Black Star Farms Suttons Bay
Upscale winery and inn on a picturesque farm, offering wine tastings, gourmet dining, and hands-on cooking classes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Black Star Farms Suttons Bay
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Upscale winery and inn on a picturesque farm, offering wine tastings, gourmet dining, and hands-on cooking classes.
"A beautiful farm and hotel with amazing food and wine, highly recommended!"
🚗 Parking & Arrival
Ample parking available. Arrive early for prime spots, especially on weekends.
🍷 Flight Perks
Enjoy a complimentary wine glass with your tasting flight!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wine Tasting Flights
Tasting Room
Sample award-winning wines and spirits, often with complimentary glasses to take home.
Gourmet Farm-to-Table Dining
Bistro
Indulge in exquisite meals prepared by Chef John, featuring fresh, local ingredients.
Farm Animals & Vineyard Views
Farm Grounds
Enjoy the picturesque scenery and interact with charming farm animals like goats.
+1
Hands-On Cooking Classes
Kitchen/Event Space
Learn culinary secrets from Chef John in a fun, interactive, and laid-back environment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Tastings & Stays
Embrace the Farm & Wine Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Arrival
Ample parking available. Arrive early for prime spots, especially on weekends.
🍷 Flight Perks
Enjoy a complimentary wine glass with your tasting flight!
👨🍳 Book Cooking Classes
Chef John's classes are popular; book well in advance!
🐐 Goat Yoga Fun
Check their schedule for unique goat yoga sessions – a memorable experience!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Arrival
Ample parking available. Arrive early for prime spots, especially on weekends.
🍷 Flight Perks
Enjoy a complimentary wine glass with your tasting flight!
👨🍳 Book Cooking Classes
Chef John's classes are popular; book well in advance!
🐐 Goat Yoga Fun
Check their schedule for unique goat yoga sessions – a memorable experience!
📱 Stay Connected
Cell service can be spotty; download offline maps if needed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Black Star Farms Suttons Bay for its beautiful campus, excellent wines, and the exceptional culinary experiences offered by Chef John, particularly his gourmet breakfasts and cooking classes. While most staff are friendly and interactive, a few reviews mention inconsistent service or unknowledgeable staff members in specific instances. +2
"Beautiful campus. The tasting room is very nice. Love the building structure. The wines are always good the spirits are OK. Most of the staff was wonderful and interactive. One was kind of rude and really didn't know what she was talking about when discussing spirits and mixed drinks. If she doesn't know, she should just say she doesn't know. Overall, good place to try some new or an old favorite from Black Star."
Topcatjack
"We had a delightful stay here July 31, 2025! The chef, John, is amazing! He prepared a gourmet breakfast, hors d’oeuvres, and the authentic Italian cuisine at the Bistro. We loved the wines and Tasting Room and enjoyed 2 complimentary flights of wine. Our room was very comfortable and luxurious. It was a beautiful farm and hotel. I highly recommend it."
Mary Lynn Lindner
"Went vineyard hopping on my birthday. Pulling up to the vineyard was delightful. So beautiful. We sat at the bar and ordered flights from a very nice petite woman. We really enjoyed conversing with her. After serving our flights she disappeared. We didn’t realize it at first. There was a new face behind the bar but she did not approach us or make eye contact. Is she our new server? We asked her for a glass of water and got the vibe we were inconveniencing her. My husband observed, “maybe she’s having a bad day.”
We never did see our original hostess again. Seems it would have been a good idea to communicate who we should continue to order from.
It was pretty odd. Otherwise, we enjoyed the wine. Bonus, you get to take home a wine glass 🍷 for free from the flight.."
LISA BACHMAN
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Black Star Farms is located in Suttons Bay, Michigan, on the Leelanau Peninsula. It's easily accessible by car, offering scenic drives through Pure Michigan landscapes. Many visitors drive from Traverse City, which is about a 30-40 minute journey.
Public transportation options are limited in this rural area. Renting a car or using ride-sharing services from Traverse City is the most convenient way to reach Black Star Farms Suttons Bay.
For wine tours, consider hiring a local driver or using a designated driver service. This allows everyone to enjoy the Black Star Farms winery and others in the region safely.
Yes, Black Star Farms itself offers upscale accommodations at The Inn at Black Star Farms. There are also various hotels and B&Bs in the charming town of Suttons Bay and nearby Traverse City.
From Traverse City, take M-22 North towards Suttons Bay. Black Star Farms is well-marked along the route. Use GPS for precise directions to the specific farm location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While entry to the grounds is generally free, wine tasting flights and special events like cooking classes require tickets or reservations. It's highly recommended to book tasting flights and classes in advance, especially during peak season.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Black Star Farms website for the most up-to-date hours for the tasting room, bistro, and inn.
