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Makers Trail Winery Tour

Escape the ordinary and embark on a delightful wine tour through Southwest Michigan with Fruitful Vine Tours! This curated experience will take you to three premier wineries on the Makers Trail, with a knowledgeable guide handling the transportation and ensuring a smooth journey. 

This relaxing adventure lets you sample delicious wines, see scenic landscapes, and enjoy the company of others looking to have a good time, all while leaving the driving to a safe tour guide. Explore the region's renowned vineyards, indulge in expert-led tastings, and discover new varietals.

What’s Included:

  • Tasting Fees
  • Transportation

Choose from a comfortable 14-passenger Vino Coach, the charming “Wine-O-Wagon” or opt for a private tour with customizable options. Book with Fruitful Vine Tours and experience Southwest Michigan's wine country!

Operated By:

Fruitful Vine Tours

fruitful vine tours

or call 269-978-8777

PLEASE NOTE: This experience is operated by a third-party who directly provides the tours/activities. Swmichigan.org does not directly provide tours or activities. The third-party business handles all aspects of scheduling, terms, and payment for the activities you request.

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Fruitful Vine Tours

Wine Tours in Southwest Michigan and beyond

Vino Coach Tours

Vino Coach Tours are fun and informative! A knowledgeable and friendly tour guide will escort you on our clean and comfortable 14 passenger Vino Coach. You will learn all about Southwest Michigan’s grape and wine industry (plus a little more) from an expert. Sit back, relax in comfort, and enjoy your stress-free day!

$190.00 per person on Thursdays, Fridays & Sundays

$197.00 per person on Saturdays

We tour three wineries/tasting rooms, pay all tasting fees, and pay for your lunch .

Pick Your Starting Point

New buffalo.

The New Buffalo beach shoreline at sunset. There are clouds and the orange sky shows the sun right above the water.

What's Included:

We tour three wineries, pay all tasting fees, and pay for your lunch !

Pickup Locations:

  • Marina Grand Resort, New Buffalo • 11:10a.m., ET
  • Amtrak Station, New Buffalo • 11:20a.m., ET
  • Holiday Inn Express, New Buffalo • 11:30a.m., ET

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please make sure you take into account the price of tickets when purchasing your Gift Card.

$190.00 per person on Thursdays, Fridays & Sundays $197.00 per person on Saturdays

You MUST enter in the correct amount for the number of tickets you’re purchasing for your recipient.  The recipient will be responsible for covering any ticket price over what you have purchased if you do not purchase in the correct amounts.

The St. Joseph lighthouse and pier at sunset. The sky is deep orange and the sun is halfway below the horizon over Lake Michigan.

We tour three wineries, pay all tasting fees, and pay for your lunch !*

St. Joseph Coach: We typically tour 12 Corners Vineyards , Filkins Vineyards , and Lemon Creek Winery . On Thursdays and Fridays, we will occasionally visit a local tasting room where you will be able to try a wide variety of local wines, instead of a single winery. Winery locations may change at our discretion.

*To make booking simpler for your party, make sure you know each person’s lunch choice before you start filling out your reservation. (See  menu  below)

  • Comfort Suites, Stevensville • 11:00a.m., ET
  • Holiday Inn Express, St. Joseph • 11:10a.m., ET
  • The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, St. Joseph • 11:20a.m., ET
  • The Inn at Harbor Shores, St. Joseph • 11:30a.m., ET

Note: The itinerary may be changed at our discretion. If you have a party of 6 or more, we may be able to schedule a tour for your group on a day not listed as available on the calendar. Please call us at 1-269-978-8777 to discuss options.

Choose a Salad OR a Sandwich for your trip

The menu for Fruitful Vine Tours from Full Circle Cafe. Tour guests choose a salad or sandwich item from the list. Handcrafted Salads: Full Circle Salad - Farm fresh lettuce, turkey, ham, aged cheddar, crumbled blue cheese, cucumbers, mini heirloom tomatoes, and red onion; Apple Pecan Salad- Farm fresh greens, crispy bacon, toasted pecans, crumbled blue cheese, and apple slices, with or without grilled chicken; Chicken Caesar Salad - Crisp romaine, mini heirloom tomatoes, grated parmesan, and cranberry walnut croutons; Chicken Cobb Salad - Spring mix, grilled chicken, bacon, aged white cheddar, mini heirloom tomatoes, avocado, and hard boiled egg; Power Berry Salad - Power greens, blueberries, strawberries, sunflower seeds, feta cheese, red onion, and avocado, with or without grilled chicken; Garden Veggie Salad - Spring mix, bell pepper rings, cucumber, radish, shredded carrot, mini heirloom tomatoes, avocado, with or without grilled chicken. Homemade dressing options are all gluten free and include balsamic vinaigrette (vegan), ranch, citrus vinaigrette, creamy blue cheese, Caesar, or Italian. Gourmet Sandwiches are served with Michigan-grown kettle chips and fresh fruit. Choices include: Turkey and Baby Swiss Sandwich - with garlic parm aoili, avocado, tomato, and romaine; Ham and Aged Cheddar Sandwich - with Hellman's mayo, tomato, and romaine; Roast Beef and Smoked Gouda Sandwich - with horseradish aioli, tomato, and romaine; Curried Chicken Salad Sandwich - served on a bed of crisp romaine; Veggie Delight Sandwich - with house made hummus, bell pepper, cucumber, tomato, and romaine; Italian Club Sandwich - Garlic Parm aioli, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, Italian marinated tomato, and romaine; Flying Pig Sandwich - with spicy jam by Radtke Farms, sliced ham, aged white cheddar, and romaine. Bread options for sandwiches are: Harvest Grain, Italian White, Cranberry Walnut, Homestyle White, Croissant, or Gluten Free Bread.

View our Frequently Asked Questions

View our Payment and Cancellation Policies

A group of women pose in front of the Fruitful Vine Vino Coach at a winery. It is summer and the women are dressed in country western styles with boots and cowboy hats. The sky is bright blue with clouds, and there is a green tree in the background.

Reservations Office

269-978-8777

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Southwest Michigan Wine Country Tour

An example of a fun day on the Tim’s Tours bus as we tour the Baroda Michigan area:

We’ll begin our Southwest Michigan Wine Country Tour in the late morning.  It’s a good idea to have lunch before arriving so you don’t taste on an empty stomach – and feel free to bring a few snacks and water for the bus too!

We can start at Gravity Winery  to enjoy a signature wine flight pairing!  Try a glass of sweetly blended summer fruit called Michigan Magnetism , a bubbly glass of carbonated seyval blanc called Liquid Gold , or even a glass of hard apple cider!  Their tasting room opened in 2011 and is one of the hot spots on the wine trail.  You may even get to meet their official greeter, Ollie (the dog).

Next we’ll head to Lemon Creek Winery and Fruit Farm where they have over 150 years of family experience in growing grapes and fruit. They make great tasting fruity wines – check them out!  Be sure to try their popular semi-sweet white wine,  Silver Beach Sauterne .  You even get to keep the souvenir glass!  During the fruit season the farm market is open and is a great source for fresh picked fruit; everything from cherries, apples, peaches, apricots, blueberries, plums and more!  Next we’ll make our way to downtown Baroda!

Our last stop will be at Baroda Founder’s Wine Cellar , the fun winery where you can even saddle up… you’ll see!  This winery was ‘founded” by Leonard Olson, who was the original Tabor Hill winemaker.  Don’t miss their dessert wines, like their “ Smorleaux “, which has a milk chocolate flavor with a hint of marshmallow and slightly sweet Merlot characteristics.

This describes a Baroda area tour however we also visit wineries in the Coloma area like Vineyard 2121 , which opened in 2015, 12 Corners Vineyards , or for smaller groups, Contessa Wine Cellars .  To get a full Southwest Michigan Wine tour, consider visiting Michigan’s oldest continuously operated winery- St. Julian Winery or Michigan’s second oldest winery,  Warner Vineyards ; both of which are located in Paw Paw, MI.

The above is an example of a fun day on the  Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail but there are many other wineries available.  We can plan your wine tour, or you are free to make your own, custom itinerary.  If you would like to charter a wine tour for a group of family or friends, please click  here  to view our contact info, or send an email to contact@tims-tours.com for further information.  We recommend Sunday tours as they are more relaxing and less busy than Saturday wine tours.

Scheduled Events

Copyright 2018 Tim's Tours LLC • South Bend, Indiana | Website by REEcreation

Touring Southwest Michigan Wineries, Breweries, and More

See why this region should be on any foodie, wine-lover, and beer-fan’s itinerary.

Beach in Southwest Michigan

A mental image of Southwest Michigan conjures up a land of quaint towns, sandy beaches, and, on a clear day, a view of Chicago across the lake.

It’s a destination worthy of day trips, weekend getaways, and full-fledged vacations. Known for its plethora of quality craft breweries, the area is receiving increasing recognition for Southwest Michigan wineries .

Midwest wines have traditionally been known for sweet blends. While there’s nothing wrong with them, they’re not the preference of oenophiles who’d like a broader selection and even some estate grown varietals. Fortunately for all wine lovers, the southeastern shore of Lake Michigan is now considered one of the best wine-producing areas in the world.

One of the reasons for that burgeoning reputation is due to places like Round Barn, Free Run, and Tabor Hill. These three wineries are owned by Moersch Hospitality , a family affair that’s been part of the Michigan viniculture scene since 1992.

