Southern Michigan offers winery tours a day trip’s drive away
It’s not necessary to book a flight for a winery tour getaway. Southern Michigan offers a host of tours that are a short drive away.
A new twist on the winery tour is the Sip & Savor Trail, which links Round Barn Estate and Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant on the Mt. Tabor Trails. Trails are between a mile and 3.5 miles, and your dog is welcome to come with you on the trail.
“In June 2020, the whole idea came along because of COVID. The trail offers a chance to social distance and get people out and about,” said Jenn Wozniak, social media and PR Specialist at Moersch Hospitality. “It’s a good way to go between the two properties.”
“Last year, we were hearing reports that southern Michigan was starting to become a hot spot day trip for someone who lives in Chicago, as it’s maybe an hour and a half from Chicago,” Wozniak said.
Southern Michigan “offers the best of both worlds,” she said. Many vineyards are 10 minutes west from the beaches of Lake Michigan.
Baroda’s Round Barn Estate also has an Airbnb on the property, which became available for rentals last summer. “The founders
of the Round Barn Estate used to live there. After they moved, we were able to turn the house into Airbnb, which is full almost every weekend,” Wozniak said.
Here are southern Michigan wineries to check out. Baroda Founders Wine Cellar: Cherry cider is available along with varietal, fruit-flavoredenhanced and dessert wines. At 8963 Hills Road, Baroda. Call 269-426-5222 or go to m.founderswine cellar.com/.
Chill Hill Winery: The winery, which opened in 2019, is owned by a grandmother and granddaughter. At 886 1st St., Baroda. Call 269-326-7173 or go to chillhill.net/.
Dablon Winery & Vineyards: Owned by Music Box Theatre owner William Schopf, the location produces and bottles Music Box wine, which is sold at the Chicago theater. At 111 W. Shawnee Road, Baroda. Call 269-422-2846 or go to dablon.com/.
Domaine Berrien Cellars: This spot is known for dry reds and Rhone varietals. At 398 E. Lemon Creek Road, Berrien Springs. Call 269-473-9463 or go to domaineberrien. com/.
Free Run Cellars: Expect an intimate, calm setting at this location. Small-batch wines like Cabernet Franc and Dry Gewurztraminer are sold. At 10062 Burgoyne
Road, Berrien Springs. Call 269-815-6885 or go to freeruncellars.com/.
Gravity Vineyard and Winery: While you’re tasting wines, enjoy live music Sundays in the summer. At 10220 Lauer Road, Baroda. Call 269-471-9463 or go to gravitywine.com/.
Hickory Creek Winery:
Hickory Creek specializes in small-batch production of European-style wines. At 750 Browntown Road, Buchanan. Call 269-4221100 or go to hickorycreekwinery.com/.
Lemon Creek Winery:
You can pick fruit at this winery, which also offers winemaking demonstrations in season. At 533 E. Lemon Creek Road, Berrien Springs. Call 269-471-1321 or go to lemoncreekwinery.com/. Red Top Winery: Red Top ages wines and ciders in barrels that were previously used for bourbon, rum, tequila and cognac. Some wines and ciders are also flavored with jalapeños, peaches, cinnamon or pineapples. At 482 E. Snow Road, Baroda. Call 269-473-2711 or go to redtopwinery.com/.
Round Barn Estate: This 1912 barn is familyfriendly with cabanas, food trucks, live music and an on-site Airbnb. At 10983 Hills Road, Baroda. Call 269-422-1617 or go to roundbarn.com/locations/ estate/.
Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant: The winery and restaurant boasts wine tastings, modern dining, a vineyard setting and an outdoor Vineyard Lounge. At 185 Mt. Tabor Road, Buchanan. Call 269-4221161 or go to taborhill.com.
Wendy Fox Weber is entertainment editor and columnist for the Lake County News-Sun, the Beacon-News, the Daily Southtown, Naperville Sun, the Post-Tribune, the Courier-News and Pioneer Press. She can be reached at wweber@tribpub.com.