chance to do just that at Petoskey Uncorked, an annual one-day event in May at the Odawa Casino. There, guests can enjoy tastings from all 14 wineries on the trail, along with live entertainment and plenty of snacks.
But for those interested in the winemaking process itself, McCarthy heartily recommends visiting the wineries on-site.
“What sets us apart versus Traverse City is that at almost every winery, you’ll see an owner behind the bar,” McCarthy says. “The owners love to be in the tasting room. And the winemakers are usually there, and they’re super open to people asking them questions. … A lot of people really appreciate that up here.”
A version of this article originally appeared in the 2025 Michigan Wine Country magazine.
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