Combining wine and beer tours across Michigan is an awesome way to experience the state’s best drinks, natural scenery, and friendly local culture. Michigan has built up a serious reputation for its coolclimate wines and inventive craft beers, so it’s ideal for travelers who want to sample everything without feeling like they have to pick just one thing. I’m sharing my go-to tips for planning a mixed wine and beer tour in Michigan, some recommended routes, plus tricks for making the most of your trip, even if you’re new to wine or craft beer tastings.
Why Mix Wine and Beer Tours in Michigan?
For adventure seekers, or just people who love good food and drink, mixing both wine and beer tours turns a simple day trip into something a lot more special. Instead of having to choose between a winery crawl or a brewery run, you get the best of both. Michigan makes this easy with regions where vineyards and breweries are just a few miles apart, and the settings, from rolling hills to lakeshores, are pretty stunning.
The craft beverage scene here didn’t just pop up overnight. Michigan’s fruitgrowing climate means a ton of local ingredients for brewers and winemakers, and the community loves supporting local businesses. So, a trip like this doesn’t just involve tasty drinks. It’s about meeting people who truly care about their craft, hearing their stories, and getting a peek behind the scenes. Many places offer behindthescenes tours and are happy to talk about their process. You’ll get a deeper appreciation for what goes into each glass—far more interesting than just hitting usual tourist sites.
Where to Go: Michigan’s Top Mixed-Tour Regions
Pairing wine tasting with brewery visits is truly doable because several areas in Michigan offer a nice mix of both. Here are some of my favorite regions to check out:
- Traverse City Area: The Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas are packed with lakeside wineries. Traverse City itself has some really creative smallbatch breweries. Some wineries offer stunning views of Lake Michigan’s blue waters, and a bike ride along the trails connecting each stop makes the day even more memorable.
- Grand Rapids & West Michigan: Known as “Beer City USA”, Grand Rapids anchors the west side for beer, but nearby Fennville and Lake Michigan Shore have small, picturesque wineries. Art galleries and public murals add nextlevel cool to your downtown wanderings.
- Southwest Michigan: The Lake Michigan Shore wine trail is loaded with tasting rooms, and you’re just minutes away from craft breweries in places like St. Joseph, Bridgman, and New Buffalo. Look for brewery taprooms inside old barns or along sandy beaches for a laidback vibe.
- Southeast Michigan: Ann Arbor and Detroit’s suburbs are home to farmstead wineries and cuttingedge breweries, all easy to group together on a loop tour. You can sample both traditional and offbeat styles right in the heart of the city.
If you’re looking for specific suggestions, I usually start with a small group of 4 to 6 spots in one region so you’re not rushed, and you get to really enjoy each place. Picking three wineries and three breweries in one day lets you sample enough to find favorites without feeling overwhelmed.
A couple of bonus spots: Kalamazoo is famous for Bell’s Brewery, but you’ll also stumble upon local vineyards just outside of town. The Upper Peninsula features scenic highways dotted with tiny, welcoming tasting rooms—and some of the friendliest staff you’ll meet anywhere. If you’re in for a longer adventure, mix and match regions over two or three days, and you’ll get a more relaxed feel for Michigan’s best flavors.
Making the Most of Your Michigan Wine and Beer Tour
Combining beer and wine in one adventure might seem like a lot, but with some simple planning, it works super well. Here are steps I use for a chill, memorable experience:
- Pick a Region: Map out an area where you can hit both wineries and breweries without long drives. Places like Traverse City, Grand Rapids, or Lake Michigan Shore are ideal for this.
- Find a Home Base: Staying in one spot, like a cozy inn or lakeside rental, means you can use local shuttles or tours or have a rideshare pick you up after a full day. This saves time and removes the hassle of parking.
- Alternate Stops: Break up your route with cideries, meaderies, or cool restaurants for food in between. It keeps your taste buds fresh and prevents palate fatigue.
- Make Reservations: Some tasting rooms, especially wineries, get busy on weekends. Booking a tasting flight or tour ahead is a smart move to make sure you get in.
Also, if you plan on going with friends, set up a group chat or shared map of your intended stops. This helps everyone stay on the same page and makes the adventure smoother. Don’t forget to check business hours, since some spots close early in the evening.
Tips for FirstTimers: Wine & Beer Tasting in One Day
If you’re new to guided tastings, going between wine and beer in one day is a breeze with some simple know-how. Here are a few things I’ve learned to help you make the most of it:
- Start with Lighter Drinks: Begin with white wines or lighter beers so your palate doesn’t get overloaded early on. Save bolder reds or highABV stouts for later stops, as your taste buds will be ready for strong flavors after warming up.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle and drink water between every stop, especially if you’re visiting multiple locations in one afternoon. This helps you enjoy each tasting and keeps you feeling your best.
- Eat Along the Way: Most Michigan breweries and wineries serve good snacks or full meals. Grab food whenever you can, as it keeps you happy and helps you taste better. Charcuterie boards and local cheeses are always tasty.
- Ask for Recommendations: Each staff member knows what’s special or new that day. They love sharing their local favorites or hidden gems. Just ask and you might stumble upon something amazing.
- Take Notes: Jot down the names of what you try. After the fourth stop, those tasting notes are a lifesaver when you want to pick up a bottle or growler to bring home.
Pro tip: Many tasting rooms hand out flavor guides, maps, or scorecards. Use these to make quick notes or rate your top picks as you go. They make great souvenirs, too!
