As visitors drive through the Berrien County countryside they are greeted by lush rolling hills, dense forest lands and an abundance of fruit farms. You can start the Southwestern Michigan Wine Trail from any of the more than ten local wineries. Guide maps are available at all wineries, visitor’s centers, hotels and select local retailers. The map shows you the locations, hours and a map showing the best routes to each. It takes you on local two-lane roads that are marked with road signs in the shape of a grape cluster showing you the direction and name of the closest winery.
Wines produced from grapes grown in this region are known for their clean and sweet taste often including more residual sugars than other wines from America. Grapes are often harvested later in the season when it’s colder which creates a higher concentration of sugar per fruit. The majority of wineries such as Lemon Creek and Domaine Cellars produce only estate wines from onsite grown grapes. Tabor hill the largest of the local wineries employs local farmers to grow grapes to meet their ever-growing need.
All of the wineries on the Southwest Michigan Wine Trail have tasting rooms open to the public to sample and purchase their wines. The pricing varies by winery with some offering free tastings and other charging a nominal fee but let you keep the souvenir glass. Tabor Hill Winery has on on-site eatery located just off the tasting room which serves fine dining pared with their own wines. Round Barn Winery is a must see where the tasting room is held in a historical round barn rebuilt onsite and they offer a separate beer tasting room for their homemade brews. Overall the wineries all offer excellent service and are very knowledgeable in wines making it easy for them to find a wine that you will enjoy.