Dreaming of more than just a quick tasting? USA Today readers have spoken, naming two Michigan winery hotels and a restaurant among the nation’s best. With over 140 wineries dotting the landscape, Michigan invites you to raise a glass amid its stunning Great Lakes scenery.
The state has five American Viticulture Areas, regions with specific geographic or climate features that distinguish them from surrounding regions and affect how grapes are grown, including Fennville, Lake Michigan shore, Leelanau Peninsula, Old Mission Peninsula and the mitten.
Michigan is the seventh-largest producer of wine grapes in America.
In addition to the pair of hotels, USA Today readers also selected the top 10 winery restaurants, including one from Michigan.
Top 10 wine country hotels
Here are the wine country hotels that made the 10BEST list:
- Inn at Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay, Michigan
- Chateau Chantel, Traverse City, Michigan
- Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles, California
- Appellation Lodi — Wine & Roses Resort and Spa in Lodi, California
- Bolero Castiras at Europa Village in Temecula, California
- The Inn at Abeja in Walla Walla, Washington
- Winchester Inn in Ashland Oregon
- The Ruse in Healdsburg, California
- The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon
- Inn the Ground in Carlton, Oregon
Inn at Black Star Farms
A winery estate spanning 160 acres in Suttons Bay which includes a tasting room earned the top spot for Best Wine Country Hotel. Black Star Farms, located on the Old Mission Peninsula, features an equestrian-themed bed and breakfast, known as The Inn, which caters exclusively to guests aged 18 and older.
Guests staying at The Inn receive a personalized bottle of wine upon arrival, a freshly prepared breakfast each day, a nightly hospitality hour featuring wine and small plates, and a complimentary wine flight or glass at the tasting room.
The Inn offers 10 uniquely arranged rooms, with rates ranging from $400 to $600 per night.
Black Star Farms also provides various packages for guests. One seasonal highlight is a sailing trip on West Grand Traverse Bay aboard a Catalina 34-foot sailboat, piloted by a licensed captain with 25 years’ experience. This two-hour private morning cruise includes charcuterie for two, an insulated branded tote, a bottle of sparkling wine and drinkware, as well as a Blue Star Farms beach blanket.
Additional offerings include adventure, golf, biking, picnic, romantic getaway, and stay-in dinner packages. In recent rankings, Black Star Farms was placed third nationwide in 2024, fourth in 2023, and second in 2022.
Chateau Chantal
Traverse City’s Chateau Chantal, a cozy bed and breakfast situated on the Old Mission Peninsula, is about 12 miles north of Traverse City and is park of the Chateau Chantal winery.
Guests can choose from a range of rooms that offer scenic views of the vineyard and nearby freshwater bays, many featuring a private terrace or balcony. Each morning, visitors enjoy a breakfast prepared by a professional chef.
Special discounts are offered for members of the Chateau Chantal Club, as well as military personnel and first responders during the months of November through April. Additional promotional rates are available in January through March and in November and April.
Nightly rates typically fall between $300 and $500. Chateau Chantal held the top spot nationally in 2021 and 2022 and was ranked second in 2023.
Top 10 winery restaurants
Here are the other restaurants that made the 10BEST list:
- Roblar Winery and Vineyards in Santa Ynez, California
- Farm & Forage at Sokol Blosser Winery in Dayton, Ohio
- The Restaurant at JUSTIN in Paso Robles, California
- Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay, Michigan
- The Tasting Barn at Ryan William Vineyard in Burdett, New York
- Arbor Crest Wine Cellars in Spokane, Washington
- Bolero Restaurante in Temecula, California
- Farm Cafe in Lodi, California
- Pronghorn Pizza in Sonoita Arizona
- The Kitchen at Abeja in Walla Walla, Washington
Bistro Polaris at Black Star Farms
Black Star Farms’ Bistro Polaris located at the winery offers a dining experience while on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. The menu by Estate Chef John Korycki takes influence from the Mediterranean and uses local ingredients.
Summer restaurant hours are noon to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Sunday brunch. Fridays feature ticketed travel-themed dinners.
Black Star Farms was sixth in 2024 and 10th in 2023.