Lawton Ridge Winery

Lawton Ridge Winery is a family-owned estate winery and cidery in Southwest Michigan, with its vineyard in Lawton and its tasting room in Kalamazoo’s Oshtemo Township. That split setup is part of the appeal: the grapes and apples come from the family’s own ground at the edge of the Southwest Michigan fruit belt, while the public-facing side sits just off Stadium Drive, an easy stop a few miles from both I-94 and US-131.

The range is broader than many small Michigan wineries manage well. Estate-grown Riesling shows up in multiple styles, from a dry bottling that earned a 2025 Michigan Governor’s Cup Silver Medal to a sweeter version from the Lake Michigan Shore AVA. There is also pétillant Chardonnay, dry rosé from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, an amber wine called Glowing Vine made from Riesling and Traminette, estate Chambourcin with a 2025 Michigan Governor’s Cup Silver Medal, and a serious cider program that includes a GLINTCAP 2025 Silver Medal-winning Dabinett.

Visiting feels casual and practical rather than precious. The historic tasting room pours five wines for $12, with options by the glass or bottle, plus small bites like charcuterie, pretzels, and chocolates. Wednesdays bring food trucks in the evening, and larger groups should call ahead. For travelers who want Michigan-grown wine without committing to a long detour into the countryside, Lawton Ridge is an easy, worth-the-drive Kalamazoo stop.