Are you an oenophile? A beer snob? A cider addict? Then Saugatuck is just the place for you. It is easy (and fun) to drink your way through Saugatuck thanks to the region’s countless incredible wineries, craft breweries, and distilleries. Here is our guide to planning the ultimate beer, cider, and wine tour of Western Michigan.
Beer & Cider
Start off your beer and cider adventure with the namesake Saugatuck Brewing Company. Specializing in both traditional and experimental brews, the Saugatuck Brewing Company boasts 16 rotating taps as well as tasty hard cider and local wine. Their family friendly pub also serves a creative food menu and has an outdoor patio perfect for seasonal dining. You can also visit their casual Barrel Room bar where you’ll find pool tables, darts, pinball, and shuffleboard.
The amazing lakeshore location at the Mitten Brewing Company allows you to enjoy a refreshing glass of craft beer while admiring the gorgeous views and savoring the refreshing breeze. In addition to their tasty beers, they specialize in a variety of mouth watering pizzas, with unique topping options like chicken & waffles, barbeque pulled pork, and strawberry balsamic sauce. At the small, woman-owned Guardian Brewing Company, you can taste twenty innovative taps, including stouts, pilsners, hard ciders, porters, IPAs, and pale ales. Go to Big Lake Brewing for great beer, delicious food, and fun weekly events like live musical performances and trivia nights.
Wine
West Michigan might not be as big of a name in the wine industry as places like Sonoma or Bordeaux, but we promise it will be on the map soon. During your time here, you might hear the term “The Lake Effect.” It commonly refers to the climate patterns that create heavy snowfall during the winter, but it also allows for the successful cultivation of cold tender grape varieties that make for some delicious Michigan wine.
Fenn Valley Vineyards specializes in wine tasting and educational tours at the beautiful Fennville Estate. During your visit, you can sip wine on their gorgeous patios, stroll through their production vineyards, or picnic on their lovely and peaceful grounds. Cogdal Vineyards is located on 7 beautiful acres near the shores of Lake Michigan. The proximity to the lake helps regulate temperatures that promote healthy vines and superior grapes. Sample some of their wines in their welcoming tasting room, constructed with cherry and maple wood harvested from the property. Right in downtown Saugatuck, you’ll also find Crane’s, a charming wine bar and cider tasting room with delicious food pairings, to-go bottles, and plenty of other take-home goodies made right on site.
If you are running short on time or feel like you may need a little extra guidance, consider taking a tour with Coastal Tours. Their comfortable, 14-passenger bus will take you to all the best local wineries and breweries so you don’t have to worry about planning an itinerary or finding a designated driver. All you have to do is hop on and enjoy the ride. Tours typically run 4 hours, but you can add on more time for an additional charge. Head to our blog to learn more about other amazing local tour operators.
Planning a wine, beer, and cider tour through lovely Saugatuck, Michigan? Book a stay at the Twin Oaks Inn, a relaxing bed & breakfast where modern amenities meet historic charm.