14 Great Reasons to Hit the Bay View Wine Trail

Wine It Up

By Al Parker | Oct. 2, 2021

The Bay View Wine Trail is growing, enhancing its reputation for quality vintages.

The seven-year-old trail is home to 14 wineries and runs from Ellsworth to Harbor Springs, but most are clustered around Petoskey.

On a crisp autumn day, the drive alone is a beguiling way to spend an afternoon.

Add top-quality vintages – both reds and whites - and the adventure is compelling. 

The wine trail started with a handful of members in 2014, achieving non-profit status the following year. But the trail’s members have been individually producing award-winning wines longer than that.

Walloon Lake Winery
Located just outside Petoskey, the family operation is owned by the Dennis family and regularly hosts tastings, private events and weddings. They produce reds, whites and some fruits, from vine to bottle.
Must sip: The Regatta Rose is a refreshing blend of Marquette, Frontenac Gri and La Crescent with a tart cherry nose.
Must try: Join artist Martina Hahn for a Paint and Sip session through October. Cost ($48) includes all materials and a flavorful glass of wine.
Find it: 3149 Intertown Rd., Petoskey; (231) 622-8645 or walloonlakewinery.com.

Rudbeckia Farm and Winery
Owner John Wysokinski and his staff offer a wine, beer and cider tasting experience that is both fun and educational. New to the winery are two 18-foot-high heated igloos where guests can enjoy their beverages. They comfortably seat a dozen or more. 
Must sip: Their newly released pumpkin beer or their s'more martini.
Must try: On an autumn night, unwind at one of five new firepit seating areas.
Find it: 3379 Lake Grove Rd., Petoskey; (231) 622-4173, rudbeckiafarm.com.

Mackinaw Trail Winery
Established in 2012, the winery sits on 30 acres along U.S. 131. Their reds and whites are compelling, while their fruit wines – blackberry, strawberry, blueberry and cranberry – are strong sellers. One popular grape is La Crescent. Its high acidity makes the grape versatile for wine-making styles from dry to sweet. 
Must sip: “Our Marquette is absolutely our top seller,” says owner Ralph Stabile. “We have seven acres and in the spring we'll be planting four more.”
Must try: Their new patio is a comfortable scenic venue that now seats 60.
Find it: 3423 U.S. 131, Petoskey; (231) 487-1910 or mackinawtrailwinery.com.

The Cellars of Royal Farms
If you're looking for a classic autumn experience with apple picking, corn maze, hayrides and other activities, this is your place. “We've really grown our hard cider business with new flavors and varieties,” says owner Sara McGuire. “And we've added more outdoor space with a beautiful view of Lake Michigan.”
Must sip: Their smooth caramel apple cider is always popular, while their Live Edge is a dry, earthy drink that's super smooth.
Must try: Their fresh homemade pasty selections include beef, chicken, breakfast and veggies. For those with a sweet tooth, their pies are all homemade and come highly recommended.
Find it: 10445 North U.S. 31, Ellsworth; (231) 599-3222 or royalfarmsinc.com.

1918 Cellars at Castle Farms
Guests can explore the history and beauty of Castle Farms, while enjoying their Birch Lake White or late harvest Riesling. Red lovers will want to try Serenity Red, a blend that is dry, smooth and fruit-forward.
Must sip: Stonemason, a dry red, combines Merlot and Syrah grapes in a smooth, full-bodied wine with slight chocolate tones.
Must try: Explore the Castle at your own pace with a self-guided tour. Try the hedge maze, follow the model train engines, feed the ducks and say hi to Norm the Dragon.
Find it: 5052 M-66, Charlevoix; (231) 237-0884 or castlefarms.com/wine.  

Spare Key Winery
This family-owned gem has seen steady growth since launching in 2011. Its newest addition is a 40x80-foot building that houses both a comfy tasting room and a processing area. It's one of the few wineries that makes its white, red and fruit wines from grapes grown in their vineyard and processed on-site.
Must sip: Their apple wine is always popular and Elvira, a silver medal winner, is “not your average white wine.”
Must try: Take time to visit the litter of friendly new puppies.
Find it: 6872 Upper Bayshore Road, Charlevoix; (231) 250-7442 or sparekeywinery.com.

Resort Pike Cidery and Winery
A sister operation of Mackinaw Trail Winery, this friendly place opened in 2017 and offers a selection of sparkling wines and ciders from 20 taps in their tasting room. Look for the oversized American flag painted on the barn. 
Must sip: Their new pineapple habenero cider is drawing raves, while the more subtle Mulligan is reminiscent of a gin and tonic.
Must try: This is a no-frills, no-gimmicks place that puts the emphasis on comfortable seating and good conversation, plus some very calming country views.
Find it: 3471 Resort Pike Rd., Petoskey; (231)753-2508 or resortpike.com.

