Black Star Farms

The Winery at Black Star Farms is widely admired for the award-winning wines produced from its 160-acre vineyards on both the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas. Now, the Black Star Farms is gaining kudos for its fruit-based brandies, too. At the 15th Annual Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition, held in Grand Rapids on July 28-30, Black Farm’s Spirit of Pear earned first place in the “spirits” division of the competition while its Spirit of Apple took third place.

What's the first word that comes to mind when you think of Traverse City? Beautiful. Fun. Adventure. Perfect? That last one might seem hard to attain, but when it comes to a destination for meetings, Traverse City is second to none. It really has it all—world-class conference facilities, outdoor activities to connect your attendees, farm-to-table cuisine and breweries and wineries to tempt every palate.

Suttons Bay’s Black Star Farms has launched its own line of branded food products.

The small-batch foods are made at the farm and without preservatives. 

The farm used its tasting rooms for a soft launch of the line during the holiday season, then decided to roll it out statewide. Products include Hard Apple Cider Granola, Leelanau Coffee Granola, Sweet Potato Cashew Crackers and Lentil Sea Salt Crackers.

Michigan meeting and event planners needn’t travel to Napa or Sonoma Valley to fi nd a stellar winery to host their next aff air. The Great Lakes State boasts several wonderful wineries that make perfect event settings.

Nothing brings people together better than food. So if team-building is your goal, consider taking your team Black Star Farms to bond over beautiful views and delicious wine and food. 

Not only is the Black Star property a luxurious getaway, it also has large meeting spaces, making it an excellent destination for a team meeting or retreat. Possible activities include cooking demos, cooking competitions, create-your-own-wine-blend classes and blind-tasting competitions.

Looking for a fresh winter activity? Or just can’t wait until the warm weather for a Michigan wine tour? Strap on those skis and snowshoes and get ready to warm up with a glass of the good stuff. Traverse City-area wineries see no rea - son the cold weather should keep visitors away. Here are some winter wine tours worth checking out.