Must Visit Wineries in and Around South Haven!
The Lake Michigan shoreline is well known for its beauty, the water, the lighthouses, the sand, and wine! Wine? In South Haven? You bet. The Van Buren County area is abundantly blessed with the perfect growing conditions for wines of all styles.
To get you started, the wineries below make serious, European style wines.
All offer wonderful wines in a great setting. There are so many wineries to visit nearby, but these are my favorites. I have split my recommendations into two areas with three wineries each, making it easy for you to plan a day touring either region.
Venture out to any one of these wineries and you won’t be disappointed!
Wineries North of South Haven
Modales Wines, Fennville
Modales is a relatively new winery located in Fennville, and the winemaker and vineyard manager are young and full of energy and new ideas. They also are a great team and make some of the most exciting wines in Southwest Michigan. Of all the wineries on this list, Modales makes wines that are both innovative and rooted in Old-World (European) styles. Their tasting room is modern and has views of the estate vineyards surrounding the winery. You won’t be disappointed!
2128 62nd St, Fennville, MI 49408
Crane’s Winery, Fennville
Crane’s is more than a winery. Just down the road from Modales in Fennville, it also has a pie shop, restaurant, and cidery. I hesitated to put it on the list as a winery, but they make excellent dry and sweet wines. While you are there you can view orchards and vineyards, grab lunch, and pick up some pie for later! It really is a place you must visit while in Fennville.
6054 124th Ave, Fennville, MI 49408
Michigan Wine Company, Fennville
Everything about Michigan Wine Co is unique and authentic. The engineering background of the winemaker shines through – every wine is precise and well-made. The atmosphere at the tasting room is laid-back and pet friendly. A great place to chill and watch the vines grow and enjoy some wine.
6781 124th Ave, Fennville, MI 49408
South of South Haven
Domaine Berrien Cellars, Berrien Springs
The vineyard at Domaine Berrien was planted in 1992 and the winery opened in 2001. The owners and winemakers are dedicated to producing Rhone varietals such as Syrah, Viognier, and Marsanne – grapes which are usually grown in southern France on the windy slopes of the Rhone River. These varieties are favorites of sommeliers and foodies and their expression here in Michigan is what makes Domaine Berrien a must stop winery during your South Haven visit!
398 E Lemon Creek Rd, Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Dablon Vineyards & Winery, Baroda
Dablon Vineyards & Winery is another destination included here for the daring wines they produce. They are the only winery in the area making red wine from Tempranillo, Tannat, and Petit Verdot. Their more common offerings include sweet and dry Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. Their tasting room also is elegant and reserved – no children, dogs, or outside food allowed – with views of the relatively steep surrounding vineyards and hills.
111 W Shawnee Rd, Baroda, MI 49101
Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant, Buchanan
Tabor Hill is part of a large hospitality group which also owns Round Barn Winery & Estate and Free Run Cellars. My favorite is Tabor Hill because they focus a bit more on dry wines and upscale food at their winery and restaurant in Buchanan. Tabor Hill is the largest winery included in the region, and they have something for everyone to enjoy including fruit wines, cocktails, and beer. There also is a Wine Trail at Tabor Hill where you can hike – with a glass of wine! – through woods and vineyards on about 3.5 miles of hiking trails.
185 Mt. Tabor Rd, Buchanan, MI 49107