May is Michigan Wine Month and the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is celebrating local vino with special events throughout the month. Grab your friends and check out these can’t-miss Northern Michigan wine events.


Spring Sip & Savor | May 6 &7
Join us for the annual Spring Sip & Savor wine trail weekend. As our vineyards wake to the sun and warmth of May, enjoy delicious wine and food pairings at 22 wineries along the wine trail. Celebrate spring, indulge in your senses and learn more about Leelanau Peninsula wines. Most importantly, it’s really fun! Take the self-guided tour by visiting the tasting rooms in any order on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are limited and typically sell out, so get yours TODAY!

Tickets are $35 and include wine and food pairings at each winery and a souvenir wine glass. In addition, a $5 donation for every ticket sold goes to the Bruce Simpson Winemakers Scholarship to help students on their quest for a career in viticulture or enology in Northern Michigan.


On the Michigan Wine Trail Painting Class with Stephanie Schlatter | May 20 & 24
Inspired by Michigan Wine country’s enchanting landscapes, this innovative two-hour class alongside artist Stephanie Schlatter captures on canvas the feelings you encounter soaking in all the magical beauty of the vineyard—all while tasting the wine that grows here on Leelanau Peninsula. Join the incredibly talented, down-to-earth Stephanie as she teaches several starting points to create a successful painting, so you leave feeling confident in knowing how to approach landscapes. This class will briefly explore perspective, composition, and mood so you can start to identify your own voice in painting or continue to grow the one you already have.


Sips & Giggles Comedy Show | May 20
Join us for a laid back and hilariously fun evening of wine and comedy on Saturday, May 20, at Leelanau Studios off M22 in Traverse City. Start with a pre-show pour (or two) at Happy Hour from 7 to 8 p.m., featuring delicious local wine, cider, and beer, with nibbles from Traverse City’s favorite Cheese Lady. Starting at 8 p.m, The Sips ‘N Giggles Comedy Show, presented by Uncorrect Comedy, will have you laughing hysterically while being entertained by nationally acclaimed comedian Andrew Norelli, plus special guest Floyd J Phillips. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show for a local wine evening you’ll never forget.


Top of the Pops of the TC Wine Region with Michael Schafer, Wine Counselor® | May 24
Top of the Pops of the Grand Traverse Coast Wine Region with Michael Schafer, the Wine Counselor® Wednesday, May 24 from 7–9 p.m. Meet local winemakers while exploring the best wines of the Traverse City Wine Region paired with delectable small pairings created by a local chef. From super sparklers to decadent desserts, it doesn’t get any better than this exquisite evening.


Super Server Training & Local Wine with Michael Schafer, Wine Counselor® | May 25
Exceed your guests’ expectations! Train your team to provide the “warm fuzzies” your guests crave. Whether it’s your tasting room, restaurant or lodging facility, register your staff to become ambassadors of the region, improve your overall customer service, enhance your reputation and increase your average guest check. You will also sample and learn more about local wines. Register here.


5 Ss of Wine—Taste Wine Like a Pro with Michael Schafer, Wine Counselor® | May 25
Laugh and learn to taste wine the easy way. Enjoy six delicious local wines as you master the skills of tasting via the 5 Ss of wine. Also, meet The Cheese Lady as you enjoy yummy cheeses paired with your wine. Bring your sense of humor and get ready for a fun evening!


[publication mode=”thumb” name=”vg-leelanau” align=”left” link=”viewnow”]

More Events for Wine Lovers:

Photo(s) by Dave Weidner