I had the opportunity to take a media tour of these properties. Since my travel mantra is “while I’m here…” I added a day and a few other places to “round” out my experience. Check out why Southwest Michigan should be on any foodie, wine-lover, and beer-fan’s itinerary.

Round Barn Brewery & Public House

Round Barn Public House

Our wine tour began at…a brewery. Moersch opened Round Barn Brewery & Public House in 2013 in Baroda, Michigan, because “the town needed some love.” They’ve certainly shown their affection. After being open for just one year, Round Barn was named Business of the Year by The Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. They’re truly part of the community; their grain is provided by a local farmer, and they give the spent grain back, which is then used to feed some of the animals. The farm is close enough that brewer Malkam Wyman said the pigs know when they’re brewing Kolsch.

They also make sure that 30% of the menu uses local ingredients, and there’s at least one local item per dish. That’s because, as Chef said, “foods are geographically linked to beer – that’s how it’s meant to be.”

Round Barn Brewery & Public House Salad made with local goat cheese from Fennville, smoked pheasant, fresh pears, and champagne vinaigrette.

Salad made with local goat cheese from Fennville, smoked pheasant, fresh pears, and champagne vinaigrette.

Round Barn Brewery & Public House’s focus is on traditional styles including Schwarzbier, Wassail, and the above-mentioned Kolsch, because “you learn the most from what the ancients have done,” said Malkam.

But they also like to push the envelope and try new things, and have even created their own style of beer: instead of the California Common, they’re brewing the Michigan Common. Unique brews include an Earl Grey Pale Ale, and they offer a new beer infusion each week.

Beer Flight at Round Barn Brewery & Public House

The passion is palpable. When I asked Malkam how he gets ideas for his beers, he said “I dream about it.”

Public House is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Round Barn Winery

Southwest Michigan Winery - Round Barn Winery in Baroda

It’s fitting that Round Barn Winery , the centerpiece of Moersch Hospitality, is circular. Its roots date back to 1981, when Rick Moersch bought land with the intention of growing grapes. At the time, he was working at Tabor Hill Winery. By 1992, though, he had left the winery and opened his own, naming it Heart of the Vineyard Winery.

Then, five years later, the family came across a round barn in Rochester, Indiana. They bought it and moved it to the vineyard. It took three months for Amish craftsmen to install the roof, and when you look up you can see the care that was put into it.

Roof at Round Barn Winery in Baroda, Michigan

The structure made such an impression on visitors (and how could it not) that nobody remembered the name of the winery; they just called it the place with the round barn. After a few years of that, the Moersch family decided to go with the flow and changed the name.

Why is it fitting that Round Barn Winery is circular? I’ll tell you later.

Wooden beams in the roof of Round Barn Winery

Round Barn Winery is now one of the most well-known wineries in the region, and in the Midwest. I tasted a slew of their offerings, and was pleasantly surprised. I prefer drier wines, and theirs could stack up to Oregon and Washington. 

One of my personal favorites was the Sauvignon Blanc, a dry white that’s slightly mineral with a strong grapefruit nose. I was surprised to learn that all the grapes in that wine were grown at Round Barn. I also enjoyed the Vineyard Tears, a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. The wine’s so good the New York Times named it a Best Buy in 2010.

In addition to their award winning wines, they’ve also got a small batch distillery offering vodka, gin, tequila, rum, bourbon, and whiskey. Michigan has some pretty strict liquor laws, so Round Barn is the only winery that also serves spirits.

With wine, beer, spirits, a food truck, and live music, the vibe is definitely fun. CEO Matt Moersch said this is the “party party beer garden.” When you visit, bring a chair and prepare to enjoy a day in this unique tasting environment.

Wine tasting menu at Round Barn Winery

Tastings of 6 wines/spirits (up to 2 spirits) are $12 and are available Fridays through Sundays. You keep the glass and get $5 off every 3 bottle purchases. They also offer group tastings for up to 15 people. Hosted on the second floor of the round barn, you’ll get your own cubby and a dedicated tasting consultant. 

Free Run Cellars

Free Run Winery in Southwest Michigan

Ask an oenophile her favorite Michigan wineries and Free Run Cellars is bound to be on the list. This is the playground, where winemaker Brian Carlson can experiment and create the wines he and Matt love, which tend towards traditional profiles. Brian came to Moersch in 2017 after years in Oregon, Washington, and California, which explains the drier wines I’d discovered earlier.

You won’t see these wines, made with 100% Lake Michigan Shore AVA grapes, on grocery store shelves. Production is very limited, and while they send a few to Round Barn and Tabor Hill, the majority are offered only at the Berrien Springs, Michigan, tasting room.

