Sip Your Way Through the Lake Michigan Shore AVA
A Wine Lover’s Guide to The Best Wineries Near Garden Grove Inn in Union Pier
Southwest Michigan isn’t just beaches and sunsets—it’s one of the most exciting wine regions in the Midwest. When you stay at Garden Grove Inn, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the Lake Michigan Shore AVA, a nationally recognized American Viticultural Area known for its beautiful vineyards, diverse wines, and relaxed, welcoming tasting rooms.
What is the Lake Michigan Shore AVA?
The Lake Michigan Shore AVA, established in 1983, stretches along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and produces over 90% of the state’s wine grapes.
What makes this region special? It’s all about the Lake.
Lake Michigan acts like a natural temperature regulator—keeping summers warm, extending the growing season, and protecting vines from early frosts. This creates ideal conditions for growing everything from Riesling and Chardonnay to Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir, resulting in wines that are balanced, fruit-forward, and incredibly drinkable.
In short: it’s Napa vibes, Midwest style—without the crowds.
Tasting Rooms You Can Walk To 🍷
One of the best parts about staying at Garden Grove Inn? You don’t even need a car to start your wine adventure.
These spots are perfect for a relaxed afternoon—no planning required. Grab a glass, stroll back to the inn, and enjoy the evening on the porch.
New & Notable Wineries to Discover
Looking to try something fresh and a little under-the-radar?
- Stranger Wine Company, located in Buchanan, is focused on regenerative agriculture and fine terroir driven wines. Their bottles are filled with passion and true artisanship. The quaint tasting room is within a beautiful former bank building and open Fridays-Sundays.
- Dreihart Winery, located within specialty grocery, 6 Linden, in Three Oaks is the passion project of Gottfried who has cultivated a vineyard in the area since the 90s. He produces dry, complex wines reminiscent of those from Germany and Austria. Reservations recommended for groups of 4+. Open Thursdays-Sundays.
These newer producers are helping redefine Michigan wine with small-batch production, modern branding, and a focus on unique varietals and techniques. Perfect for guests who love discovering “the next big thing.”
For a Fun, Lively Experience
If you’re in the mood for music, energy, and a full day out, these wineries deliver:
- Round Barn Winery & Estate + Tabor Trails: With live music most weekends, events throughout the summer, a Bourbon Barn on site, and hiking trails where you can take your drink to-go and hike through the woods and across the vineyards between Round Barn Estate and Tabor Hill, this is an adventure not to be missed.
- Lemon Creek Winery not only offers live local music and artisan events, but it’s also a you-pick fruit farm! Enjoy their picturesque landscape and exceptional wines.
Think live music, outdoor seating, flights, and a social atmosphere. These are great stops for groups or anyone looking to turn wine tasting into an event.
A More Sophisticated Wine Experience
Prefer something slower, quieter, or a bit more refined? These wineries offer elevated tastings, beautiful vineyard views, and thoughtfully crafted wines:
- Dablon Vineyards & Winery – recognized by USA Today as one of the top ten wine tasting rooms in the US. Their outdoor patio with vineyard views is not to be missed.
- Domaine Berrien Cellars – growing grapes on this land since 1992 and currently growing 21 different varieties, there is a delicious glass here for every palate.
- Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant – across the forest from Round Barn Estate, this more sophisticated sister-vineyard offers fine dining in addition to casual outdoor vineyard sips.
- Solasta Winery – this carefully crafted tasting room is conveniently located across from Warren Dunes so you can combine a beach day or dune hike and wine tasting all in one afternoon!
- Hickory Creek Winery – this low-key vineyard offers some very fine small batch wines that you can enjoy on their beautiful property among the trees and vineyards. It’s the best of both worlds.
These are ideal for a slower-paced afternoon—perfect for couples, wine enthusiasts, or anyone looking to truly savor the region.
Turn Your Tasting into An Experience You Won’t Forget!
Book a tour with Jason from The Bottle Run. He’ll pick you up at the Inn and make sure you enjoy your day responsibly thanks to his expertly curated planning which includes secret gems along the route, a gourmet lunch, and his local expertise.
Or, stay put and let the wine come to you! Steve Salisbury, of If These Vines Could Talk will curate your Michigan Wine Tasting at the inn. Steve is incredibly knowledgeable about Michigan Wines, having grown up on a vineyard right here in Southwest Michigan, he also now has an amazing podcast all about Michigan wine so he can continue the conversation about how great it is. You’re certain to learn something new, and try some amazing Michigan wines with Steve.
How to Enjoy Michigan Wines Responsibly
A great wine weekend is all about balance. Here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:
✔ Plan transportation
Designate a driver, book a local car service, or stick to walkable locations. Uber/Lyft are not reliable in our area, so consider booking a ride in advance with a trusted partner such as Harbor Country Transportation or PrivaDrive.
✔ Pace yourself
Choose two or three locations at most in one day, and split tastings, sip (don’t chug), and take breaks between stops.
✔ Keep winery hours in mind
Most locations are open during the daytime hours, closing by 6 or 7 pm at night, so plan your visits accordingly.
✔ Eat and hydrate along the way
Many wineries offer snacks, but not meals. Eat before you go, plan a lunch stop on the way, and consider pre-ordering a Garden Grove Inn charcuterie box to take with you. And, don’t forget to fill up your water bottle at our water cooler before heading out.
✔ Stay close to it all
That’s where Garden Grove Inn comes in—your home base for a safe, relaxing wine country getaway. Stay multiple days, and visit all the vineyards!
Make It a Wine Weekend
With dozens of wineries, scenic countryside, and Lake Michigan just minutes away, the Lake Michigan Shore AVA offers an experience that feels both elevated and effortlessly laid-back.
Whether you’re walking to a tasting room, discovering a new favorite bottle, or spending the day vineyard-hopping, it all comes back to slowing down and enjoying the moment.
Book your stay at Garden Grove Inn and start planning your Southwest Michigan wine escape. 🍷 Book now!
