Toast the Fruit of the Vineyard

April has been dubbed Michigan Wine Month" by Governor Rick Snyder and we can't think of a better time to kick off wine-tastings and vineyard-touring adventures. Grab that special person in your life and travel country roads, explore vineyards covering beautiful hills and valleys, take advantage of off-season rates and overnight packages at many hotels and B&B's near the states six thriving wine trails. Tasting rooms are less busy in the spring, which means there's more time to provide visitors with that extra VIP attention.

Wineries across the state have staged a number of festive events including dinner series, book signings, progressive wine-tasting galas and Mothers Day-weekend events from now through early summer. Below is a sampling of activities taking place in each of our wine-trail regions:

Waffles and Wine
April 12
Mackinaw Trail Winery

Michigan Wine Celebration
April 12-13
Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail

Wine Release and Food Pairing Party
April 12-13
Cherry Creek Vineyard & Winery

Small Plates
April 25 & May 30
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

Progressive Wine Tasting
May 2
Lawton Ridge Winery

Spring Sip & Savor
May 3-4
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

MOM-osa Weekend
May 10-11
St. Julian Winery

Blossom Day
May 17
Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula

Memorial Weekend Wine & Art Festival
May 24 - 25
Lemon Creek Winery

Wine and Wags Party
June 14
Round Barn

Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival
June 21
Lake Michigan Shore Wine Country


April will also see the release of the 2014 Michigan Wine Country magazine, an indispensable guide to the wines and wineries of Michigan complete with maps and touring information. Pick up a free copy at any Michigan winery or at one of the 14 Michigan Welcome Centers. Or, you can request a copy, at Michigan Wines.To help you locate a package near your desired wine-touring destination, visit michigan.org deals and packages.