Opening wine at Free Run Cellars tasting room in Berrien Springs, Michigan

The tasting room is beautiful, and it’s even more so when you learn that Matt’s best friend made the tables and Uncle Greg made the tops. They did the floors themselves. Like everything they do, the renovation was a labor of love. What was originally going to be just a paint job – at least that’s what they told Dad – turned into a complete gutting and rebuild. Matt laughed when he told us “Dad said Free Run, not Free Reign!”

A visit to Free Run combines wine tastings with paired gourmet bites. Like Brian, Executive Chef Ryan Thornburg also uses Free Run as a playground, and the results are stellar. “The thing about food is, you never stop learning about it,” he said. “You never get bored. There’s always something new to take on.” At Free Run, it’s “no holds barred – as long as it fits in the budgetary constraints,” he quipped.

The food tastings change based on what’s available seasonally. Like the menu at Round Barn Brewery and Public House, they make sure to use local ingredients because those pair better with wines made from grapes grown in the same region. I was surprised to learn that Michigan is the largest grower of dried navy beans, and the navy bean hummus made with ramps proved that seasonal, local cuisine just tastes better. We also loved the smoked salmon deviled egg, seasoned to taste like it was served on an everything bagel; dates stuffed with manchego and wrapped in bacon; and spring rolls.

navy bean hummus made with ramps at Free Run Cellars

After the tasting, we ventured into the vineyard, and Brian shared that making wine in southwest Michigan is a lot more challenging than it is in the dry climate of eastern Washington. But, he likes it. After 20+ years he felt like he was stagnating. Now he’s got 80 different products to keep him busy. When I asked him if he knew what he was getting into when Moersch hired him, he exclaimed “No!” without hesitation.

“He didn’t know we were buying Tabor Hill,” Matt said with a grin.

Which brings us to our next destination.

Free Run Cellars Berrien Springs Epicurean Tasting Room is open seasonally from Thursday through Sunday and offers food and wine pairings. The Union Pier Tasting Room offers wine tastings only.

Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant

Trying Tabor Hill wines in the vineyard

Remember when I said it was fitting that the centerpiece of Moersch Hospitality is circular? Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant is why. In the late 70’s Rich Moersch went from a career as a high school biology teacher to a career in the wine industry. About forty years later, the company he built now owns the winery that started it all for him.

The estate is set among the vineyards, and guests can take a tour of the vines, the bottling line, and the barrel room before finishing in the tasting room. As we sipped on the products of their labor, Matt and Brian talked about the vast range of wines they produce.

“We make a big range of products,” Matt said, “and they’re all really good products. Whoever walks through the door can find something and walk out with a bottle.”

Winemaker Brian Carlson in his element

While they still produce the sweeter blends for which Tabor Hill became known (“demi-sec and demi-red pay the bills,” said Matt), they’re also creating bigger and bolder reds like the Meritage and Zinfandel. Both Brian and Matt love red zin, and you can tell. 

The two are also passionate about protecting the land. Their philosophy on spraying is minimalist, and they only spray when they really have to. Matt said “We don’t want to broadly kill anything so {the vines can} build up those immunities.” He’s so serious about the responsibility to be better stewards of the land that they’ll stop buying from vendors who don’t practice sustainability.

Matt Moersch in the vineyards at Tabor Hill

In addition to tasting a variety of wines, a visit to Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant wouldn’t be complete without dining on Chef Ryan Thornburg’s cuisine. We experienced his expertise with a multi-course dinner that featured summer vegetable empanadas, potato and ramp soup, and grilled prime filet served over rutabaga puree and topped with morel butter. The sea scallops rested on parmesan grits with wild mushroom ragout and tomato and herb butter. Dessert was divine. A Balaton cherry crumble that was perfect with a glass of Round Barn’s Black Walnut Creme. The latter should be a staple in any liquor cabinet or wine cellar. 

summer vegetable empanada at Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant

If you can get to Tabor Hill on a Friday or Saturday, you can be wined and dined to live music.

After such a full and delicious day, we retired for the evening to the Inn at Harbor Shores , a charming Benton Harbor hotel on the water with balconies, fire pits, an indoor pool, and a bar that offers an impressive whiskey selection, including a private blend. 

More Things To Do in Southwest Michigan

If you’d like to explore more South Michigan wine, beer, and other things to do, like I did, there are many options. The towns that line the shore are overloaded with quaint, and while visiting the Moersch Hospitality stable of offerings will satisfy any palate, you can make a weekend or a week of it by exploring nearby spots.

Check these out, too, and you’ll see why Southwest Michigan is a delightful destination.

