Just a short drive from Chicago, New Buffalo, Michigan, offers a delightful escape for wine lovers. Situated along the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, New Buffalo boasts a growing number of wineries worth exploring.
This article will guide you through the best wineries in New Buffalo, Michigan, and outline your wine tour options. Whether you prefer a guided experience, a self-guided adventure, or simply soaking up the unique atmosphere of each winery, New Buffalo has something for everyone.
Exploring the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail
Southwest Michigan is home to a thriving wine industry. The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail is a collection of wineries that offer tasting experiences ranging from rustic to refined.
Each winery along the trail has its own unique personality, style, and specialty, but they all share a commitment to creating quality wines and providing memorable experiences.
Types of wine tours
If you’re interested in exploring the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, you have a couple of options. You can create your own self-guided tour using maps and online resources to plan your route. Or, you can book a guided tour with a company like Vino Coach or Wine-o-Wagon, and let them take care of the details.
Guided Wine Tour Options in New Buffalo
Want to leave the driving to someone else? Several companies offer guided tours of the area’s wineries.
Vino Coach Tours
With Vino Coach, you’ll visit three different wineries or tasting rooms, with tasting fees and lunch included. The Vino Coach operates Thursday through Sunday from January to November.
A seat on the Vino Coach runs from $190 to $197 per person, depending on the day of the week. You may be able to snag a group discount if your party is made up of eight or more people.
Vino Coach will pick you up at your AirB&B, as long as it’s within a 25-mile radius.
Wine-o-Wagon Tours
The Wine-o-Wagon will also escort you to three wineries or tasting rooms, with tasting fees and lunch included. The Wine-o-Wagon operates Saturdays and Sundays from May through October.
A spot on the Wine-o-Wagon is $190 per person on Saturdays and Sundays. The wagon seats 14 passengers, and it boasts cushioned seats and a roof, so you can ride in comfort.
Spotlight on local wineries
New Buffalo and the surrounding area are home to many wineries, each with its own unique vibe.
Dablon Winery & Vineyard
Dablon is an adults-only winery that grows all its own grapes on its 57-acre vineyard. They offer tastings and have a lovely outdoor seating area.
Round Barn Winery & Estate
Looking for something a little more lively? Round Barn is a family-friendly winery with live music and food trucks. They seem to have something for everyone, including families, bachelorette parties, beer lovers, and those who prefer cocktails.
Other notable wineries
Here are a few more wineries you might want to check out:
- Hickory Creek Winery. This small-batch winery produces about 1,500 cases each year.
- Lemon Creek Winery. This winery is part of a historic family farm that’s been growing fruit for more than 165 years and making wine for 37 years. The farm spans 230 acres.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most awarded winery in Michigan?
While accolades shift year to year, Tabor Hill Winery has historically been recognized as one of Michigan’s most awarded wineries. They’ve consistently earned recognition for their diverse portfolio of wines, from dry reds to sweet whites, at both national and international competitions.
What city in Michigan has the most wineries?
Traverse City, Michigan, is often considered the city with the highest concentration of wineries. Its location on the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas provides the ideal climate and soil conditions for grape growing, leading to a thriving wine industry.
How much does the Rocky Top wine trail cost?
Ah, tricky question! There isn’t a “Rocky Top Wine Trail” in Michigan. Maybe you’re thinking of a different wine region? However, individual wineries along popular trails like the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail or the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail will charge for tastings, typically ranging from $10 to $25, depending on the number of wines and the winery’s offerings.
What’s the difference between a winery and vineyard?
A vineyard is where the grapes are grown. Think of it as the farm. A winery is where the grapes are processed, fermented, aged, and bottled into wine. Some establishments are both a vineyard and a winery, meaning they grow their own grapes and produce the wine on-site. Others may purchase grapes from various vineyards to produce their wines.
Wrapping Up
From sipping a crisp Riesling overlooking the vines to learning about the art of winemaking, New Buffalo’s wineries offer something for every palate. Whether you prefer the convenience of a guided tour or the freedom of exploring on your own, the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail is waiting to be discovered.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit the wineries’ websites or contact tour operators today to plan your unforgettable wine-tasting adventure.