wine testing
1 / 10

Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery

4.4
·336 reviews·Petoskey, United States

Award-winning wines, craft brews, and stunning vineyard views in a pet-friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, late morning

Fewer crowds, relaxed tasting

CrowdLow
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wine testing

Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery

Best Time

Weekdays, late morning

Fewer crowds, relaxed tasting

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Award-winning wines, craft brews, and stunning vineyard views in a pet-friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

4.4
(336 reviews)

"A true gem with outstanding wines, a warm ambiance, and a friendly winery dog named Lola!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Pet-Friendly Paradise

Bring your furry friends! The winery is very pet-friendly, making it a great spot for you and your dog.

📸 Capture the Scenery

The vineyards and rustic elements offer fantastic photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vineyard Views & Photo Ops

Vineyard Views & Photo Ops

Outdoor seating areas

Stunning vineyard vistas, a classic truck, and a charming gazebo make for picturesque moments. Perfect for capturing memories.

Reddit
Wine Tasting Flights

Wine Tasting Flights

Tasting room

Explore a wide array of award-winning wines. It's tough to choose, so consider a tasting flight to sample several.

Reddit
Craft Beer Selection

Craft Beer Selection

Tasting room

Beyond wine, discover their unique craft brews, including collaborations like the 'Million Dollar Dog Lager'.

Instagram
Lola the Winery Dog

Lola the Winery Dog

Throughout the property

Meet Lola, the friendly winery dog who makes solo visitors feel welcome and adds to the warm atmosphere.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Arrive early, especially on weekends, to snag the best spots and enjoy a more relaxed tasting. Consider weekdays for a quieter atmosphere. Check for special events like wine runs or brewing collaborations that might impact crowds or offer unique experiences. TikTokInstagram

Embrace the Local Flavors

Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery offers a diverse selection of award-winning wines and their own craft brews. Don't miss trying their signature red blends or fruit-infused wines. While they don't serve full meals, some reviews mention tasty bites available. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekdays, late morning
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed tasting
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, good for groups
Crowd
Medium
When
During special events
Why
Unique experiences like wine runs
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🏃🏾‍♀️🍇 Race #11 of our 50B450 Challenge is in the books! On Sunday, July 20th, Team McCree Homes—alongside our friends at J&J Luxe Homes—took on the Mackinaw Trail Wine Run 5K in picturesque Petoskey. The course wound through the stunning vineyards of Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery, making for the perfect blend of fitness, fun, and fine wine. 🍷✨ From the beautiful scenery to our one-of-a-kind w...
team_mccree_homes
20 likes • 319 views

🐾 Pet-Friendly Paradise

Bring your furry friends! The winery is very pet-friendly, making it a great spot for you and your dog. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

The vineyards and rustic elements offer fantastic photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera! Reddit

It's never a bad day when you get to learn about wine. 🍷🍇#mackinawtrailwinery #petoskeywineregion
keepitrealsocial
24 likes • 268 views
Thanks to Dustin and the entire Stabile family at Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery for helping us brew our custom lager for the Watershed! We can wait for you to try million dollar dog lager!
walloonwatershed
44 likes • 2.5K views

🍷 Taste the Variety

With many award-winning wines, a tasting flight is highly recommended to find your favorites. Reddit

🍻 Explore the Brews

Don't overlook their craft beers, including special collaborations. Instagram

The perfect fall 🍂day for a tour to Northern Michigan. Tauk Tours is making a pit stop at the beautiful Mackinaw Trail Winery and Brewery for wine tasting, beautiful fall views, and lunch. Thanks for thinking of Parkside Deli for your lunchtime catering. We hope everyone enjoys the views, wine, and food. 🥪🍷 🔗To schedule your small event catering, visit the link in the bio. - - - @taucktravel @ma...
parkside_deli_petoskey
32 likes • 962 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Pet-Friendly Paradise

Bring your furry friends! The winery is very pet-friendly, making it a great spot for you and your dog. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

The vineyards and rustic elements offer fantastic photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera! Reddit

🍷 Taste the Variety

With many award-winning wines, a tasting flight is highly recommended to find your favorites. Reddit

🍻 Explore the Brews

Don't overlook their craft beers, including special collaborations. Instagram

🚗 Plan Your Arrival

Arrive early on weekends to secure good seating and enjoy a more personal experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(336 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery for its outstanding award-winning wines, friendly staff, and beautiful vineyard setting. The pet-friendly atmosphere, highlighted by Lola the winery dog, is a major draw. While food options are limited, the overall experience is highly recommended for its quality and ambiance. Reddit

"Always a lovely time at the Mackinaw Trail Winery.

