When most people think of Michigan wine country, Traverse City usually comes to mind first. The wineries on the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas have earned a well-deserved reputation for producing exceptional wines and stunning vineyard views.
But what many visitors don't realize is that Northern Michigan has another incredible wine destination that's often overlooked: the Petoskey Wine Trail.
If you're looking for beautiful vineyards, award-winning wines, and a more relaxed tasting experience, the Petoskey Wine Region may become your new favorite destination.
Even better, when you stay at The Monarch in Wolverine, many of these wineries are within a 40-minute drive, making it the perfect home base for a Northern Michigan wine getaway.
Traverse City Wine Country
There's no question that Traverse City deserves its reputation.
With dozens of wineries spread across the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas, it's one of the Midwest's premier wine destinations.
Visitors love:
- Scenic vineyard views overlooking Grand Traverse Bay
- A wide variety of wineries
- Excellent restaurants
- Wine tours
- Beautiful lakefront drives
However, its popularity also means:
- Heavy summer traffic
- Crowded tasting rooms
- Longer waits on weekends
- More difficult parking
- Busy roads between wineries
For many travelers, especially during peak season, the experience can feel more hectic than relaxing.
Why We Love the Petoskey Wine Trail
The Petoskey Wine Region offers a completely different experience. Made up of 14 wineries across the Tip of the Mitt AVA, it combines rolling countryside, lake views, and smaller tasting rooms with a slower pace than many visitors expect.
Instead of spending your day waiting in crowded tasting rooms, you'll often find:
- Personalized wine tastings
- Friendly conversations with winery staff
- Beautiful rural scenery
- Easy parking
- Less traffic between wineries
- A relaxed atmosphere that encourages you to slow down
It's everything people love about Northern Michigan.
Stay at The Monarch and Explore the Petoskey Wine Trail
One of the biggest advantages of staying at The Monarch is its location.
Instead of staying in a busy tourist area, you'll enjoy a peaceful wilderness setting while remaining within easy driving distance of some of the region's best wineries.
Here are a few favorites that are about 40 minutes or less from The Monarch.
Seasons of the North Winery (Indian River)
Website • Directions • (231) 548-1280
Only about 20 minutes from The Monarch, Seasons of the North is a wonderful first stop on your wine adventure.
Known for:
- Estate-grown Northern Michigan wines
- Hard cider
- Craft beer
- Relaxed outdoor seating
- Friendly atmosphere
Its location near Burt Lake makes it an easy addition to any day exploring Indian River or the Inland Waterway.
Vanderbilt Vines (Vanderbilt)
Website • Directions • (734) 716-2061
One of Northern Michigan's newest wineries, Vanderbilt Vines is also the first winery in Otsego County and a proud member of the Petoskey Wine Trail. The family-owned winery features estate-grown wines crafted from cold-hardy grapes grown right on the property.
Guests love:
- Beautiful vineyard views
- Family-owned atmosphere
- Estate-grown wines
- Seasonal live music
- Relaxed outdoor seating
It's only about 20 minutes from The Monarch and makes an excellent stop before exploring Gaylord or the Pigeon River Country.
Crooked Vine Vineyard & Winery
Website • Directions • (231) 203-4790
Located just outside Petoskey, Crooked Vine offers one of the area's most peaceful tasting experiences.
Highlights include:
- Boutique wines
- Panoramic countryside views
- Outdoor patio
- Small, intimate tasting room
If you're looking for a quiet afternoon with a glass of wine, this is a must-visit.
Walloon Lake Winery
Website • Directions • (231) 622-8645
Family-owned and located near beautiful Walloon Lake, this winery offers handcrafted wines in a welcoming setting.
Visitors enjoy:
- Dry and sweet wines
- Vineyard views
- Outdoor seating
- Friendly staff
- Relaxed atmosphere
It's an excellent stop while exploring Petoskey and Walloon Lake.
Petoskey Farms Vineyard, Winery & Coffeehouse
Website • Directions • (231) 290-9463
One of the region's most popular wineries, Petoskey Farms combines several experiences into one destination.
You'll find:
- Estate-grown wines
- Hard cider
- Coffeehouse
- Wood-fired pizza
- Lavender fields (seasonal)
- Incredible hilltop views
It's easy to spend several hours here enjoying lunch, a tasting flight, and the scenery.
Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery
Website • Directions • (231) 487-1910
A longtime favorite in Northern Michigan, Mackinaw Trail Winery combines award-winning wines with craft beer and a full bistro.
Guests love:
- Wine flights
- Outdoor patio
- Lunch and dinner
- Craft beer
- Convenient location
It's a great option if your group includes both wine and beer lovers.
A Better Pace for a Northern Michigan Vacation
One of the biggest differences between these two wine regions isn't the wine.
It's the experience.
At the Petoskey Wine Trail, your day feels less rushed.
Instead of sitting in traffic or waiting for a tasting, you'll spend more time enjoying scenic drives, meeting local winemakers, and discovering hidden gems that many visitors never find.
It feels like the Northern Michigan people remember from years ago.
Return to a Peaceful Wilderness Lake
After a day of wine tasting, there's nothing better than returning to The Monarch.
Instead of another busy downtown hotel, you'll come back to a quiet wilderness lake where you can:
- Relax by the water
- Watch the sunset
- Paddle one of the complimentary kayaks
- Take the rowboat or paddleboat out for an evening cruise
- Cast a line using the provided fishing poles and tackle
- Enjoy dinner around the fire pit
It's the perfect way to end a day exploring Northern Michigan wine country.
Why The Monarch Is the Perfect Wine Weekend Home Base
The Monarch gives you the best of both worlds.
You're close enough to spend the day exploring the Petoskey Wine Trail while enjoying a peaceful lakefront retreat each evening.
Instead of staying in the middle of the crowds, you'll experience:
- A quiet wilderness lake
- Complimentary kayaks, rowboat, and paddleboat
- Fishing poles and tackle
- Dog-friendly accommodations
- Comfortable spaces to relax after a day of wine tasting
- Easy access to Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Alanson, and Indian River
It's a different kind of Northern Michigan vacation—one that's just as memorable, but much more relaxing. Check availability and book direct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Petoskey Wine Trail worth visiting?
Absolutely. The Petoskey Wine Region offers excellent wineries, scenic countryside, and a quieter tasting experience than many larger wine destinations, all within the federally recognized Tip of the Mitt AVA.
Is Traverse City or Petoskey better for wine tasting?
Both regions produce excellent wines. Traverse City offers a larger concentration of wineries, while the Petoskey Wine Trail provides a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds and easier travel between tasting rooms.
Where should I stay to visit the Petoskey Wine Trail?
The Monarch in Wolverine makes an excellent home base. Many wineries are within about 40 minutes, and after your tasting adventure you can return to a peaceful wilderness lake instead of a busy tourist area.
