East Leland Wine Tour
A Five-Hour Adventure Through the Squirrel’s Nest
Tucked away in the winding county roads of East Leland—an area I lovingly call The Squirrel’s Nest—lies a perfect afternoon wine tour for anyone looking to sip and savor the best of Northern Michigan’s wine and cider scene. Over the course of five hours, you’ll experience crisp apple ciders, bold reds, and refreshing whites at three fantastic stops: Tandem Ciders, 45 North Vineyard & Winery, and Blu Stone Vineyard. To keep you fueled and ready for more tastings, a stop at Fiddleheads for a delicious meal is a must.
East Leland Wine Tour
Where is East Leland? It is the area east of North Lake Leelanau.
Stop 145 North Vineyard & Winery
Kick off the tour at 45 North, a winery located on the 45th parallel, a latitude known for producing some of the region’s best wines. Their tasting room is cozy and their selection ranges from crisp whites to bold reds. For those who love sparkling , the Sparkling Peach is a refreshing choice, while the 45 Red provides a rich and well-balanced blend. This first stop sets the perfect tone for an afternoon of tasting.
Stop 2Tandem Ciders
Next, take a short scenic drive to Tandem Ciders, a charming cider house surrounded by apple orchards. Known for their locally sourced hard ciders, Tandem offers a cozy tasting experience with a lineup ranging from tart to sweet.
Guests can sample favorites like the bright and zesty Smackintosh or the subtly sweet Green Man. This stop adds a refreshing contrast to the wine tastings and brings a true taste of Northern Michigan’s apple country.
Stop 3Fiddleheads
By this point in the tour, a food stop is a good idea, and Fiddleheads is the perfect place to refuel. This charming café serves up fresh, locally sourced dishes, including gourmet sandwiches, vibrant salads, and homemade soups.
On a sunny day, guests can grab a spot on the patio and soak up the sun in the town of Lake Leelanau before heading to the final stop of the tour.
Stop 4Bluestone Vineyards
End the tour with a visit to Blu Stone Vineyard, where modern elegance meets exceptional winemaking. The tasting room, located at the Estate Vineyard, features panoramic views, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a sleek, contemporary design.
Guests can enjoy a few different tasting experiences. On warmer days, the large glass doors open to extend the experience onto the patio, offering the perfect setting to relax and reflect on the day’s tastings.
Estimated Time of Tour: 5 Hours
Assuming 1 hour per stop + in/out drive time.
This is a nice tour option for people staying in Leland, Lake Leelanau, or Suttons Bay area. The wineries are centrally located between these towns, so the drive time is minimal, so you can spend more time at the wineries.
Book Your Wine Tour
Let’s Explore Leelanau Together!
First, secure your tour date. Next, we’ll collaborate to fine-tune the details of your personalized tour, including your start time & pick-up location, tour duration, and the specific stops or activities you’d like to enjoy.
Old Mission Peninsula is more than just a scenic stretch of vineyards and bay views—it’s a perfectly curated tasting trail for those who want to enjoy a little bit of everything. This four-hour tour brings together an interesting array of wine, beer, and spirits, giving guests a chance to explore the flavor profiles of Northern Michigan in one easygoing half-day tour.
Read More
This wine tour offers a scenic, flavorful, and relaxing route from the tip of the peninsula down to its southern stretches. With beautiful views, fragrant lavender fields, and award-winning wines, this route highlights some of the best spots to savor the essence of Northern Michigan.
Read More
This 6-hour journey winds through the northern reaches of the Leelanau Peninsula, where you’ll find yourself driving along the sparkling blue shores of Grand Traverse Bay on Iconic M22. With each turn, this tour brings something new to explore.
Read More