The gorgeous Leelanau Peninsula sits between Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse bay and has many great spots along its shoreline, but is possibly best known for its sprawling and numerous vineyards and wineries! While this area is undoubtedly beautiful during any season, no Michigander can deny that the color changes of the leaves that come with the fall season make this northern area breathtaking; what a perfect place for a Michigan fall winery tour! Nothing could be better than taking a color tour and enjoying local wines crafted right here in our beautiful state! With over 24 wineries and vineyards in the Leelanau Peninsula alone, you will have plenty of options for a beautiful fall trip!
Leelanau Peninsula Campgrounds
There are a few great companies that offer guided, chauffeured wine tours of this wonderful area, which is convenient if you’re looking to make a lot of stops in one day! If you’re looking for a more relaxed approach, this is the perfect opportunity to take out your RV for a great fall camping trip! That way you can visit the wineries and vineyards at your own pace and spend several days exploring this magnificent area! If you’d like to take your RV on a fall winery tour of Leelanau Peninsula, Lake Leelanau RV Park is an amazing choice for your stay! Located on the shore of gorgeous Lake Leelanau, this RV park features great views and has all the amenities you’ll need for a great stay! And the best part is that this great campground is located right in the center of all the wineries and vineyards in the area!
Another great RV park to check out is the Ahgosatown Landing Marina & RV. This stunning RV park also features gorgeous views. You can relax and build a campfire on the beach to enjoy the wonderful sunsets! This campground is located a bit farther north than Lake Leelanau RV Park, but is almost the same distance away from most of the wineries and vineyards!
Leelanau Peninsula Wineries And Vineyards
Leelanau Peninsula can be broken down into three separate loops of wine trails: the Grand Traverse, Northern, and Sleeping Bear Loops. There are over 24 great wineries, vineyards, and taprooms in the peninsula for a great Michigan fall winery tour, so it might be a bit difficult to narrow it down to a select few if you’re not looking to visit each and every one! We have included some of the best wineries and vineyards from each loop for you to consider for your Michigan fall winery tour!
Sleeping Bear Loop
Chateau Fontaine
With a wonderful variety of award-winning wines, this lovely family-run winery has a great selection for your palate! You won’t want to miss out on their internationally acclaimed dry white riesling and semi-sweet white riesling! Their lovely cherry wine has been said by many to be their favorite of all the cherry wines they have tried, which is an impressive claim in the Grand Traverse area! The friendly staff are knowledgable in their pairings and will provide great snacks that are harmonious with their delicious wines! The best part? Whispers through the grapevine is that their tastings are free! As it is just a short five minute drive from Lake Leelanau RV Park, it is sure to be a favorite!
Northern Loop
Leelanau Wine Cellars
A mere three minute drive is all that separates you from your campsite at Ahgosatown Landing to the wonderful Leelanau Wine Cellars! With a great selection of wines that are widely distributed across Michigan, as well as a breathtaking view of Grand Traverse Bay, Leelanau Wine Cellars will make for an astounding wine tasting experience! Be sure to try the unique and flavorful blend of the Witch’s Brew, which will be the perfect spiced wine for your fall winery tour, or the popular light-bodied Winter White!
Tandem Ciders
Another charming family-owned operation, this lovely stop in the Leelanau Peninsula features ciders rather than the traditional wines of the surrounding area for a unique experience! A whimsical taproom and delicious craft ciders will leave you feeling happy and refreshed! All of the cider is made from Michigan apples, with plenty of local growers contributing their fruit! You’ll love the sense of community and rustic touches that Tandem has to offer!
Grand Traverse Loop
45 North Vineyard & Winery
Right on the edge of the north side of the Grand Traverse Loop, this divine vineyard and winery boasts both gorgeous views and structures, as well as delicious wines! It’s not surprising that this is a wonderful spot for weddings and other events; it’s an absolutely stunning place! Just a short drive from nearby RV parks, it’s a wonderful trip to make, especially when those fall colors are showing! Be sure to try the 2014 Riesling, which as won multiple awards, or the 2014 Unwooded Chardonnay, which won double gold at the 2015 Tasters Guild International Competition!
L. Mawby
Featuring wonderful sparkling wines and delicious food pairings, this wonderful winery has some delicious offerings for your tasting pleasure! These wines tend to be a bit on the dry side, which can be a nice changeup from other sweeter wines! You’ll love the simple elegance that L. Mawby boasts! Only about a 15 minute drive from either RV park, you’ll be able to take in some beautiful fall-colored Michigan landscapes along the way! Of course these are only a few of the several amazing vineyards and wineries in the Leelanau Peninsula! Be sure to check all of them out and plan your amazing Michigan fall winery tour! There is no better way to experience the amazing fall colors and all the tasty wines that our amazing state has to offer!
