A pair of Michigan winery hotels — and a restaurant — this week were named among the nation’s 10 best, according to USA TODAY readers.
“What’s better than a quick day trip into wine country for a tasting or two? A full-fledged wine country getaway!,” USA TODAY said of USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award winners. “These 10 hotels — nominated by a panel of experts and voted by readers as the best in the U.S. — provide a perfect place to relax over a glass of wine after a day of touring and tasting in wine regions around the country.”
Michigan is home to more than 140 wineries, and the wine regions near the Great Lakes provide a picture-perfect backdrop to relax and indulge.
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.
The Traverse City Food and Wine event features more than 70 events at restaurants, wineries and in downtown Traverse City August 20-24.
In addition to the pair of hotels, USA TODAY readers also selected the top 10 winery restaurants, including one from Michigan.
“Fans seek out this farm-to-table experience to enjoy local produce and meats, which often pair with Leelanau County and Old Mission Peninsula wines. Be sure to check out their unique culinary events and themed dinners,” USA TODAY said of the Michigan restaurant.
What to know about Michigan’s winners.
What are the 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
What is the Inn at Black Star Farms?
Suttons Bay’s Black Star Farms was ranked first in Best Wine Country Hotel. Black Star Farms has a 160-acre winery estate in Suttons Bay and a tasting room in Old Mission Peninsula.
The Inn is an equestrian-inspired bed and breakfast nestled among the vineyards for ages 18 and older, according to Black Star Farms’ website.
Stays at the B&B include a personalized bottle of wine upon arrival, daily prepared breakfast, nightly hospitality hour with wine and small plates, and a complimentary flight or glass of wine at the tasting room.
Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay showcases the local flavors.
The Inn offers 10 different rooms from $400 to $600 per night.
Black Star Farms also offers a variety of packages with a stay. The seasonal package is a sailing experience for Inn guests to explore the waters of West Grand Traverse Bay aboard a Catalina 340-foot sailboat with a licensed 25-year-experienced captain. A two-hour private morning cruise includes charcuterie for two, an insulated Blue Star Farms tote, a bottle of sparkling wine and drinkware, and a Blue Star Farms beach blanket.
Other packages and experiences include adventure, golf, biking, picnic, romantic getaways and stay-in dinner options.
Black Star Farms was ranked third in the U.S. in 2024, fourth in 2023 and second in 2022.
Michigan is the 4th largest grape-growing state in the country. Michigan wines from left to right: Leelanau Cellars’ Winter White, M. Lawrence SEX Brut Rose by Mawby Vineyards, Black Star Farms winery Late Harvest Riesling, Chateau Chantal’s Naughty Red and Cranberry wine from the Round Barn winery. Photo taken Tuesday, July 27, 2010.
What is Chateau Chantal?
Traverse City’s Chateau Chantal is a bed and breakfast located 12 miles north of Traverse City on the Old Mission Peninsula, at Chateau Chantal’s winery.
A variety of rooms are offered for views of the vineyard and freshwater bays including a terrace or balcony. A chef-prepared breakfast is also provided.
Discounts are available for Chateau Chantal Club members and military and first responders from November through April. Other discounts are available January through March, as well as November and April.
Reservations range from $300 to $500 a night.
Chateau Chantel ranked No. 1 in the U.S. a year ago and in 2022, and second in 2023.
What are the 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
What is Bistro Polaris?
“Traverse City is no longer a best-kept culinary and wine secret, and Black Star Farms is one of the main attractions located just minutes from this northern Michigan destination,” USA TODAY said.
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.
— Cassidey Kavathas is the politics and court reporter at The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at ckavathas@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on X formerly known as Twitter @cassideykava.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Black Star Farms, Chateau Chantal named among 10BEST winery hotels
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