Wine lovers: If the Midwest isn’t on your radar as a top wine-tasting destination, it should be! There are Midwest wine trails throughout the region that make it easy to get out and explore, too. From the fruit-forward wines of Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula to the cold-hardy wines of Wisconsin and everything in between, your tastebuds will be pleasantly surprised as you sip and swirl your way through wine trails in the Midwest.
Often overlooked as a wine destination, the Midwest boasts diverse terroirs that give rise to distinct and delicious wines. If you ask us, the wines produced here rival more famous wine regions around the country! The region’s cool climate and glacial soils create ideal conditions for growing grapes like Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, but you’ll find a remarkable depth and style to the wines along each of these Midwest wine trails. One thing each of these wine regions has in common, though, is a dedication to craftsmanship, a true testament to the region’s agricultural heritage.
You’ll also find wineries across the Midwest that are a little less crowded than more popular wine-growing regions like Napa Valley, Oregon, and The Finger Lakes. The wine-tasting experience here is more authentic, too, offering visitors a refreshing alternative to more commercialized experiences. This authenticity in experience is what the Midwest is known for, and it’s something you’ll find whether you’re tasting your way down Midwest wine trails or visiting farmer’s markets, exploring local trails and parks, shopping in charming small towns, or whatever else your getaways may have in store. It’s an authenticity that extends to lodging experiences, particularly those offered by the Midwest Association of Independent Inns.
Our association is filled with unique Midwest Bed and Breakfasts, Inns, cabins, boutique hotels, and vacation rentals, all brimming with excitement to bring an unforgettable lodging experience to your upcoming getaways in the Midwest. The accommodations offered by our members are the perfect blend of comfort and hospitality, offering personalized service that will make you feel at home. This style of lodging in the Midwest is a far cry from an ordinary hotel stay. From the warm welcome upon arrival to delicious breakfasts and a knowledgeable local host, you can expect staying at one of our Midwest Bed and Breakfasts to be anything but ordinary – in all the best ways possible. Discover the best of the Midwest with us this summer, and book a stay at one of our sensational properties today!
Our Favorite Wine Trails in the Midwest
Travel along any of these Midwest wine trails and discover an exceptional way to experience the region’s authentic charm and culture. As you sip and swirl through renowned Midwest wineries, you’ll find the nuanced flavors and artisanal craftsmanship that define Midwest wines. From the scenic vineyards of Iowa’s Loess Hills to the lush vineyards of Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, each wine trail in the Midwest presents something unique and worth traveling for.
Along the way, you’ll have the chance to engage with passionate winemakers, explore charming communities, and meet the people behind the Midwest wine revolution. This wine-tasting journey is truly the epitome of a refined summer vacation. Combine each sip with the picturesque landscapes and diverse activities the Midwest is known for, and we can’t think of a better place to kick back and enjoy some downtime this summer.
Though this list isn’t a complete guide to wine tasting in the Midwest, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite Midwest wine trails below. No matter where you go, please drink responsibly and always have a designated driver.
- If you only have time to explore one of these Midwest wine trails, let it be the Great River Road Wine Trail. This trail gives you a unique opportunity to taste wines made in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. It features eleven different wineries along the Upper Mississippi River. Combine it with a scenic drive along the Great River Road, and you have a genuinely stunning Midwest vacation in the works.
- Another excellent wine trail in the Midwest worth visiting is the Door County Wine Trail in Wisconsin. Door County is one of the most popular regions to visit in Wisconsin and for a good reason. It’s stunningly beautiful, especially during the fall, and offers an authentic, enriching experience. These Midwest wineries add to the experience and are particularly well-known for their apple and cherry wines.
- There are eight unique Iowa wine trails to explore, but one of our favorites is the Southeast Wine Trail. This Midwest wine trail travels through cities like Clinton, Davenport, and Le Claire and features some fantastic wineries along the way. Like the Great River Road Wine Trail, these wineries are concentrated along the fertile Mississippi River Valley.
- Another great choice for wine tasting in Iowa is the Heartland Wine Trail. As the name suggests, this Midwest wine trail travels through the heart of Iowa, featuring some of the state’s legendary scenery, including the famed Madison County.
- Head to Michigan and enjoy some of the best wine tasting in the Midwest. There are vineyards all over Michigan, but their biggest concentration is near Traverse City. There, you’ll find the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail on the eastern side of Grand Traverse Bay.
- On the opposite side of Grand Traverse Bay is another spectacular Midwest wine trail, the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. This wine trail features the biggest concentration of Michigan wineries and is a spectacular destination to spend a weekend sipping and swirling through the vineyards along the Bay.
- If you find yourself in Illinois, don’t miss the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. This wine-growing region is found in the southwest portion of Illinois. It is a fantastic place to taste distinct wines, explore charming communities, and get a truly authentic taste of what makes the Midwest such a fabulous destination.
- Finally, don’t overlook Nebraska, notably the Southeast Nebraska Winery Trail. This wine trail features eight award-winning wineries near Lincoln and Omaha. In addition to great wines to sip along the way, you’ll find plenty of fun, adventure, and events.
Discover the Best Places to Stay in the Midwest
Whether you’re a wine aficionado looking for something new to add to your collection or a casual drinker who enjoys hidden treasures throughout your otherwise packed vacation, these Midwest wine trails represent a fantastic opportunity to get out and explore the best of the Midwest with us this summer. When it comes to finding unique places to stay in the Midwest that reflect this local charm, the best place to turn is the Midwest Association of Independent Inns.
Our unique lodging properties showcase the best Bed and Breakfasts in the Midwest – but it doesn’t stop there. Our independent lodging properties include a variety of accommodations, from historic Inns and urban boutique hotels to luxury cabins and unique vacation rentals. You won’t find better lodging in the Midwest, and that is thanks in large part to our incredibly dedicated Innkeepers who provide exceptionally warm and detail-oriented hospitality.
Our Inns and vacation rentals are located across the Midwest, in states like Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Nebraska – and we’re growing all the time. Though unique, each property is dedicated to providing an exceptional guest experience, often featuring top-notch amenities, a daily breakfast, and, perhaps best of all, personalized recommendations for making the most of your time in the Midwest. In short, our Midwest lodging properties are the perfect place to relax, unwind, and embrace the best of summer. Seek out the best of the best this summer, and book your stay at one of our properties today!
