Lori Herron never thought of Michigan as wine country — especially not Southeast Michigan, where she grew up and lives now. Yet her passion for wine inspired her to change careers in her 40s and become a professional vigneron, the French term for a grape grower and winemaker.
The West Bloomfield native used the pandemic as an opportunity to earn her viticulture certification and left her longtime work as an occupational therapist. A year ago this month, alongside her husband, Brian, she opened Social Vines, a boutique vineyard and winery in Dexter set on 70 quiet acres just 10 minutes from Downtown Ann Arbor. For Herron, the vineyard is a reminder that wine country can mean more than France, Napa Valley or even Northern Michigan.
She encourages others who hold preconceived notions about wine production in Southeast Michigan to set them aside and explore the area’s impressive wineries. With the right grapes, the right land and sustainable farming techniques, she says, it is entirely possible to provide a memorable wine-tasting experience closer to home.
Although many of Michigan’s best-known wineries and vineyards are clustered in the Northern Lower Peninsula and along the state’s Southwest lakeshore, the wine scene continues to grow throughout the state.
The grape-growing industry now includes more than 4,000 acres of wine grapes and more than 250 wineries and tasting rooms, according to a recent proclamation signed by the governor.
We found five local-ish (read: a two-hour drive from Metro Detroit) vineyards that prove you don’t have to travel far for a laidback summer afternoon or evening among the vines. These destinations offer more than wine tasting in a picturesque setting — each features menus designed for pairing along with a range of activities that give local visitors a taste of Michigan wine country.
SOCIAL VINES
53-minute drive from Downtown Birmingham
6620 Dexter Ann Arbor Rd.
Dexter, MI 48130
socialvines.com
Humble Beginnings: Lori Herron and her husband, Brian, were looking at the 150-year-old red barn on their 70-acre property and wondering what to do with it. Township restrictions limited them primarily to agricultural use, leading Herron to combine her love of wine and gardening and transform the barn into a quaint, cozy tasting room with a boutique vineyard on the property.
On the Wine List: An off-dry Riesling, semi-sweet Vignoles, a dry rosé, sparkling rosé, a Bordeaux-style dry red blend and a hybrid blend red wine that they serve chilled.
Activities and Special Events: Visitors can enjoy wine with a view and radiant sunsets amid rolling hills at the area’s newest vineyard and winery. In addition to wine tasting and a light menu, the venue hosts food trucks on the weekends and fall bonfires. Their annual Fourth of July fireworks display and festivities have consistently been a big draw for the property, dating back several years before Social Vines opened.
Big Brag: In addition to having their wine on the menu at Jolly Pumpkin in Dexter, Herron says her biggest brag is, “seeing people come onto the property, see the vineyard, taste our wines and enjoy it so much that we end up seeing them again. And when we do, they’re bringing their friends and family.”
3 NORTH VINES
1 hour 28-minute drive from Downtown Birmingham
5940 Peck Rd.
Croswell, MI 48422
3northvines.com
Humble Beginnings: 3 North Vines was founded by Nathan and Kristi Shopbell in 2007, growing out of the couple’s shared passion for hospitality, agriculture and creating memorable experiences. From the beginning, their goal was to create a welcoming destination where guests could slow down, connect and enjoy Michigan-made wine and cider in a scenic setting. Tasting experiences, Kristi says, are designed to be relaxed, educational and approachable.
On the Wine List: Estate wines range from dry reds and whites to what Kristi describes as approachable fruit wines and seasonal specialties. The vineyard also offers hard cider, wine slushies and non-alcoholic options. Because production is done in small batches, selections vary throughout the season.
Activities and Special Events: The summer calendar includes live music, themed tasting events, seasonal outdoor gatherings, food pairings, Singo nights (a musical spin on traditional Bingo) and private events. Food-pairing options include cheese or chocolate plates, fresh bread baskets, snacks and boards.
Big Brag: The Shopbells say they are most proud of the sense of community that has developed around 3 North Vines. Guests often tell them they appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, scenic property and variety of events that make each visit feel personal. While continuing to expand beverage offerings and event programming, the couple remains hands-on in both production and hospitality.
CHERRY CREEK CELLARS
1 hour 30-minute drive from Downtown Birmingham
11500 Silver Lake Hwy.
Brooklyn, MI 49230
cherrycreekwine.com
Humble Beginnings: Cherry Creek prides itself on producing small-batch premium wines. Opening its doors in 2003, it grew alongside Michigan’s wine industry. The tasting room is housed in a schoolhouse built in the 1870s and overlooks five acres of vines.
On the Wine List: More than 25 wines, ranging from dry to sweet, including red, white, rosé and sparkling. They also have their own beers and hard ciders.
Activities and Special Events: The summer calendar includes live music, food trucks, winemaker dinners, a knitting club, game nights and more. An on-site café serves a variety of appetizers, charcuterie boards, salads and sandwiches.
Big Brag: Cherry Creek’s Pinot Noir earned the 2025 Governor’s Cup, awarded to the highest-rated wine in the Michigan Wine Competition. Several of their wines were also recognized in the same competition and in the Eastern International Wine Competition.
FLYING OTTER VINEYARD & WINERY
1 hour 22-minute drive from Downtown Birmingham
3402 Chase Rd.
Adrian, MI 49221
flyingotter.com
Humble Beginnings: What began as a hobby planting grapevines for homemade wine evolved into a passion project and ultimately a business for Bob and Linda Utter. After purchasing the property in 1996, the couple established their vineyard in 2005 and celebrated the first harvest two years later. The vineyard and winery’s distinctive name pays homage to Bob’s Swedish heritage (Utter means “otter” in Swedish) and his love of aviation.
On the Wine List: Flying Otter is an estate winery, meaning all of the wine produced is made exclusively from grapes grown on its 30-acre vineyard. Using cold-hardy Michigan grapes, Flying Otter offers nearly 30 wines, ranging from bold dry reds to light, sweet whites and dessert wines.
Activities and Special Events: Summer weekends feature live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and “wine down music” on select Sundays. Trivia nights, yoga-in-the-vineyard classes and paint-and-pour events are held throughout the summer. Their “anytime” menu gives a selection of lighter dishes and desserts. A grill menu featuring burgers, pizza and sandwiches is available on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Big Brag: Flying Otter highlights its open-air pavilion tasting room as a space where guests can “enjoy breathtaking views of our vineyard — a truly unique experience in Southeast Michigan.”
YOUNGBLOOD VINEYARD
43-minute drive from Downtown Birmingham
61829 Ray Center Rd.
Ray, MI 48096
youngbloodvineyard.com
Humble Beginnings: David and Jessica Youngblood established Youngblood Vineyard with a simple idea for their family farm: to plant grapes and create something unique for Metro Detroit, giving guests the feeling they escaped to wine country. What began as a small agricultural passion project grew into a destination centered around farming, family, wine and hospitality.
On the Wine List: A rotating selection of Michigan wines exclusively grown and produced on the property, including dry whites, rosé, reds, sparkling wines and seasonal releases.
Activities and Special Events: Year-round Tiny Goat Yoga classes include a variety of farm animals. The summer calendar features themed dinners, seasonal brunches, vineyard tours, live music, Wine Club Wednesdays and four days of Fourth of July fireworks celebrations. An on-site restaurant and brewery offers craft cocktails, craft beer, farm-to-table food and wood-fired pizza.
Big Brag: “We're most proud of building one of Michigan’s fastest-growing winery destinations completely from the ground up, while staying family-owned and agriculture-focused,” Jessica Youngblood says. “Most importantly, we’re proud that the vineyard has become a gathering place where people celebrate milestones, make memories and come back year after year.”