Laurentide Winery

Laurentide Winery is a small Lake Leelanau producer built around estate-grown fruit, with a clear point of view about what northern Michigan does well. Susan and Bill Braymer planted vitis vinifera on their former cherry farm in 2006 and now farm about 15 acres on French Road, roughly 900 feet above sea level and about a mile from Lake Michigan. The name nods to the Laurentide ice sheet, and that glacial identity runs through the place: this is a winery that leans into geology, site, and cool-climate growing rather than trying to imitate somewhere warmer.

In the glass, Laurentide is especially strong on white wines. Sauvignon Blanc is the headliner, including both straight Sauvignon Blanc and Fumé Blanc bottlings, alongside Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, rosé, bubbly, dessert wine, and a small red program that includes Pinot Noir, Meritage, and blends like Emergence Red and aMaizing Red. For visitors, the tasting room feels personal rather than high-traffic, with flights, wine by the glass, cheese flights, and a patio for lingering when the weather cooperates. Private vineyard tours are available by special arrangement. This is a good stop for travelers who care more about what is actually in the bottle than about a big-view, big-bus winery experience.