The Petoskey Wine Region originally named Bay View Wine Trail. The trail consisted of 12 family-owned and operated wineries. In 2019 they were rebrand as the Petoskey Wine Region. Today the Petoskey Wine Region includes 14 wineries and is part of a larger American Viticultural Area (AVA).
The Tip of the Mitt was established in 2016 and is one of 5 AVA’s in Michigan. AVAs are federally designated areas with boundaries defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. The ATF is part of the US Department of the Treasury.
To be given an AVA designation the wines produced must exhibit similar characteristics that are distinct from other regions. At least 85% of the grapes used must be grown in the AVA if the AVA is mentioned on the wine label.
The 5 AVAs of Michigan
Fennville: Established in 1981 it was the state’s first AVA (3rd in the country). In southwest Michigan it is the smallest AVA in Michigan. It is encompassed within the larger Lake Michigan Shore AVA.
Lake Michigan Shore: Established in 1983 and is in the southwest part of the state and includes Berrien and Van Buren Counties and parts of Allegan, Kalamazoo and Cass Counties.
Leelanau Peninsula: Established in 1982 in the northwestern part of Michigan. As the name implies it is on the Leelanau Peninsula.
Old Mission Peninsula: Another AVA in northwest Michigan. The Old Mission AVA was established in 1987. It is across the bay from the Leelanau Peninsula AVA. Another AVA with the name matching the location.
Tip of the Mitt: Approved in 2016 the Tip of the Mitt AVA is Michigan’s newest. It includes Charlevoix, Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle counties and parts of Antrim and Alpena Counties.
The 14 Wineries of the Petoskey Wine Region
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1918 Cellars Tasting Room & Bistro
In Charlevoix on M-66 in an historic wing of Castle Farms. Wine and Cider offered along with a variety of grab and go food options.
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Boyne Valley Vineyards
On US 131 between Walloon Lake and Petoskey. They are kid friendly and offer light bites, wine cider and live entertainment.
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Cellar 1914
Located in Central Lake on Shooks Road. Cellar 1914 is kid friendly and offers light bites with their wine and ciders.
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Crooked Vine Vineyard & Winery
In Alanson on Lakeview Road. Offering light bites, wine, and cider in a Kid friendly space.
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Mackinaw Trail Winery
Located on US 131 in Petoskey. They have a small bistro and offer wine, beer and cider. The Winery is kid friendly and offers live entertainment
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Maple Moon Sugarbush & Winery
Maple winery On Atkins Road in Petoskey. Kid friendly with wine and cider.
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Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery
In Petoskey on Atkins. They offer light bites, wine, and cider. They have outdoor table service with patio heaters and are kid friendly.
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Pond Hill Farm Winery
On South Lakeshore Drive north of Harbor Springs. Kind Friendly farm with light bites, wine, beer, and cider.
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Resort Pike Cidery & Winery
Located on Resort Pike Road in Petoskey. They offer Wine and cider and are kid friendly.
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Rudbekia Winery
In Petoskey on Lake Grove Road. Reservations are recommended. They have light bites, wine, beer cider and spirits. The winery is kid friendly and has firepits and igloos.
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Seasons of the North Winery
On M-68 in Alanson offering Winer, Beer, Cider. They also have light bites and are kid friendly.
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Spare Key Winery
Located in Charlevoix on Upper Bay Shore Road. They offer light bites with their wines in a kid friendly space.
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The Cellars of Royal Farms
On US 31 in Ellsworth. They offer wine, cider, light bites and bakery items. The farm is kid friendly.
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Walloon Lake Winery
Located in Petoskey on Intertown Road. They offer light bites along with their wine and cider. They are kid friendly and have live entertainment.
Visit Up North Wineries to discover all the wineries of northern Michigan.
Please note that the availability and specific offerings of these wineries may have changed since my last update. Check their websites or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on tastings, tours, and hours of operation.