One of the great things about the Petoskey Area is that the important things don’t change. The scenery remains beautiful, the people hospitable and the pace relaxed. One thing that has changed, however, is the addition of wineries to an already long list of things to partake in while visiting.
The first local vineyard, Pleasantview Winery, actually started back in 1994, in Harbor Springs. Twenty years later, owner Jerry Perrone is not only the winemaker/vintner/vineyard manager, but he also teaches viticulture to enthusiastic classes of students trying for their own perfect blends.
Also in Harbor Springs, Harbor Springs Vineyards & Winery at Pond Hill Farm came on the scene about five years ago and began winning awards soon after. Be sure to notice the labels on these wine bottles; they beautifully represent the Harbor Springs community and were created by artist Trisha Witty. Situated on the beautiful Tunnel of Trees drive, this family-run operation boasts not only a nice selection of wines, but now offers delightful brews at their Tunnel Vision Brewery at the same location.
Mackinaw Trail Winery originally started in Manistique, MI, and is one of the most awarded wineries in the state. Their tasting room in Petoskey’s Gaslight District has whet the tastebuds of visitors to this part of the state. The Mackinaw Trail Winery, Tasting Room and Vineyard are now open, too, on 30 acres of rolling hills on the south end of Petoskey. Mackinaw Trail also introduced their brewery with four beers on tap (and more coming) and one hard cider, earlier this year.
Guests traveling NE from Petoskey to Alanson now see the beautiful Hillside Gardens, the world’s shortest swing bridge, and get a taste of the grape at Crooked Vine Vineyard & Winery. This new vineyard is close to the famous Inland Waterway. The grape varietals in the vineyard are newcomers in the wine world, but are already winning awards.
Minutes from Crooked Vine Vineyard, Seasons of the North gives wine lovers yet another option! Ten wines with local sounding names like Mullet Lake Mist, Burt Lake Breeze and River’s Edge are offered. Two of their reds, North Bound and The Cabin are so popular they’ve already sold out.
Back in Petoskey is the second newest winery. A winding driveway leads guests up to Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery. Just three miles from downtown, getting to Petoskey Farms is a pretty drive. Sitting and sipping on their 60-foot porch could become a favorite pastime for some. Pair your wine tasting with small plates of local meats and cheeses that are available for purchase.
The latest addition is Walloon Lake Winery. Family owned and operated, this winery just opened this year and is still in the process of building a tasting room. In the mean time, guests are welcome to visit their production facility and enjoy the seven currently offered wines.
Each of these wineries serve up a variety of wine choices sure to please most any palate.
Why not come and spend a couple of days having fun and sampling in the Petoskey Area? Stay in a hotel/motel, condominium/cottage, resort, or other lodging establishment and taste what’s new – we’re sure you won’t whine about it!