Hello all :)
I am trying to put together a nice Christmas gift for a group of 4 people. My husband suggested some sort of wine tasting trip and I thought that would be a wonderful idea. Problem is that January would be the only open month to plan this for them.
Anyone know of something I can try to plan for them? I was thinking some sort of over night trip that includes dinner and a wine tasting.
I know MI has a bunch of wineries but I do not know them and I do not know if any of them have any sort of packages like what I am looking for.
I am willing to just put together a package on my own like a hotel, dinner, and the winery itself if I need to. I just don't know where or how to do so.
Any suggestions?
Thanks so much :)
There is a winery in Grass Lake Michigan over by Jackson. They have events like dinner theater. Their wine is exceptional! My favorite is the Cabernet Sauvignon.
The name of the winery is Lone Oak. They have a website, just do a google search.
Have fun!
Great lakes winery in Lexington MI but not sure if it's open in January - check their website!
I second the recommendation for Chateau Chantal. Check out their website because they always have different fun classes and packages going on. I don't know what their overnight suites look like, but the winery sits on a hilltop overlooking all the vineyards and the lake. It has a 360 degree view and is amazing! You should book for them to stay there!
I don't know which part of MI you are in, it's a rather large state. But living in Chicago. we often went up the coast of Lake Michigan. I remember a girls weekend in New Buffalo, we stayed in a really nice hotel on the water (Marina Grand Resort maybe), which had a great restaurant, and went wine tasting to a couple joints, one I remember was called Round Barn.
Good luck!
You might think about Traverse City. There are a number of wineries near Traverse City. Here's a link to a listing of wineries and tasting rooms near Traverse city along with links to the websites of the wineries: http://www.traversecity.com/wineries-and-tasting-rooms-40/ (If the link doesn't work, try searching for the Traverse City visitors bureau web site and find the link there.)
One winery that I've heard good things about is Two Lads winery. I don't drink so I can't tell you anything about the wine itself, but the view from the winery is spectacular. (We vacation in Traverse City every year and a friend asked us to pick up some wine from Two Lads.)
You will find all kinds of accomodations in Traverse City. We like to stay at a place called the Tamarack Lodge http://wwww.tamaracklodgetc.com/ It has 1, 2, and 3 bedroom condos with a full kitchen and fireplace in the living room. It's also right on the water. There is also the Grand Traverse Resort. And there are all kinds of other hotels in the area. There's a nice downtown area to walk around with a variety of restaurants. And Charlevoix and Petoskey are within a nice distance for a day trip.
The only disclaimer I have to make is that we always go up in the summer, so I don't know if the wineries have different hours or are closed in the winter.
I have not personally stayed there but I hear Chateau Chantel is very nice in Traverse City. Winery and Inn type place. Probably a little pricey and not sure if they are open year round.
I live in TRaverse City....and wine taste often. the Best winery by far up here is Brys Estates....and near Brys estates is one of the best fine dining restaurants you will ever experience, the Boathouse. however...they are not an all in one type place. they are all located on the peninsula that divides East and West Grand Traverse Bay. There are alot of wineries along that peninsula (Old Mission) you can google Old mission wineries and I guarantee something will pop up. Then on the other side of town there are the Leelanau peninsula wineries. Over there you will find the type of all in one place you are looking for, Black Star Farms. They have an Inn, tasting rooms and food. I would highly recommend Brys Estates though. I can't even begin to give them the proper credit with how amazing all of their wines are. I'm usually a dry white kind of a girl, not a fan of many reds...but I absolutely ADORE everything they make. there is no bitter aftertaste or overly powerful strange tastes....everything blends and is amazing. they will not be disappointed! And the boathouse is a truly remarkable restaurant with a top notch chef and gorgeous views! there are plenty of hotels in the Traverse City area and would be happy to recommend something to you if you'd like to "build your own" package. feel free to message me!
There are many Michigan wineries along I94 from Kalamazoo to New Buffalo.
My parents have a winery in MN. I'd suggest looking for a winery that you like the look of, and consult them for help finding the rest of your package. They live in the area and should be able to suggest a hotel and restaurant.
My parents give free tours, but some places charge. THey also do free tastings, but some charge for that too. You'd want to include a tour and tasting at the winery, and maybe a 1/2 case of wine for the group.
Look online, everyone has a website, and this time of year the winery owners should be happy to help you plan it.
J.
