Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours: A Grape-Lover's Paradise

Wine brings people together, whether on a weekend trip with friends touring vineyards or over an intimate dinner between a newlywed couple. While not every place pairs well with a glass of wine, Saugatuck, Michigan, is one place that does. When you stay at our Saugatuck Hotel you will discover that our small town offers more than just natural beauty; it’s also the perfect place to find all sorts of wine-tasting experiences. As you hop from vineyard to vineyard, you’ll get the chance to enjoy the town’s unique character and hear local stories as you narrow down your new favorite kind of wine.

Why Saugatuck Is a Wine Lover's Destination

Located right next to Lake Michigan, Saugatuck has the perfect climate for growing grapes, which is why it’s home to so many exceptional Michigan vineyards.

The winemakers in Michigan are passionate about what they do, viewing winemaking as more of an art than a business. Along with each glass of wine, you’ll likely hear a story about that specific vineyard’s history, including what sets it apart from other vineyards. With so much genuine love and care going into each bottle, Saugatuck stands out as the ideal place for anyone who appreciates a good glass of wine.

Top Local Vineyards and Wineries

Fenn Valley Vineyards

A family-owned vineyard dating back to 1973, Fenn Valley Vineyards is over 240 acres and sits only a few miles down the road from Lake Michigan. This Michigan vineyard is known for having many different types of wine to try, including Traminette and Meritage, two of the most popular kinds. You can also take a behind-the-scenes wine tour here that will show you exactly how the wine is produced. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may be able to attend events like the Vine Wine’d 5K—a race through the vineyards—or Nouveau Fest, which is when the season’s first wines are released.

Crane’s Winery

Once a family fruit farm over 100 years ago, Crane’s Winery is now one of the area’s best, kept strong by five generations. Known for its fruity wines and ciders, Crane’s offers options like crisp Apple and Cherry Wine, highlighting the delicious flavors of Michigan’s orchards. Crane’s is also famous for its handmade fruit pies, made with fresh, local fruit and baked from family recipes.

You’ll love spending the day at Crane’s, especially because its tasting room is inside a cozy, rustic barn. Join Crane’s at Cider Fest, where you can sample award-winning wines, enjoy authentic Mexican food, and go on a hayride. Crane’s also hosts “Music on the Patio” for those looking to pair good music with their wine.

Wyncroft Wine

For classic wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, look no further than Wyncroft Wine. This boutique winery takes pride in making high-quality wines that capture the unique flavors of different Michigan vineyards. Wyncroft offers a Winemaker’s Private Tour—a personalized experience by appointment only. During the tour, you’ll get one-on-one time with the winemaker, learning more about the winemaking process. Occasionally, Wyncroft holds special events, but their focus is creating individualized experiences for true wine lovers.

Wine Tasting Experiences Near Hotel Saugatuck

Guided Wine Tours

If you prefer to have someone guide you through the vineyards, Untapped Sights & Tours and Grape and Grain Tours each provide a variety of customizable tours around the best wineries in Saugatuck and Southwest Michigan. These tours are perfect for wine enthusiasts like yourself, as you’ll get to sample a wide range of flavors while seeing the beauty of Michigan vineyards and hearing stories from knowledgeable staff. Since these companies take care of transportation, all you’ll have to worry about is having a great time.

Self-Guided Wine Trails

The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail is perfect for those who want to create their own itinerary. The trail covers a variety of wineries throughout the Lake Michigan Shore area, including those near Saugatuck, giving you the freedom to choose which vineyards to visit and how long to stay at each one. The trail is well-marked and easy to navigate, and many of the wineries offer maps to help you plan your route through the top Michigan vineyards.

Tasting Events and Festivals

Saugatuck regularly hosts events and festivals for guests and residents alike. One popular event is the Nouveau Festival at Fenn Valley Winery, held annually in November. Here, you’ll get to try the first wine releases of the season while enjoying live music and unique food pairings. The Vine Wine’d, also at Fenn Valley, is fun for fitness enthusiasts, as it’s a 5K run through the vineyards. At the end of the course, you’ll get to sample different wines, eat yummy foods, and listen to music on the patio.

Tips for a Memorable Wine Tasting Adventure

Best Times to Visit

Michigan vineyards are beautiful year-round, but certain seasons make for better experiences than others. To make the most of your wine-tasting trip to Saugatuck, try to plan your visit for late summer to early fall. The weather is perfect during this time of the year, which means the vineyards will also be ripe with grapes. You’ll be comfortable as you walk through the vineyards, as the days will be warm and the nights cool.

What to Bring

When you’re heading out to explore Michigan vineyards, you’ll want to be prepared. Saugatuck can get sunny, so don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Bringing a water bottle along can help you stay hydrated throughout the day—especially while drinking wine. If you’re visiting during the winter, pack extra layers, as Michigan vineyards can get chilly. You may also want to bring some emergency Shout Wipes in case of spills, and if you plan to take pictures, make sure to pack your favorite outfits and bring along your camera if you have one.

Wine Tasting Etiquette

Make sure to make reservations for your wine tastings, as many places have limited space. Once you’re there, remember that wine tasting is all about enjoying the experience—there’s no need to rush through each glass. It’s perfectly okay to leave some wine behind. Take your time with each sip and let yourself taste the subtle flavors in each glass. Observe the wine’s color, give it a swirl, and smell it before taking a sip. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—in Saugatuck, everyone is excited to share their passion for wine with you.

Savoring Saugatuck

Anyone who loves wine will find that out of all of Michigan’s vineyards, Saugatuck’s stand out as the best. With its unique charm, friendly locals, and flavorful wines, it’s a town that any wine enthusiast will feel at home in. Each vineyard and winery has its own story, making the experience more than just about flavor.

After all the exploring and tasting, there’s no better place to unwind than our romantic getaway on the lakefront. If you are looking for the perfect base for your Michigan wine adventure then look no further than the rooms at our Saugatuck MI hotel, designed with comfort and romanticism in mind. With crackling fireplaces, walk-in rain showers, and hydrotherapy tubs in every suite, you’ll have all the amenities you need to relax after a long day of wine tastings. With so many incredible Michigan vineyards to discover, a stay here is an experience you won’t soon forget.