Many award-winning wines to try, as well as their own brews.

Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and is handicapped accessible.

Popular for wedding receptions and other occasions, with a barn. quaint outdoor seating and a gazebo overlooking a small pond. The grapevines and classic truck make for beautiful background shots.

No food, but there are bathrooms."

Dave Skorupski

"It was my first time here and the first to arrive at 11am 😅 . They have a great selection of wines and tasty bites to eat. I tried their wine tasting flight and it was so hard to choose. I got three out of the five to take home with me.

I won't lie, I was kind of sad to be solo traveling and didn't have someone to enjoy it with. But Lola the winery dog made me feel less awkward, it was like she was the therapy I needed to feel more comfortable. She was the friend I needed when I didn't have any.

I will definitely sign up for the wine membership.
Send my love to Lola please."

Desiree Rodriguez

"One must take advantage of being in Michigans wine country. We stopped in for a few bottles of wine with friends (and also purchased a couple for home). They feature wine tasting, Parties, weddings and tours. This winery not only grows the grapes and produces the wine but it also bottles and ships. Staff was funny, engaging and friendly. Very nice wines, especially the reds blends which I had."

Simon Robson

What People Like

Award-winning wines
Friendly staff
Pet-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited food options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery is located in Petoskey, Michigan. It's accessible by car, and many visitors arrive via tours or personal vehicles. Parking is generally available on-site. Instagram

Yes, the winery offers handicapped-accessible indoor and outdoor seating, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests. Reddit

Absolutely! Tours like Tauk Tours make stops here, offering wine tasting, scenic views, and sometimes catering. Instagram

Driving is the most common method. Consider scenic routes through Northern Michigan for a beautiful journey to the winery. Instagram

Public transportation options directly to the winery may be limited. It's best to check local transit schedules or consider ride-sharing services if available in the area.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the grounds is generally free, but wine tasting flights or individual glasses/bottles will incur costs. Special events might have separate admission fees. Reddit

Hours can vary seasonally and by day. It's recommended to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit. Reddit

While not always required, making a reservation, especially for larger groups or during peak times, is a good idea to ensure you can enjoy a tasting experience. Reddit

You must be 21 years or older to consume alcohol. However, the winery is generally welcoming to all ages to enjoy the ambiance and grounds. Reddit

Some visitors express interest in wine memberships, suggesting potential benefits for frequent visitors. Inquire directly at the winery for details. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The ambiance is described as great, with a cozy and inviting tasting room. You can easily converse with your companions, and it's very pet-friendly. Reddit

Yes, the winery is very pet-friendly! Lola, the resident winery dog, is a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

There's both indoor and outdoor seating available, including quaint outdoor seating and a gazebo overlooking a pond. Reddit

Yes, they host parties, weddings, and tours. They also collaborate on brewing custom lagers. InstagramReddit

The grapevines, the classic truck, and the gazebo overlooking the pond are popular spots for beautiful background shots. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While they don't offer a full menu, some reviews mention tasty bites being available. It's best to confirm current offerings. Reddit

Information on bringing outside food isn't explicitly stated, but it's generally advisable to check the winery's policy on outside food and beverages. Reddit

Yes, Petoskey offers various dining options. Parkside Deli in Petoskey has catered lunches for tours visiting the winery. Instagram

Reviews suggest 'tasty bites' are sometimes offered, which could include cheese boards, crackers, or other accompaniments to wine. Reddit

The tasting room serves as the primary area for ordering wine and beer. You can enjoy your selections at the bar or at available seating. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for vineyard shots. Early mornings on weekdays also provide fewer people in your photos. Reddit

