Leland is well-positioned on the Leelanau Peninsula to offer access to multiple locally owned and operated wineries. These properties produce wines that reflect the region's climate, soil, and style. Visiting them gives you access to tastings, outdoor seating, and seasonal views unique to Northern Michigan. Visiting these locations helps you understand how the Leelanau Peninsula supports diverse expressions of wine within a single region.
This guide covers outdoor-focused wineries in or near Leland contributing to the region’s wine culture. Together, they represent the best wineries in Leland, MI, with different settings, varietals, and experiences.
Verterra Winery
Verterra Winery operates a tasting room in downtown Leland and a vineyard estate just outside town. The downtown location is walkable and offers easy access for those exploring Fishtown or nearby shops. Guests can sample white, red, and rosé wines produced from nearby vines in a relaxed, storefront setting. The vineyard estate, located a few miles inland, offers outdoor seating with long-range views of the surrounding hills. The focus here is on cool-climate varietals including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Cabernet Franc.
Dune Bird Winery
Dune Bird Winery offers an open, design-focused space just outside of Leland. The tasting room was built with natural wood, clean lines, and large windows that connect indoor and outdoor seating areas. Guests can enjoy flights, individual pours, and snacks in a setting that invites lingering. A fireplace and multiple patios allow for comfort across seasons. The wine list includes estate and sourced grapes, focusing on dry styles and food-friendly acidity. Live music, small markets, and community meetups occur on the winery grounds throughout the year.
Aurora Cellars
Aurora Cellars blends farmhouse charm with well-organized outdoor areas. Located southeast of Leland, this winery features garden seating, event lawns, and a rustic tasting room that opens into the surrounding vineyard landscape. The wine portfolio includes classic Northern Michigan whites and structured reds, including Gewürztraminer and Blaufränkisch. Visitors often stay for extended tastings or return for seasonal events like harvest dinners and holiday markets. Reservations are encouraged, especially on weekends and during harvest season.
Good Harbor Vineyards
Good Harbor Vineyards is a long-established winery located just off M-22. The site includes a spacious tasting room with casual outdoor seating under shade sails next to rows of vines. This winery is known for its consistent Pinot Grigio, dry Riesling, and sparkling options. Wines are offered at a range of price points, making tasting accessible without sacrificing quality. The winery has a strong local following and is a dependable stop near Leland.
Laurentide Winery
Laurentide Winery offers a vineyard setting with outdoor seating overlooking the vines and surrounding trees. Located in Lake Leelanau, the winery is close enough for a short drive from Leland and is known for its clean, dry whites and carefully handled reds. Their estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir often draw positive attention from visitors. Laurentide is also committed to small-lot production, which keeps their releases focused and consistent. It’s a solid option for those who want a quieter, more structured wine experience.
Amoritas Vineyards
Amoritas Vineyards is situated on the northern slope of the Leelanau Peninsula and is easily accessible for Leland residents. The vineyard specializes in cool-climate white wines, particularly Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. The site includes an elevated tasting patio with expansive views and space for individuals and small groups. Amoritas offers a more minimalist take on the tasting room while delivering a well-rounded wine experience.
Boathouse Vineyards
Boathouse Vineyards is located on the Narrows in Lake Leelanau, with a tasting deck above the water. The setup includes outdoor tables, umbrellas, and docks where boaters can tie up and walk in for a glass. It’s a casual setting that places wine tasting directly next to the water, which is unusual for the region. The wine list includes fruit-forward whites and structured reds made from estate and sourced grapes. It’s easy to build your flight and sit down for the afternoon.
Chateau Fontaine
Chateau Fontaine sits at a higher elevation in southern Leelanau County, offering scenic views from its outdoor tasting patio. The grounds are quiet and intentionally simple, with attention focused on the vineyard rows and the clean lines of the building. The setting feels removed from tourist traffic while offering proximity to Leland. This winery is known for its White Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Cherry Wine. It’s an approachable stop providing insight into winemaking and a comfortable place to enjoy wine outdoors.
French Valley
French Valley is located just west of Lake Leelanau and offers elevated views, a lawn with picnic-style seating, and occasional live music events. Outdoor seating includes Adirondack chairs, benches, and shaded picnic tables. French Valley produces wines across several styles, including semi-dry whites and bold reds. The atmosphere is informal but well-coordinated, making it a dependable place to meet friends or enjoy a weekend tasting without large crowds.
Black Star Farms Winery and Inn
Black Star Farms is one of the more developed winery properties near Leland, combining a vineyard, tasting room, equestrian facilities, and an on-site inn. The tasting area includes a large patio with views of the grounds, and guided tastings are available by reservation. Wine flights can be paired with cheese boards for a more complete visit. The winery produces varietals, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and hybrid blends suited to local growing conditions. Black Star Farms emphasizes agricultural sustainability, and the staff often speak to how each bottle reflects vineyard practices.
Three Trees Vineyard
Three Trees Vineyard is a newer, more intimate setting focused on small-batch production. Located just south of Leland, the vineyard’s modest tasting area offers views of the surrounding forest and rolling land. Guests can reserve outdoor seating or stop during open hours for tastings and bottle purchases. The focus here is on less commonly grown grapes, and the winemaker often explains the reasoning behind their selections and production methods.
Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery
Bel Lago offers views of Lake Leelanau and one of the broadest wine portfolios in the area. The tasting patio sits above the vineyards with clear views of the lake and surrounding property. It’s a well-established winery with decades of experience blending traditional and experimental grape varieties. Bel Lago produces reds, whites, and dessert wines, with attention to detail at every level. The winery also offers limited library tastings, highlighting older vintages with aging potential.
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