Mason Jar Cafe  – an eclectic cafe and art gallery offering inventive cuisine, including this big, beautiful, over-loaded-with-gooeyness stuffed french toast. It’s cinnamon challa bread filled with marzapone cheese and topped with berry compote and fresh fruit, and drizzled with local Flagel’s maple syrup. Make reservations. You’ll need ’em.

Click here to read reviews about Mason Jar Cafe , 210 Water St, Benton Harbor, MI

Stuffed French Toast at Mason Jar Cafe

Explore Benton Harbor, Michigan – this tiny town with a population of less than 10,000 packs a lot of punch. Stroll through to see some cool art. You’ll need the walk after that epic breakfast.

Click here to find things to do in Benton Harbor

Mural in Benton Harbor, Michigan

Silver Beach – You can make it a full day at this beach, especially if you’re visiting Saint Joseph with kids . There’s a pavilion with a carousel, playground equipment, volleyball, and, of course, the beach. Note that there’s a parking fee because this is a county park, and there’s no public parking in the surrounding residential area.

Click here to learn more about Silver Beach

Sculpture with lighthouse in the background at Silver Beach in Saint Joseph, Michigan

Haymarket Brewery & Taproom – In addition to having delicious beer, this Bridgman, Michigan, outpost of the acclaimed Chicago brewery has heart. As my brewster told me, they’re paid a living wage so they don’t accept tips; however, if you’d like to say thanks monetarily, it will be donated to their charity of the month. When I was there, the beneficiary was swmihumantrafficking.org. (You better believe I gave a hefty “tip.”)

Click here to read reviews on Haymarket in Bridgman, MI

Beer flight at Haymarket Brewery & Taproom in Bridgman, Michigan

Greenbush Brewing Co. – Their beer is so good they had to open an annex across the street from the brewery. If you can get into the taproom for some grub with your Greenbush, lucky you. If you can’t because it’s too busy (which is likely), also lucky you. The annex has cheese, charcuterie, and a gigantic beer garden with seating and horseshoes.

Click here to see why Greenbush is so popular

Glass needed a refill at Greenbush Brewery

More Southwest Michigan Wineries

Create your own itinerary with these additional wineries:

  • Baroda Founders Wine Cellar
  • Contessa Wine Cellars
  • Dablon Vineyards Winery & Tasting Room
  • Domaine Berrien Cellars
  • Hickory Creek Winery
  • Karma Vista Vineyards
  • Lake Michigan Vintners
  • Lazy Ballerina Winery
  • Lemon Creek Winery
  • Red Top Winery
  • St. Julian Winery
  • Vineyard 2121
  • White Pine Winery
  • Wolfe Creek Winery

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Southwest Michigan is a delicious destination with great wineries, breweries, beaches, and more. Check out why you should add this region to your travel itinerary. #Michigan #wineries #USA

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Eat, play, and stay in the midwest, exploring southwest michigan’s wine trail with grape and grain tours.

winery tours southwest michigan

Time is precious, and we should use it doing things that leave us feeling happy. As this picture exhibits, wine makes me happy!!!

smiling woman holding wine by a pond on Southwest Michigan Wine Tour

My expression is an accurate description of my Southwest Michigan Wine tour day excursion with Grape and Grain Tours . It was a joyous time! This scenic destination, also known as the Napa of the Midwest, is only an hour and a half drive from Chicago, shorter than many people’s commutes.

Southwest Michigan

Sign that reads trail to winery on Southwest Michigan wine trail

A Southwest Michigan wine tour is ideal for day trips, vacations, or carefree weekend getaways. The destination is home to over 15 breweries and 21 wineries, with many providing foodie events, entertainment, live music, and festivals. The scene is continually changing and offers a welcome shift in pace and setting. If you’re not yet hip to this fabulous wine destination, you must get in on this secret! And, if you’re thinking, “Michigan only produces sweet wine,” think again. Check out what area vineyards like  Dablon Vineyards in Baroda , Michigan, is doing. 

Sandy beach at Lake Michigan

The region’s proximity to Lake Michigan enables the grapes to benefit from a “lake effect,” protecting the vines during winter and spring while facilitating a longer growing season. The growing conditions are ideal for varietals found in warmer climates, so you’ll find the dry reds and whites that your heart desires.

woman smiling drinking a glass of wine on Southwest Michigan Wine Trail Tour

Although I’ve visited often, my outing with Grape and Grain tours spoiled me rotten and has me re-thinking future visits. You may, by all means, create your itinerary as I have in the past. However, there are obvious benefits to allowing an experienced tour company to take the reigns for you. Namely:

  • Probably most important; your tour guide is the designated driver; therefore everyone in your group can enjoy a full experience
  • No stress or worries. When someone else does all the planning, the only thing you need to do is relax, drink wine, and have fun.
  • Tour guides are knowledgeable of the area and provide useful insight and information. My goal is to always learn something new from each of my experiences.
  • Our tour guide looked out for us, kept track of all of the purchases, and stored them on the bus because let’s face it; we were all drinking.