Things to Consider Before Planning Your Combined Tour
If you want your trip to go off without a hitch, there are a couple of things that are worth thinking about before you hit the road:
- Transportation: Safe, sober driving is super important. Look into local tour companies, shuttle buses, or plan a designated driver before you go.
- Seasonality: Spring and fall are fantastic for tasting tours. Vineyards are especially pretty, and breweries often have seasonal releases. Some spots close in winter, so check ahead when you map out your route.
- Tasting Fees: Most Michigan wineries and breweries now charge a small tasting fee (usually $5 to $15). Many waive the fee if you make a purchase, but it’s a smart idea to carry cash or a card for smaller stops.
- Legal Drinking Age: Michigan’s legal drinking age is 21. Bring your ID. Most places check, even if you look “obviously” old enough.
- Tour Etiquette: Avoid wearing heavy perfumes or colognes as it interferes with tasting. Be polite, and don’t be afraid to dump or spit what you don’t finish. It’s totally normal and helps you avoid overdoing it.
Transportation Options
One thing that makes a Michigan tour really fun and a lot safer is using a private driver or joining a preorganized tour. You’ll find options for private car services, group winebeer bus tours, and even biking tours in some areas. If you’re going DIY, set up a rideshare or taxi for pickup at the last stop. I’ve tried all three approaches, and each has its perks.
Weather and Seasonal Perks
Mild spring and fall weather bring out the best in both vineyard and beer garden visits. Not only is the scenery gorgeous, but releases like dryhopped pale ales and lateharvest Rieslings make appearances. Peak summer can be busier, so if you want a quieter vibe, shoulder seasons are your friend. Certain events, such as harvest festivals or seasonal beer releases, are great if you want to catch Michigan’s best products at their freshest. Don’t let winter turn you away, though. Some tasting rooms offer fireside experiences indoors, which feels cozy and unique.
Advanced Tips for Michigan Mixed Tours
For those wanting to take their tour game up a notch, here are a few nextlevel cool tricks to keep things smooth and exciting:
- Create a Theme: Pick a theme, like all Michigangrown grapes or farmhouse ales made with local hops. It’s a great way to learn and compare flavors instead of randomly sampling everything.
- Try Limited Editions: Michigan breweries and wineries love to roll out oneoff releases. Don’t stick to what you know. Ask about collaborations or featured pours for an extra treat.
- Split Tastings: If you’re in a group, share tasting flights instead of ordering one for each person. This way you try more flavors while sipping less at each stop.
- Take a Break: Plan a scenic walk or picnic by the lakeshore between stops. The break helps with tasting fatigue and gives you plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings.
- Bring a Cooler: Packing a small insulated cooler in the car helps you transport bottles or cans without worrying about them overheating, especially on a sunny day. If you’re road tripping for more than a day, this is a must.
Don’t forget, some producers host hands-on classes where you can learn how to blend your own wine or brew a small batch to bring home. Keep an eye on local events calendars for these bonus experiences.
Ways Michigan Producers Make These Tours Unique
Mixing brewery and winery stops isn’t just about the drinks. Michigan’s tasting rooms often combine art, food, and music into the experience. Here are a few ideas worth checking out:
- Winery Breweries: A few places, like Black Star Farms or Chateau Chantal, have both operations on the same property. You can grab a wine flight, then head next door for a taproom pint, all without moving your car.
- FarmtoTable Pairings: Chefl ed food pairings and farmstead cheese tastings can turn a simple tour into a laidback culinary adventure. Some spots bring in local bakers or chocolatiers to mix things up too.
- Live Music & Food Trucks: Especially in the summer, wineries and breweries often have bands, popup BBQs, and festival weekends that transform your road trip into a real celebration. Join in for some dancing or just chill on a picnic blanket.
Beyond the major attractions, you’ll often spot local art shows, craft fairs, or outdoor movie nights at Michigan tasting rooms. Every visit feels unique since the lineup of events changes throughout the year.
Common Questions about Michigan Wine & Beer Tours
Over the years, I’ve heard plenty of questions about planning combined Michigan wine and beer tours. Here are answers to a few big ones:
Question: Can I bring my own food to tasting rooms?
Answer: Some breweries and wineries welcome outside food, especially if they don’t serve meals, but always check their policy first. Many offer picnic tables or outdoor spots for snacking.
Question: Are kids allowed?
Answer: Many Michigan tasting rooms are familyfriendly, especially in the afternoons. Breweries tend to be more relaxed, but wineries often allow kids outdoors. Bring entertainment for them so everyone enjoys the day.
Question: What about nondrinkers in my group?
Answer: Designated drivers often get perks like free sodas or snacks, and many tasting rooms also offer local coffees, ciders, or NA beers and wines. Just ask and you’ll find plenty for everyone.
Wrapping Up
Exploring Michigan’s vineyards and breweries in one trip mixes adventure, relaxation, and loads of local flavor. It’s about stumbling upon new favorites, meeting passionate makers, and soaking up some of the prettiest spots in the Midwest. Whether you go all out with private tastings or join a casual group tour, the experience is accessible for just about any budget or experience level.
Planning ahead makes all the difference for a laidback, funfilled tasting day. By picking your region, booking ahead, and pacing your stops, you’re set for a tour that shows off the best of Michigan in a way you’ll want to repeat. Cheers to your next adventure!