The vineyard rows, the classic truck, the gazebo, and the pond create picturesque backdrops. The grapevines themselves are also very photogenic. Reddit

Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to contact the winery directly to inquire about their regulations regarding drone photography to ensure compliance. Reddit

Visitors often capture landscape shots of the vineyards, portraits with the scenic backgrounds, and photos of their wine tasting experience. InstagramReddit

Always be respectful of others' privacy. It's polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of staff or other guests. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery offers a pleasant environment for families, with ample outdoor space for children to explore (under supervision, of course). While the focus is on wine and beer tasting, the scenic vineyard views and the presence of Lola, the friendly winery dog, can be engaging for younger visitors. The accessible seating ensures comfort for families with strollers or those needing extra space. Reddit

Consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays for a more relaxed experience with children. While food options might be limited to 'tasty bites,' packing a picnic or planning a meal at a nearby family-friendly restaurant in Petoskey can complement your visit. InstagramReddit

🐶 Pet Lovers

This winery is a dream destination for pet owners! Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery is exceptionally pet-friendly, welcoming dogs with open arms. The star attraction for many is Lola, the winery's resident dog, who is known for being incredibly friendly and making guests feel right at home. Reddit

You can enjoy your wine tasting experience with your furry friend by your side, whether you choose indoor or outdoor seating. The expansive grounds offer plenty of space for dogs to roam (on leash, as per standard etiquette) and enjoy the fresh air. It's a perfect spot to relax and socialize with your pet. Reddit

💍 Couples & Special Occasions

With its picturesque vineyard views, charming gazebo, and intimate tasting room, Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery provides a romantic setting for couples. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon tasting, celebrating an anniversary, or even hosting a wedding reception. The tranquil ambiance and beautiful scenery create a memorable backdrop for special moments. Reddit

Consider visiting during the golden hour for stunning sunset photos amidst the vines. The winery's welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff ensure a delightful experience, making it a perfect destination for a romantic getaway or a special celebration. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Wine Making at Mackinaw Trail

Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery takes pride in its end-to-end wine production, from growing the grapes to bottling and shipping. This dedication to the craft ensures a high quality and authentic experience for visitors. Their award-winning wines are a testament to their expertise, with a diverse range that appeals to various palates. Reddit

Visitors can learn about the winemaking process through tours and discussions with the knowledgeable staff. The winery offers a selection of red blends, known for being full-bodied and rich, as well as crisp and refreshing white wines. Fruit-infused options, like blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry, are also highly praised. Reddit

The tasting room provides an intimate setting to explore these offerings. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to the world of wine, the staff's friendly and engaging service makes the experience enjoyable and educational. InstagramReddit

Beyond Wine: Craft Beer and Collaborations

While renowned for its wines, Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery also boasts a selection of craft beers, showcasing their versatility in beverage production. This dual offering provides something for everyone, whether you prefer a glass of wine or a pint of beer. Instagram

A unique aspect of their brewery operations is their collaborative spirit. They've partnered with organizations like the Walloon Watershed to brew custom lagers, such as the 'Million Dollar Dog Lager.' These collaborations highlight their commitment to community and innovation within the craft beverage scene. Instagram

Exploring their beer selection offers a different dimension to the Mackinaw Trail experience. It's a chance to sample locally brewed options that complement the vineyard setting and add another layer of enjoyment to your visit. Instagram

A Welcoming Atmosphere for All

Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery is celebrated for its warm and inclusive atmosphere. The tasting room is designed to be cozy and inviting, making it easy for guests to relax and enjoy their time. The staff are consistently described as friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable, contributing significantly to the positive visitor experience. InstagramReddit

One of the standout features is the winery's pet-friendly policy. Many visitors rave about Lola, the resident winery dog, who acts as a welcoming committee and a source of comfort, especially for solo travelers. This makes it an ideal destination for those who wish to bring their canine companions along. Reddit

Furthermore, the venue is accessible, with handicapped-accessible seating available both indoors and outdoors. This ensures that everyone can comfortably enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the offerings of the winery, whether for a casual visit or a special event. Reddit

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