8 Michigan wineries to visit this fall

Wine isn’t all that’s available at these Michigan wineries. During the fall, you can also enjoy corn mazes, apple picking, haunted hayrides, and more.

Michigan is home to more than 140 wineries—and while you might associate tastings and tours with summer, it’s always a fine time for wine if you ask us, and a visit during the fall can be just as enjoyable. In fact, many wineries in Michigan offer fun fall activities and attractions, such as corn mazes, apple picking, and haunted hayrides, in addition to the tastings and tours they host regularly. 

Keep reading to discover why fall is a wonderful time to get your sip on and get lost amongst the vines—and learn about the best places in Michigan to do so. 

1. Spicer Orchards

10411 Clyde Rd., Fenton

Come for the wine and stay for the plethora of fall-themed activities and attractions. One of the top attractions at family-owned Spicer Orchards is the corn maze, which is open through October. Your ticket to the corn maze also grants you access to the tractor museum, playground, farm animals, and wagon and train rides, plus you get a free donut and cup of cider from the bakery. 

There’s also a pumpkin patch, which is open through Halloween, and an orchard where you can pick your own apples. On weekends during the fall, a variety of food vendors also set up shop at Spicer Orchards. 

This post is about wine, though, so don’t forget to stop by the winery. There, you’ll find standard offerings, plus fruit wines and hard ciders. If you’re having trouble deciding what to order, opt for a flight board and choose any four wines or hard ciders. 

2. Blake Farms

Big Apple: 71485 North Ave., Armada

Orchard & Cider Mill: 17985 Armada Center Rd., Armada 

There’s no shortage of spooky attractions at Blake Farms. During the fall season at this 120-acre, family-owned farm, you’ll find a haunted hayride, a three-story haunted barn, zombie paintball, and Spookyland (geared toward kids). While the haunted attractions are located at Blake Farms’ Big Apple location, the tasting room—where you can enjoy the farm’s own craft cider, beer, and wine—is at the orchard and cider mill just a few minutes away. 

Both locations feature you-pick apples and a farm store and bakery with treats like donuts and apple cider. 

Photo courtesy of Blake Farms.

3. Westview Orchards & Winery

65075 Van Dyke Ave., Washington 

Westview Orchards & Winery’s Fall Festival, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday through October 28, offers fun for the whole family. Explore the 188-acre property during a wagon ride, and then work your way through the corn maze and straw bale maze. There’s plenty of farm animals, plus a playground and a straw mountain for the kids to climb. You can also pick a variety of produce, including apples, squash, and pumpkins. Wrap things up at the winery’s tasting room or head to the farm market for pumpkin donuts. 

4. Pond Hill Farm

5699 S. Lake Shore Dr., Harbor Springs

Pond Hill Farm also hosts a recurring fall festival—Fall Fest Weekends— every Saturday and Sunday through October 27. This farm started as a roadside stand and gradually grew to include a vineyard, brewery, cafe, and more. 

In addition to the usual suspects—a corn maze, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, and live music—Fall Fest Weekends also include pumpkin bowling, pumpkin smashing, apple cannons, and a gnome house hunt. During your visit, experience wine made from the farm’s grapes, plus beer and hard cider crafted on-site, and indulge in brick oven pizza with donuts for dessert. 

5. Royal Farms Farm Market & Winery 

10445 US-31, Ellsworth 

Fall highlights at Royal Farms Farm Market & Winery include hayrides through the orchard and vineyard and a five-acre scavenger hunt corn maze. Adults are encouraged to “make the maze even more interesting” by sipping a glass of wine or cider while they explore. Royal Farms uses fresh seasonal fruit for its wines and hard ciders, which you can enjoy on-site or take home to drink later. 

Pick your own apples or get some from the farm market, along with other seasonal produce. If sweets are more your style, head to the bakery to grab a homemade pie, cookies, scones, donuts, or caramel apples. 

6. Black Star Farms

10844 E Revold Rd., Suttons Bay 

There’s never a bad time to visit Black Star Farms, a sprawling 160-acre estate that’s home to an award-winning winery, a tasting room with views of the Grand Traverse Bay, a cozy inn, an equestrian facility, hiking trails, and more. But fall is especially picturesque—and there’s so much going on. Begin by getting acquainted with the estate during a wagon ride, which will take you past the boarded horses, a cherry orchard, and the vineyard. 

Black Star Farms also hosts a slew of events throughout the fall season, such as a harvest dinner, live music on Saturdays, and seasonal classes, including a charcuterie-building workshop.

Photo courtesy of Black Star Farms.

7. Choice Farm Market

4212 E. Holt Rd., Webberville

Detroit Lions fans will want to head to Choice Farm Market this fall to explore the corn maze that pays homage to the team and head coach Dan Campbell. Throughout the maze, you’ll come across interactive activities designed to test your Lions knowledge. There’s also a pumpkin house, a culvert slide, fall-themed photo ops, and more. 

The tasting room is a newer addition to Choice Farm Market and features wines from nearby Burgdorf’s Winery (the couple behind Burgdorf’s Winery recently announced they have tapped Choice Farm Market as a co-owner). You can order your wine by the glass or sample four different wines as a flight. Pizza, donuts, and desserts are available at the market, in addition to a selection of grocery items and other local products. 

8. Bayne’s Apple Valley Farm

5395 Midland Rd., Freeland

Bayne’s Apple Valley Farm has long been known for its cider donuts, caramel apples, and homemade pies, but in recent years, it’s been making a name for itself as a tap house, too. Now you can sip hard ciders made with juice that’s pressed at Bayne’s, as well as craft beer and other ciders from across Michigan. 

Bayne’s describes itself as “any fall-loving person’s dream,” and it’s the perfect place to pick up all your favorite fall treats or listen to live music on the weekend. While not exactly a winery, we couldn’t resist including Bayne’s on our list due to its cozy fall vibes, delicious seasonal eats, and excellent selection of ciders and craft beer. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.