Mari Vineyards

Mari Vineyards brings an Italian grape-growing ambition to Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula AVA, cultivating Nebbiolo and Sangiovese alongside Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Founder Marty Lagina’s estate takes its name from his Italian grandmother, Teresa Mari, and grows every grape that goes into its bottles. Across 73 acres in seven vineyards, the estate cultivates 24 varieties, giving winemaker Alberto Giusti an unusually broad palette for Northern Michigan.

The Italian varieties are more than a nod to family heritage. Mari’s Nella Serra hoop house system extends the growing season, helping grapes associated with warmer climates ripen this far north. The engineering continues underground: 8,000 square feet of wine caves and tunnels reach as deep as 35 feet below ground. At their center, Lagina’s Oculus design aligns with the summer solstice sunrise. The caves give a tour here a stronger draw than another quick look at barrels.

Visitors find Grand Traverse Bay views, a tasting room, patio, and lawn, with focaccia sandwiches, seasonal salads, and shareable plates available seven days a week. Tasting room service runs on a walk-in basis; a guided five-wine tasting costs $24, and four-wine flights start at $24. The reservation-only, 90-minute Tour & Tasting pairs a look through production spaces and caves with six wines and a food board for $75 per guest.