Known as Michigan's Little Bavaria, the German-themed community of Frankenmuth blends Old World traditions with a modern tourism infrastructure. Drawing 3 million visitors annually, Frankenmuth is the state's top attraction. Although beer rules in this German-like town, wines have found a distinct home too.
Experience St. Julian Vintages
- For more than 90 years, southwest Michigan-based St. Julian Winery has been perfecting their vintages. St. Julian's Frankenmuth tasting room located on South Main Street provides an opportunity to experience red, white, pink and dessert wines, champagne and alcohol-free juices. Visitors may customize tastings according to their preference. Fees include six tastings and a St. Julian logo glass to take home as a souvenir. Even youngsters can participate by sampling juices.
Wine and Chocolate Excursions
- Frankenmuth FunShips and Wolcott Winery of Mt. Morris partner to create a fusion experience for wine and chocolate fans. Ply the Cass River in a 12-passenger electric boat and enjoy wine and chocolate. The hour-long cruises set sail May through October. During your waterway adventure, you'll sample five wines paired with five chocolates. The midtown-based operation includes the Wine Garden Tasting Room, where visitors enjoy wine and chocolate pairings from a selection of 20 Michigan wines and 75 handmade chocolates.
Wine Sampling and Brewery Tours
- Michigan's oldest brewery, Frankenmuth Brewery has honored beer making traditions for more than 150 years -- but the destination also offers house craft wines. Sample a selection at the Brewery bar. Savor German wine making tradition represented by the house Riesling. Or try the Frankenmuth chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon or merlot. The South Main Street business includes a restaurant where both German and American fare is served to complement your favorite beverage. If you have an extra 20 minutes, take the free brewery tour and watch master beverage makers in action.
Castle Shops and German Wine
- The Bavarian Inn's Old World style celebrates the town's German theme with a fairy tale setting. The destination facility's castle shops include a beer and wine store. While the claim is that the store has Michigan's largest selection of German beers, it also offers wines from Germany and around the globe. Expect to pay a minimal fee for sampling. German wines sold by the company include Liebfraumilch, Piesporter, Niersteiner and Rieslings. After purchasing your favorite wine, trek to the German bakery to choose a treat to pair with your beverage.