Grape and Grain Tours

I received a complimentary Southwest Michigan wine tour for myself and a guest in exchange for sharing my experience. However, all opinions are my own.

winery tours southwest michigan

Grape and Grain tours far exceeded my expectations! The family-owned company, owned by mother and daughter, Kim and Ashley, was established in 2013. As Michigan natives, they have a deep sense of pride and an in-depth knowledge of the wineries they’ve observed prosper. Their desire to showcase the best while providing a first-rate and fun experience could be felt throughout the day. I can’t say enough about my time on this tour; I like the way they do business. During the trip, Kim popped in to greet us; she’s the sweetest.

Grape and Grain tour guide Tami sitting in van during Southwest Michigan Winery Tour

Tour guide Tami was friendly and personable as well; if you can request her, do it! Because Grape and Grain Tours thought of everything, I was able to relax and enjoy the moments fully. I haven’t melted into that level of unwinding in a long time.

I appreciated that Tami was attentive while allowing us space; there wasn’t any hovering. She was masterful with time, and I never felt hurried. Each stop had just the right amount of time, so there was no sense of feeling the need to move on. She kept us right on schedule down to our arrival time back in Chicago.

Southwest Michigan Wine Tour Transportation and Itinerary

Smiling woman exciting Grape and Grain touring van on Southwest Michigan Winery Tour

Grape and Grains Tours have multiple pick-up and drop-off locations for you and your party. They’re flexible and will tailor to your needs. Our pick-up spot was a local Chicago Starbucks, which was perfect because I can’t start my Saturday without coffee. We departed Chicago at 8:00 a.m (9:00 a.m Michigan time) En route, Tami gave us the facts and history of Michigan’s wine production, specifically the wineries of Berrien County. We also had a bit of trivia. Knowing the history of the area heightened my anticipation and enhanced the experience.

Tabor Hill Winery and Restaurant

winery tours southwest michigan

First stop on our Southwest Michigan Wine Tour was Tabor Hill, one of Michigan’s oldest wineries. The  beloved award-winning winery  was the first winery in Michigan to specialize in vinifera wines. Vitis vinifera is a common European grape cultivated in many varieties, such as Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. We had a good range of dry whites and reds for selection, as well as semi-dry, sparkling, and fruit wines. I stuck mostly to the dry-reds and whites. 

Mom and daughter on Southwest Michigan Wine tour smiling at the camera

Tami informed us that Tabor Hill’s Classic Demi-sec and Classic Demi-Red have been staples at the White House since the 1970s. Of course, I had to try them. They were excellent! So much so, I purchased a bottle to take home! Who’d have thought I’d buy a semi-dry to take back over a dry. I surprisingly didn’t find them overly sweet.

Tabor Hill Classic Demi-Sec wine bottles on stocked shelf in Southwest Michigan wine country

Lunch at Tabor Hill Restaurant

We took a tour of the wine cellars before heading to the restaurant for lunch and more wine. The restaurant’s wall of windows enabled us to soak in views of the vineyards while dining. I had the chicken schnitzel, and it was incredible! This winery is for sure on the return list, and the chicken schnitzel will be on repeat. Hopefully, I’ll be able to participate in one of their vineyard tours, the grounds are beautiful!

winery tours southwest michigan

Free Run Cellars

winery tours southwest michigan

After lunch, we headed to our second stop, Free Run Cellars . The small-batch winery sits on 3 acres of vineyards. If you’re desiring a smaller intimate setting for your tasting, this is the winery for you. The winery has a lovely outdoor patio overlooking a pond as well as the vineyard. I’d love to return in the warmer months to enjoy a glass in the tranquil surroundings.

Staff at Free Run Cellars describing wine list to seated women during Southwest Michigan Winery Tour

The staff guided us through a selection of 3 tastings of reds and whites.

I really liked their mulled wine and purchased a few of their mulling spices for at-home use. Whenever Fall hits, I’m all about mulled wines.

Round Barn Estate

Large Amish Barn at Round Barn Estate on the Southwest Michigan Winery Trail

The final stop of our tasting tour was Round Barn Estate , named after the attractive turn-of-the-century Amish barn sitting on the grounds.

Tami, our guide referred to this well-know spot as the party place. I agree. They host a variety of events throughout the year. I’ve had some fun times at this estate. I’ve been a fan of this trifecta for a while. Therefore, I mixed things up with tastings of beer and spirits in addition to wine. I knew that I wasn’t leaving without a bottle of their Black Walnut Cream, it’s phenomenal!

winery tours southwest michigan

It was the perfect way to end our tour. Thank goodness the bus was waiting, and no one had to worry about driving home. Half the bus fell asleep on the way home, lol — another perk of letting someone else manage the details while you handle the fun.

