Mawby Sparkling Wines

Mawby Sparkling Wines is one of Michigan’s clearest specialist wineries: all bubbles, no side hustle. Founded on the Leelanau Peninsula in 1973 by Larry Mawby, the winery shifts into sparkling wine in 1984 and eventually leaves still wine behind to focus exclusively on Méthode Champenoise bottlings and, later, more affordable Cuve Close wines. That split still defines the range. Talismøn, the estate brut cuvée, is the serious bottle here, built on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Vignoles with a solera of reserve wines dating back to 1993. On the other end, Sex — the bestselling brut rosé — leans bright, fruity, and deliberately less formal.

The winery sits on Elm Valley Road in Suttons Bay, in Leelanau County, where the tasting room keeps the tone celebratory rather than hushed. Paid flights start at $15, wines by the glass run $7 to $15, and light food is available, which makes this an easy stop even for visitors who do not want a full, seminar-style tasting. Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially for groups, though walk-ins can often be worked in. Families are welcome, dogs can join at lawn seating for wines by the glass, and the whole place is set up for people who like sparkling wine without wanting to perform expertise. Bill Wieske leads production, and the current ownership team — Mike, Peter, Stu, and Sharon Laing — has kept Mawby focused on what it does best: making Michigan sparkling wine that is worth opening on an ordinary day.