Petoskey Farms Vineyard and Winery
Readers Digest has just recognized this operation as one of the nation's top 25 wineries. Opened in 2014, it sits on 22 acres of rolling hills and scenic pastures some three miles east of downtown Petoskey. Owners Tracie and Andy Roush have recently expanded their manufacturing operations which means increased production of their sparkling wines.
Must sip: Tracie's favorite, their Frontenac Blanc, won double gold at state competition this year.
Must try: Enjoy a beverage on their newly expanded outdoor seating area.
Find it: 3720 Atkins Road, Petoskey; (231) 290-9463 or petoskeyfarms.com.

Maple Moon Sugarbush and Winery
Maple Moon touts itself as America’s first and only maple winery. Owners Todd and Christi Petersen don’t just add maple syrup to their vino – the wines are actually fermented with the sugars in the maple syrup. Vintages range from semi-dry to sweet; customers say their wines have a delicious maple tone with a cream finish.
Must sip: The maple ginger hard cider is a public favorite.
Must try: In February they host a wine-shoeing tour. Tickets go quickly, so check their website for details.
Find it: 4454 Atkins Road, Petoskey; (231) 487-9058 or mmsyrup.com. 

Pond Hill Farm Vineyards and Winery
This family-owned boutique winery sits on 38 acres, about five miles north of Harbor Springs. They produce whites, reds, fruit wines and a crisp, bubbly called Northern Lights Peach Sparkler from its estate-grown Brianna grapes.
Must sip: The Pond Hill White, a semi-sweet varietal, is an award-winner.
Must try: Pumpkin Weekends through Oct. 24 feature pumpkin bowling, apple baseball, hayrides, bounces houses, pumpkin smashing, animals, donuts and cider and more. Lord of the Gourd pro pumpkin carver visits on Oct. 16.
Find it: 5699 South Lakeshore Dr., Harbor Springs; (231) 526-3276 or pondhill.com.

Crooked Vine Vineyard and Winery
Owned by Geoff and Gail Frey, this eight-year-old operation sits on 38 acres north of Petoskey. The Freys have a goal to produce wines with “a sense of place and balance” while providing guests a memorable experience.
Must sip: Their Marquette Reserve is made from rich, robust estate-grown grapes. It's a balanced, yet complex wine with hints of black cherry, spice and a lingering finish. Great with beef, sharp cheeses, and chocolate desserts.
Must try: Looking for a wedding venue? Your ceremony can take place in their heirloom apple orchard facing the vineyard and the rolling hills of the Petoskey area.
Find it: 8370 Lakeview Road, Alanson; (231) 881-6582 or crookedvinewine.com.

Seasons of the North Winery
Established in 2012, this family-run operation produces reds, whites, roses, fruit wines, and a tasty sangria. Their goal is simple: offer distinctive quality wines with an emphasis on local production. The winery's uniqueness comes from the varieties of grapes that are perfectly adapted for northern Michigan's climate. The grapes are French/American hybrids and are resistant to disease and cold.
Must sip: The Cabin is a medium-bodied, dry red wine made from Marechal Foch grapes. Great with a steak, grilled burger or sharp cheddar.
Must try: They'll be glad to make you custom labels for their wines that make great gifts. Make the gift even more memorable with a special messaged label from you. Great for birthdays, weddings, holidays, or any special occasion. Add a business logo and it's an ideal token of appreciation for an important wine-loving client or associate.
Find it: 9090 M-68, Alanson; (231) 548-1280 or seasonsofthenorth.com.

Boyne Valley Vineyards
One of the trail's newest members, this winery offers a laid-back wine-tasting experience in their barn-inspired tasting room.
Must sip: Their Marquette is a flavorful favorite of many guests.
Must try: Their summer live music program is still being held each Friday and Saturday through the end of October.
Find it: 5325 U.S. 131 South, Petoskey; (231) 373-2090 or boynevalleyvineyards.com.

Cellar 1914
The fourth generation of the Shooks family operates the farm that began in 1914, hence the name of the winery that was launched in 2015 when 10 acres were planted with wine grapes.
Must sip: Perfect for fall is the Cinnamon Sugar Bush, a cider that give you flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon and maple harvested locally in East Jordan.
Must try: Check out the new tasting room that opened last month in downtown East Jordan.
Find it: 5833 Shooks Road, Central Lake or 101 Main St., East Jordan; (231) 676-8743 or cellar1914.com.

 

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