Michigan

Michigan might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of wine, but maybe it should be. Thanks to its Great Lakes influence, high latitude, and cold-hardy grape game, Michigan is quietly producing some of the best cool-climate wines in the country, especially Riesling, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wine.

By the Numbers

2 Million

Over 2 million people visit Michigan wineries each year, especially along the scenic wine trails of the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas.

3,375

Michigan has more than 3,375 acres of wine grapes, with Riesling as the most planted vinifera grape (traditional European grapes), followed by Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

175+

Michigan is home to more than 175 wineries, spread across both peninsulas.

If These Vines Could Talk

Riesling is queen.

Michigan's cool climate and lake effect create ideal conditions for growing world-class Riesling, from dry and mineral to sweet and tropical. Its high latitude means long summer days, helping Riesling grapes ripen slowly and stay bright.

The Grapes

Riesling

Crisp, high-acid, and often off-dry, Michigan Riesling thrives in the state's cool lakeside vineyards. Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula are the top regions.

Pinot Noir

Michigan Pinot Noir is light-bodied and tart, with cranberry, cherry, and earthy notes. It benefits from the moderating effect of Lake Michigan and cooler growing seasons.

Chardonnay

Michigan Chardonnay is lean, citrusy, and fresh: closer to Chablis than California in style. The state’s cooler sites help preserve acidity and minerality.

Cabernet Franc

Cab Franc is one of the most reliable red grapes in Michigan, offering bright red fruit, green pepper, and spice. It ripens early and handles the cooler climate well.

La Crescent

A cold-hardy hybrid, La Crescent produces highly aromatic, tropical whites. It’s a rising star for wineries in the colder northern AVAs.

Marquette

A cold-hardy red hybrid, Marquette produces bright, spicy reds with cherry and blackcurrant notes. It ripens early and grows well in Michigan’s northern vineyards.

Frontenac

Frontenac is a cold-hardy red hybrid with bold acidity and flavors of cherry, blackberry, and spice. It’s popular in northern Michigan and often used in both still and sparkling wines.

Learn more about U.S. wine grapes

History

1780s–1800s

Missionaries & Native Grapes

Early French missionaries and settlers make wine from wild Vitis riparia and Muscadine species.

1860s

First Cultivated Vines

Commercial grape growing begins in southwest Michigan, particularly around St. Joseph and Benton Harbor.

1919–1933

Prohibition Pauses Progress

Like the rest of the U.S., Prohibition halts Michigan’s growing wine scene.

1930s–1950s

Juice Over Wine

Grape production shifts toward juice grapes like Concord and Niagara, supplying Welch’s and others.

1974

Tabor Hill Starts a Movement

Tabor Hill Winery becomes the first Michigan winery to produce vinifera-based wines (like Riesling) post-Prohibition.

1980s

AVAs & Quality Boost

Fennville AVA (1981) becomes Michigan’s first. Soon after, Lake Michigan Shore and Leelanau Peninsula are recognized.

1990s–2000s

Vinifera Expansion

Wineries increase plantings of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and even Pinot Noir, especially in the northwest.

2010s

Hybrids Thrive & Sparkling Grows

Cold-hardy grapes like Marquette and Frontenac gain traction; sparkling wine sees major growth.

2020s

National Attention Builds

Michigan earns recognition for world-class Riesling, sparkling wine, and a new generation of small, quality-focused producers.