For the last several years my family and extended family have gone on a Michigan fall color, wine, beer and cider tour – or “wine tour” for short. Usually we try to go when the colors are at their “peak”, typically middle of October. We all pile into my Uncle’s motorhome and tour northern Michigan’s best wineries, cideries, and micro breweries, and enjoy the beautiful fall weather! This year we set off to Traverse City, Leelanau, Suttons Bay, and Bellaire. Here’s our wine tour itinerary!
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Stop 1: Red Spire Brunch House in Traverse City
We left Gaylord at 7:52am to be exact. Our first stop was the Red Spire Brunch House in Traverse City. It is in the Mercato within the Grand Traverse Commons, which used to be mental hospital! But despite the history, the Red Spire Brunch House is colorful and modern, serving a delicious menu. I got the eggs benedict with fresh fruit and it did not disappoint. I had a bite of my mom’s hash browns and they were SO good. Once you’re done eating, there are small shops in the Mercato featuring Michigan gifts, artwork, jewelry, and even an ice cream shop.
Related: 7 Reasons to Visit Gaylord Michigan
Stop 2: Northern Latitude Distillery in Lake Leelanau
Next, we were off to Northern Latitudes Distillery, which serves rum, whiskey, vodka, liqueur, and moonshine! Most of the spirits are made from Michigan ingredients -in Michigan! The best part? Tastings are free! You can four half shots for free, and they will also make you little mini mixed drinks for free within within a shot glass. They had mini piña coladas and little Bloody Marys.
My personal favorites were the Norther Roots Ginger Liqueur and the Limoncello di Leelanau. I also really liked the vodka but I can’t remember which one I tried! James liked the Horseradish Vodka and the Whaleback Spiced Rum. Northern Latitude’s also has unique barware and gifts, and of course you can purchase your favorite spirits when you’re done.
Stop 3: Hop Lot Brewing Co in Suttons Bay
Hop Lot Brewing Co was our third stop, and definitely a favorite! Obviously, they serve beer and they also offer a couple ciders. Hop Lot has a great tap room indoors, and an outdoor beer garden with fire pits, string lights, and of course – hops! When its not rainy, I think they have a few yard games, too.
Even though it was a bit rainy, we still enjoyed the outdoor patio furniture and the fires. Â I don’t love beer, but I do love cider! I really enjoyed their Hop Lot Cherry Cider! They do offer flights for tasting, but not on the weekends. Also, it looks like this winter they will have outdoor, clear dome tents (that I am assuming would be heated) for outdoor enjoyment all winter long!
Related: Northern Michigan Beer & Wine Color Tour, Petoskey & Harbor Springs
Stop 4: Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay 
Black Star Farms is a distillery and a winery. Â It is quite a large venue with several red and white buildings on the property. When you drive into the property, you’re eyes are greeted with gorgeous views of the of the vineyards. We went to the distillery first which is in the Hearth and Vine Cafe. James did a liquor tasting; I think the shots were three for seven dollars. They had a really interesting list featuring a chipotle vodka, which I would never try because I hate spicy. BUT James enjoyed it, of course (he puts Tobassco on everything!).
I chose to skip the distillery tasting and opted for one of the craft cocktails. I ordered the Lemon Lavender Fizz with lavender simple syrup, soda and fresh lemon juice! Mmmm, it was so tasty, and really, really refreshing! I definitely recommend it.
After a quick stop at the petting zoo, we crossed the street to The Terrace. The Terrace is a covered patio with a tasting bar and little fires! I split a tasting with James and my cousin. The Terrace had white wines, red wines, some sparkling wines and even a couple ciders! We enjoyed a few sips of their raspberry dessert wine, which they served with a few chocolate chips. We even got to take home our tasting glass!
Stop 5: Suttons Bay Ciders in Suttons Bay
Next, we visited Suttons Bay Ciders which was probably my favorite stop of the day for several reasons. Number one, because I love cider. And number two, because of the amazing 180-degree views of Grand Traverse Bay! Seriously, check it out…
Situated high on a hill, the deck is overlooking the tops of trees and beautiful Lake Michigan. Unfortunately it was cold and windy outside, but we didn’t miss out on the view! The bar has large picture windows, perfect for enjoying the view. We stayed nice and warm inside by the fire, sipping on delicious cider.
Suttons Bay Ciders only serve ciders – we know because the boys asked for a beer menu. But I love cider and I am definitely a fan of theirs! I sampled so may, I can’t remember all the names but I know I really liked their I Spy Ginger cider and Cherry Fest. The crew agreed – this was the stop of the day!
Related: What to Do Near Boyne City and Charlevoix
Stop 6: The Filling Station Microbrewery in Traverse City
Then we went to the Filling Station which is a restaurant and brewery on the railroad tracks. It also has a view of the water. I think I skipped a drink here, so I can’t comment on the beer. But the place has an industrial, modern vibe. If the weather is nice, they have a tables set up right next to the railroad tracks.
Stop 7: Traverse City Whiskey Co. in Traverse City
We made a brief stop at Traverse City Whiskey Co. We didn’t stay here because our crowd of 16 was a little big and the place was already crowded. But I liked their store front!
Stop 8: The Jolly Pumpkin in Traverse City
First, I have to say, that the drive from the Traverse City Whiskey Co to the Jolly Pumpkin was absolutely beautiful! The road winded along the edges of the lake, with all the fall foliage out in full color. Even though it was cloudy and windy, the lake still looked so blue and so beautiful agains the yellow leaves.
The Jolly Pumpkin is an old house on the waterfront. Unfortunately, we arrived an hour after their tasting room closed. We took a quick tour through the house to the bar. Again, our crowd was too large to find a seat in the space but thankfully (with a little convincing from my sister) the bar staff found us a large table in the restaurant! We ordered a round of drinks and then it was onto our final stop!
Stop 9: Shorts Brewery in Bellaire
Finally, time for dinner! The wait for a table in the restaurant was about an hour. And for a crew that had been drinking quite literally all day, that wasn’t going to cut. BUT we found out that you can order from the bar menu and have food delivered to the bar area! Which was way more fun! We ordered several large pizzas, beer, and played darts and pool for the rest of the night. And nothing, I mean NOTHING, tasted better than that pizza that night! For a drink, I ordered a Soft Parade, a recommendation from my cousin, and really loved it! I can see on their website that they have a Mule Beer and I just can’t believe I missed that one!? Oh well, I guess we have to go back!
So there you have it! A perfect northern Michigan fall wine-beer-cider color tour itinerary! We started in Gaylord, cruised through Traverse City, Lake Leelanau, Suttons Bay, and finally the grand finale in Bellaire. The wine tour is always such a highlight every year for my family and I! What’s your favorite winery or brewery in Michigan? Let me know in the comments!
Also, BIG thank you to our wonderful, generous aunt and uncle who make it happen!
Cheers!
*This post contains affiliate links. That means, I may receive a commission for some of the links in this post- at no cost to you. See our Disclaimer page for details*