On Thursday June 4, from 4-8 pm Dune Bird Winery, set along Michigan’s scenic M-22 in the heart of Leelanau County, celebrates the launch of a new varietal red wine, Woolsey Red, a partnership with the Save Woolsey Airport Terminal project, a group of dedicated community volunteers and partners working with Leelanau Township to Save Woolsey Airport Terminal, an 1870s-era, hand-laid stone building that once served as a farm creamery.
Every year for the past decade, Jose Abel has traveled more than 2,000 miles from the region of Durango in Mexico to tend to the grapes of Northern Michigan’s famed vineyards. The money the 30-year old earns during the nine months that he spends in Michigan allows him—and thousands of other Mexican workers in our state—to have dreams back home. Now, however, the U.S. federal government has lowered the minimum wage—by as much as $4.50 an hour, or 25 percent, in Michigan—for the exploding number of workers who are here on H-2A visas, like Abel. The decision comes after a couple of years of outcry from some farmers that the cost of labor, transportation, and housing for H-2A workers had become untenable, and that, without locals willing to do the job, small farms would not be able to afford the cost of the harvest season.
The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail has announced the launch of its newest winter event, Snow on The Vines, taking place Feb. 20–22. This inaugural winter celebration invites wine lovers to experience the charm of Northern Michigan’s wine country wrapped in a cozy, snow-kissed setting.
Dune Bird Winery, the newest member of the Harmony Estate Wineries of Leelanau, announced a standout first showing at the 2026 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, earning a Double Gold and multiple additional medals in one of North America’s most competitive wine judging events. Among nearly 5,500 entries from 950+ wineries, Dune Bird captured top recognition for its Leelanau Peninsula whites—an early milestone for the young label and a major win for Northern Michigan on a national stage. “This is a first win for Dune Bird, and it’s especially meaningful to debut with a Double Gold,” said winemaker Blake Lougheed. “It reflects the focus we put on site expression and precision winemaking in every lot.”
Taylor and Sam Simpson know wine. They were brought up in the business, and today Simpson Family Estates includes Aurora Cellars, Good Harbor Vineyards and Harbor Hill Fruit Farms. So, too, do Geoff Hamelin and his parents Paul and Marty Hamelin, who have owned and run Verterra Winery since 2007. Now the two families have teamed up to showcase not only their wines but those of more than a dozen other wineries from across the state. They have purchased Michigan By The Bottle. The tasting rooms in the metro Detroit area offer patrons the chance to try wines from all around Michigan. “The mission is to bring Michigan wines to more consumers,” says Taylor. “It’s not limited to the Leelanau Peninsula. It’s all AVAs.”
The Leland Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the return of the 2025 Leland Wine & Food Festival—a celebration of wine, flavor, and community on the shores of Lake Michigan—set against the spectacular backdrop of Leland Harbor on Saturday, June 14. Last year’s event was canceled. This highly anticipated summer tradition brings together the best of Northern Michigan’s wines, craft beers, and gourmet cuisine in one unforgettable lakeside experience.
The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is shaking things up this spring with “Wine with a Twist,” a one-of-a-kind tasting event running May 2–4, where traditional wine tasting meets creative craft cocktails.
’Tis the season for—wine? According to the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association, a.k.a. the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, yes, it is. As a matter of fact, it’s pretty much always the season for wine. While the tasting rooms are most crowded in the summer and fall is harvest season in the vineyards, there are still plenty of reasons to visit wineries in the winter. Starting with the wines themselves, of course, but beyond that, there are a number of special events in the wintertime. “Our wine trail events are all about bringing people together to celebrate the exceptional wines that make our region so special,” said Andie Hobbins, managing director for the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. “Northern Michigan is producing wines of outstanding quality, and we love sharing that with visitors from near and far.”
In a significant stride towards sustainable viticulture, Bel Lago Vineyard, Winery & Cidery, along with Bel Lago North Farm and its sister winery, French Valley Vineyard, announced the attainment of the prestigious SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certification this past February. This accolade highlights Bel Lago’s commitment to eco-friendly winemaking, its community, and patrons.
Get ready to elevate your wine tasting experience to new heights with Vino-Madness, presented by the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. Set to take place on March 16 and 17, this innovative event promises a unique fusion of wine and familiar household snacks, just in time for the first weekend of March Madness. Vino-Madness isn’t your typical wine tasting affair. It’s a revolutionary exploration of how everyday snacks can complement and enhance the flavors of your favorite wines. Picture this: chocolate covered pretzels paired with Pinot Noir, potato chips with Chardonnay, and so much more. Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized as you witness the magical harmony between wines and snacks, all in the cozy ambiance of winter.