Group of smiling women standing in front of a white Amish barn during Southwest Michigan Winery Tour

Thinking back on that joyous day still brings a smile to my face! Did I mention I only knew a couple of the ladies on our tour? Nothing like getting to know others over wine. So don’t worry if it’s only you and a friend or just yourself on tour, you may make a new friend amongst a group of strangers!

Would I book a trip with Grape and Grain Tours again? Absolutely!

Have you ever visited Southwest Michigan Wine Country? Which wineries are your favorites? Tell me in the comments.

winery tours southwest michigan

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  • CHICAGO SUBURBS
  • THINGS TO DO IN CHICAGO
  • MICHIGAN FUN
  • INDIANA ACTIVITIES
  • BED & BREAKFASTS

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2024-en_US

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Southwest michigan wine tours.

winery tours southwest michigan

IMAGES

  1. The Best Wineries in Southwest Michigan

    winery tours southwest michigan

  2. Southwest Michigan Wine Tour

    winery tours southwest michigan

  3. Southwest Michigan Wineries Guide

    winery tours southwest michigan

  4. Wine Trails

    winery tours southwest michigan

  5. Touring Southwest Michigan Wineries, Breweries, and More in 2023

    winery tours southwest michigan

  6. Winery Road Trip Guide: Southwest and Northwest Michigan

    winery tours southwest michigan

COMMENTS

  1. Wine Tasting Tours & Shuttle Rentals in SW Michigan

    Wine tours. Enjoy our all-inclusive wine tours through Southwest Michigan's beautiful vineyards. Experience a range of tastings at the region's top wineries. Ideal for wine lovers and newcomers alike, these tours offer a comprehensive, enjoyable experience, including transportation and insights into each unique winery visited.

  2. THE 5 BEST Southwest Michigan Wine Tasting Tours

    6. Sawyer Home & Garden Center. 10. Wine Tours & Tastings. By TAP647. You can find fresh fruit and vegetables, pantry items, kitchen gadgets, lawn and garden items, alcohol, and gifts for... 7. Lake Michigan Vintners.

  3. Wineries

    Each of our over 20 wineries has a unique ambiance and variety of experiences. Enjoy tastings, tours, wine-and-food pairing and art classes, vineyard hiking trails, chef-prepared foods, live music, festivals plus cozy igloos and fire pits in the winter.

  4. Unwind at These 15 Southwest Michigan Wineries This Season

    Explore the diverse and award-winning wines of southwest Michigan, from Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail to Kalamazoo and Benton Harbor. Learn about the history, production, and events of each winery, and enjoy the scenic views and sunsets of the region.

  5. Southwest Michigan Wineries: Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail

    Collectively, these southwest Michigan wineries make up the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, a cluster of wineries surrounded by endless Michigan vineyards, farms, and orchards. This area extends from New Buffalo and north along the Lake Michigan shoreline to South Haven and inland to the Kalamazoo area. Marked by the gently rolling hills of ...

  6. 22 of the best wineries in Southwest Michigan

    The top wineries of Southwest Michigan 12 Corners Vineyards. Founded by a small group of friends who grew up in Michigan, 12 Corners offers an impressive array of estate-grown varietals produced from grapes grown on its 30-acre vineyard. Estate wines such as Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, and Cabernet Franc are bursting with delicious local flavor.

  7. About

    Tour Michigan Wine Country with Fruitful Vine Tours! For over a decade, our goal has been to bring you a unique and enjoyable experience of Southwest Michigan in heart of Michigan's Wine Country. The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail is home to an array of vineyards and tasting rooms all wonderful for parties, and trips with friends and family.

  8. Makers Trail Winery Tour

    Tasting Fees. Transportation. Lunch. Choose from a comfortable 14-passenger Vino Coach, the charming "Wine-O-Wagon" or opt for a private tour with customizable options. Book with Fruitful Vine Tours and experience Southwest Michigan's wine country! Operated By: Book Now. or call 269-978-8777. Website.

  9. All-Inclusive Wine Tasting Tours in SW Michigan

    Party of 6 $1400.00. book now. Experience the elegance of all-inclusive winery tours in our Cadillac Escalade, offering intimate, scenic journeys complete with culinary delights.

  10. SW Michigan Wineries

    Welcome to Grape and Grain Tours. Making memories one sip at a time. All-inclusive Wine Tours. Cannabis Tours. Brewery Tours. Private Shuttle rentals. Private Airport Transfers. Concierge Services-Custom tours-Game Day Excursions & Catered Tailgating. Repeat Customer Appreciation Discounts.

