Lake Fire Winery

Lake Fire Winery in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin, pairs wine tasting with a reason to linger: a patio and lawn overlooking Lake Michigan. Visitors can sample at the tasting bar, settle onto the patio with a glass, or take a flight outside. The waterfront setting is the main draw, but the range of drinks makes this a useful stop for groups whose tastes do not all land on wine.

Sweet and dry red and white wines share space with fruit wines and hard cider made from Door County apples. Cider flavors include ginger tangerine and brown sugar cinnamon; lemon, raspberry, and cranberry fruit-wine spritzers combine wine with sparkling water at 4.5% alcohol. Wisconsin craft beers, cocktails, craft sodas, and mocktails give the rest of the group plenty of choices. Food stays in small-bites territory, with Wisconsin cheese and crackers, locally smoked salmon while supplies last, and warm pretzel bites with queso.

The winery opens year-round at 8054 Highway 57. Reservations are unnecessary for regular visits, though groups of 10 or more should give advance notice. Families are welcome, the tasting room is wheelchair accessible, and leashed pets can join their owners on the patio.