Michigan’s Pioneer Wine Trail
Several wineries that surround Jackson form the heart of the region’s Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail, which extends for miles in each direction.
The Pioneer Wine Trail unites the wineries of the region. There are annual Wine Trail festivities including, Michigan Wine Celebration in April, Summer Solstice Wine Release Party in June and Wine Days of Summer in August. There is also a rich variety of individual winery events throughout the year that showcase local flavor and culture.
Making a name for Michigan
Southeast Michigan wines have come a long way, and today’s offerings reflect both the latest techniques and hands-on care. These exceptional wines are the product of well-established vines that have enjoyed years of Michigan’s unique climate and soil. Wines produced in Southeast Michigan are treasures waiting to be found.
A taste of history
Settlers in the early 19th century quickly discovered the value of Southeast Michigan’s fertile soil. By the early 1900s, eight wineries stretching toward Lake Erie already flourished. After the end of Prohibition, sweet wines made from Concord grapes grown in Southwest Michigan fueled the state’s wine industry. Yet when American tastes turned to drier wines, Michigan wineries suffered, and only one winery existing before 1950 survived the shift.
Michigan wineries evolved, however, and the industry was soon rebuilt on a solid foundation of desirable grape varieties and dedicated winemakers. Today, Michigan wines are winning both national and international awards. To experience all that this region has to offer, take our wine tour.
Take the Jackson Wine Tour to find all the wineries in one easy drive.
Wineries on the Trail
Chateau Aeronautique Winery
Website 1849 Rives-Eaton Rd.
Jackson, MI 49201
Chateau Aeronautique Winery was founded on the ideals of creating fine wines from Michigan grapes and offering those wines for tasting in a beautiful, relaxing setting. The theme of the... » More Information
Chateau Aeronautique Winery was founded on the ideals of creating fine wines from Michigan grapes and offering those wines for tasting in a beautiful, relaxing setting. The theme of the Chateau Aeronautique Winery is the airpark lifestyle: grass roots aviation, flying, vintage airplanes, and living in a home with hangar on a grass runway surrounded by forests.
The model for the Winery are the chateau wineries of Bordeaux and Burgundy France. The reason for the Winery is a passion for viniculture ~ the aromas of the Winery, the mystique of the Wine Cellar, and the pleasures of the Tasting Room.
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Cherry Creek Old Schoolhouse Winery
Website 15750 US 12
Cement City, MI
Located in a Historic 1870 Schoolhouse, this is one stop you don't want to miss! Come and taste their Award Winning Wines at the knotty pine bar. Sample Cherry Creeks... » More Information
Located in a Historic 1870 Schoolhouse, this is one stop you don't want to miss! Come and taste their Award Winning Wines at the knotty pine bar. Sample Cherry Creeks freshly made Butter Fudge, or taste their Michigan Cherry Preserves. Sample gourmet items like fresh pressed Artisan Olive Oil or 18 year old Balsamic Vinegar from Modena Italy, all bottled on site for you. Shop our many fine Michigan products and wine gifts, and even create that special Gift Basket. As a rule, all visitors under the age of 12 are required to ring the 142 year old school bell ONCE before their parents will be served.
In the summertime have a glass of wine while you enjoy our appetizers overlooking the vineyards or listening to our weekend entertainment. Come visit our family at the friendly winery.......Cherry Creek!
Cherry Creek Winery's 2003 Proprietors Reserve Montage was once served to President Obama and Oprah.
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Cherry Creek Cellars Vineyard, Winery & Tasting Room
Website 2199 North Concord Rd.
Albion, MI 49224
Our oldest vineyard is at our Parma I-94 location and consists of 500 Pinot Noir 777 clones on a gentle south facing slope. Although we experience more extreme winters than some other... » More Information
Our oldest vineyard is at our Parma I-94 location and consists of 500 Pinot Noir 777 clones on a gentle south facing slope. Although we experience more extreme winters than some other parts of the state, the Southeastern Michigan regions warm summer days and cool nights are ideal for ripening premium wine grapes. It is our modest prediction that this area will surprise many people in the near future with our Big Reds and Fruity Whites. We strongly believe in Buy Local and use only grapes and fruits from Michigan vineyards.
Our original Cherry Creek Cellars Vineyard, Winery & Tasting Room is located at 2199 North Concord Road (2 miles west of Parma) in Albion, Michigan. (next to Sleeping Bear Winery)
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Lone Oak Vineyard Estate
Website 8400 Ann Arbor Rd.
Grass Lake, MI 49240
Come visit Southeast Michigan's oldest and largest commercial vineyard. The L.O.V.E. wines are completely estate grown which means they are made from only the grapes grown... » More Information
Come visit Southeast Michigan's oldest and largest commercial vineyard. The L.O.V.E. wines are completely estate grown which means they are made from only the grapes grown by the Lone Oak Vineyard. Saturday candlelit dinner concerts are available by reservation. Coming soon: Spring of 2013, the Tootsie's Brewery (named after Kip's mother) at Lone Oak Vineyard.
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Sandhill Crane Vineyards
Website 4724 Walz Rd.
Jackson, MI 49201
Sandhill Crane Vineyards is an award-winning winery and tasting room featuring a wide range of wines made onsite using only local fruit. The new café at Sandhill Crane... » More Information
Sandhill Crane Vineyards is an award-winning winery and tasting room featuring a wide range of wines made onsite using only local fruit. The new café at Sandhill Crane Vineyards features farm-to-table comfort food – soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Many of the foods are locally sourced from area farms and food producers. Open for lunch Mon-Sat 11-6 and Sun 12-6. The café is open late on Thursday nights for “Thirsty Thursdays” from 6 to 9 pm with live music and an extended menu.
The beautiful new banquet room at Sandhill Crane Vineyards features high ceilings, lots of light, and a beautiful copper-topped bar. We’d love to host your next party or meeting. The room will seat up to 72 with additional seating on the stage. The stage can also be used for a DJ, live music, presentation, or silent auction. The facility features estate-produced wines and on-site catering.
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Sleeping Bear Winery & Bad Bear Brewery
Website 2110 N. Concord Rd.
Albion, MI 49224
Sleeping Bear Winery offers a wide variety of wines from classic French style Cabernets to fruity Red Current and our sweet Honey Dew. A wine for every palate! While you... » More Information
Sleeping Bear Winery offers a wide variety of wines from classic French style Cabernets to fruity Red Current and our sweet Honey Dew. A wine for every palate! While you are here you can sample several of our other Michigan made products in our "Taste of Michigan Store". Take a few minutes and relax with a glass of wine, or relax in our "Bear Garten" or take a stroll through our dessert wine vineyards.We can also build that perfect Michigan gift basket for you too.
Bad Bear Brewery features natural, unfiltered, hand-crafted beers and ciders that are created in small batches from local ingredients. These are truly brews that reflect our Great Lakes using regional grains and Michigan hops. Bad never tasted so good! Try our great beers and wines while you enjoy live entertainment and our gourmet pub foods, including a famous Reuben sandwich and delicious gourmet pizzas. Live entertainment every Saturday night and Karaoke on the first Friday of every month.
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