  11. Best Southwest Michigan Wineries

    If you're planning a wine trip to Southwest Michigan South Bend and Grand Rapids are both good places to fly into. Chicago is also only 2 hour drive away and would likely be cheaper flights. For places to stay in Southwest Michigan I always recommend Boulevard Inn or the Inn at Harbor Shores. There are also lots of great Air BnB properties in ...

  12. The Bottle Run

    The Bottle Run. Gather up to 7 of your closest friends and family to join our day tour. Our carefully crafted journey will lead us through three wineries along a curated route. Indulge in lunch nestled within the scenic vineyards of Southwest Michigan. Prepare to join us with a sense of curiosity and an eager thirst for both fine wine and ...

  13. THE 10 BEST Southwest Michigan Wineries & Vineyards

    10. Contessa Wine Cellars Tasting Room. 83. Wineries & Vineyards. By BigDogg2021. A must stop in the wine search,, always great wines and service. Tony the owner is a great host and treats everyone... 11. Dablon Vineyards & Winery.

  14. Vino Coach Tours

    Vino Coach Tours are fun and informative! A knowledgeable and friendly tour guide will escort you on our clean and comfortable 14 passenger Vino Coach. You will learn all about Southwest Michigan's grape and wine industry (plus a little more) from an expert. Sit back, relax in comfort, and enjoy your stress-free day!$190.00 per person

  15. Grape and Grain Tours

    Open now. 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Write a review. See all photos. About. We offer a variety of tours throughout Southwestern Michigan. Whether your passion is Wine, Beer or Spirits, we've got you covered. Set tours, private tours and shuttle services are available. Southwest Michigan's Premier Tour Company #GrapeandGrainTours.

  16. Southwest Michigan Wine Country Tour

    This describes a Baroda area tour however we also visit wineries in the Coloma area like Vineyard 2121, which opened in 2015, 12 Corners Vineyards, or for smaller groups, Contessa Wine Cellars. To get a full Southwest Michigan Wine tour, consider visiting Michigan's oldest continuously operated winery-St. Julian Winery or Michigan's second ...

  17. Touring Southwest Michigan Wineries, Breweries, and More

    Explore Southwest Michigan wineries and breweries and see why the region should be on any foodie, wine-lover, and beer-fan's itinerary. ... The estate is set among the vineyards, and guests can take a tour of the vines, the bottling line, and the barrel room before finishing in the tasting room. As we sipped on the products of their labor ...

  18. Exploring Southwest Michigan's Wine Trail with Grape and Grain Tours

    Baroda, Michigan. A Southwest Michigan wine tour is ideal for day trips, vacations, or carefree weekend getaways. The destination is home to over 15 breweries and 21 wineries, with many providing foodie events, entertainment, live music, and festivals. The scene is continually changing and offers a welcome shift in pace and setting.

  19. Explore Michigan Wine Tours with Second Nature Limos

    Second Nature Limousine is Proud to be an Approved Transportation provider to all The Wineries In Southwest Michigan. Our knowledgeable staff and drivers, combined with our luxurious, highest quality vehicles, have made us the Southwest Michigan Wine Tours leader. Sit back and relax while sipping wine in one of our wonderful vehicles and allow ...

  20. 10 best wineries in Southwest Michigan to visit in 2024

    Baroda Founders Wine Cellar. USA , Southwest Michigan. $7.20 Book now. View More.

  21. Michigan Wine Tours In South West Michigan

    Second Nature Limousine is a Proud Approved transportation provider of All Southwest Michigan Wine Tours. Skip to content. MOBIL USERS PRESS THE HOME MENU ICON TO NAVIGATE THROUGH THE SITE! Toll-Free: 800-688-4115 Local: 219 301-9160 Hours of operation: Monday 10 Am-6:30 Pm Tuesday- Friday 9 Am-6:30 Pm Saturdays 9 Am-3:30 Pm

  22. Hops Noggin Tours

    SW Michigan Like Never Before. Enjoy craft beer and wine? Join Hops Noggin for worry free transportation to the many breweries and Wineries located throughout Southwest Michigan. With more than two dozen combined breweries and wineries all within about a 20 mile radius, each one of these being unique and having something special to offer.

  23. These Are the Best Texas-Style Barbecue Joints in America

    In this list, I also tip my hat to the "pioneers" of Texas-style barbecue outside of Texas—a handful of joints that helped spread the good word to new audiences starting more than a decade ...

  24. 10 best wine tours & tastings in Southwest Michigan 2024

    Wine tasting and tour at Baroda Founders Wine Cellar. Experience a guided tour along with a wine tasting and food that includes chocolates and local dishes at Baroda Founders winery. USA , Southwest Michigan. $7.20 Book now.