The cost of wine tastings varies depending on the flight selected. Many reviews mention receiving a complimentary wine glass with their flight, adding extra value.
Black Star Farms Suttons Bay is a popular venue for private events, including weddings and corporate gatherings. Contact their events team directly for availability and packages.
Reservations are highly recommended for the Bistro, especially for dinner, to ensure you get a table. Chef John's culinary creations are a major draw.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy wine and spirit tastings, savor gourmet meals at the Bistro, participate in hands-on cooking classes, explore the beautiful vineyard and farm grounds, and even interact with farm animals. +1
Yes, Black Star Farms Suttons Bay is a working farm and features charming farm animals, including goats, which are a highlight for many visitors.
Black Star Farms is known for producing a variety of award-winning wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Marquette, among others. They also produce spirits.
Absolutely! The picturesque vineyard, historic buildings, and scenic grounds of Black Star Farms Suttons Bay make it a fantastic spot for photography.
Yes, Black Star Farms offers luxurious accommodations at The Inn at Black Star Farms, providing a complete immersive experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Black Star Farms features a Bistro with gourmet farm-to-table dining, often including delicious pizzas and expertly prepared dishes by Chef John. They also offer hors d'oeuvres and snacks during tastings. +1
Many visitors rave about Chef John's cooking classes, describing them as fun, insightful, and a great hands-on experience in a relaxed atmosphere.
Guests at The Inn at Black Star Farms enjoy gourmet breakfasts prepared by Chef John, often featuring fresh, local ingredients and creative culinary presentations.
Generally, outside food is not permitted, especially in the tasting room or Bistro. It's best to enjoy the culinary offerings provided on-site.
While specific menus can change, the farm-to-table approach often allows for fresh, seasonal dishes that can accommodate various dietary needs. It's advisable to inquire directly with the Bistro about options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the vineyards, the historic barns, the charming farm animals, and the beautifully appointed tasting room and inn. The scenic Leelanau Peninsula backdrop is also a plus.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos during your wine tasting experience at Black Star Farms. Capturing your flight and the ambiance is encouraged.
While generally encouraged, be mindful of other guests' privacy and avoid intrusive photography. Professional photography sessions may require prior arrangement.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for vineyard and landscape shots. Midday can also be lovely for capturing the vibrant farm life.
A versatile camera with a good lens for landscapes and portraits will serve you well. Don't forget your phone for quick snaps and sharing on social media!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 While wine tasting is a primary focus, the picturesque grounds provide space for children to explore under supervision. Consider visiting during the day when the farm is most active. For a unique family activity, look for special events that might be suitable for all ages. While the Bistro offers gourmet dining, it's worth checking if they have kid-friendly options or if a picnic on the grounds is feasible. The overall beautiful scenery makes it a pleasant outing for the whole family.
💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider booking a wine tasting flight to share, and perhaps a cooking class for a fun, interactive date. The picturesque surroundings of Suttons Bay offer plenty of opportunities for romantic strolls and enjoying the Michigan landscape together.
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
Engage with the staff to learn more about their winemaking process and the unique terroir of the Leelanau Peninsula. The opportunity to take home a complimentary wine glass with your flight is a fantastic bonus for collectors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Culinary Delights of Chef John
Beyond the dining room, Chef John also leads highly acclaimed hands-on cooking classes. These sessions are described as fun, personable, and insightful, offering participants a relaxed environment to learn culinary skills and gain valuable knowledge. The positive feedback consistently highlights his talent and ability to make everyone feel at ease.
Whether you're staying at the inn or visiting for a meal or class, experiencing Chef John's culinary artistry is a must-do at Black Star Farms. His passion for food and commitment to quality shine through in every dish and lesson.
A Unique Wine Tasting Experience
A delightful perk mentioned by many is the complimentary wine glass that guests get to take home after their flight. This thoughtful gesture adds an extra layer of value and a lasting memento of their visit to the winery.
While the tasting room is a central attraction, the overall ambiance of the vineyard and farm contributes to the experience. The beautiful campus and the opportunity to interact with farm animals add a unique charm that sets Black Star Farms apart from other wineries.
+1The Inn at Black Star Farms: Luxury Stay
Guests at the inn are treated to gourmet breakfasts prepared by Chef John, ensuring a delicious start to their day. The attention to detail in both the accommodations and the dining experience contributes to a highly recommended stay for couples and travelers looking for a special getaway.
Staying at the inn allows for a deeper immersion into the Black Star Farms lifestyle, combining the pleasures of fine wine, exquisite food, and the serene beauty of the Suttons Bay countryside. It's an ideal option for a romantic escape or a relaxing break.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit