Business Details
20 Years
experience
Award-Winning Michigan Wines & Vineyard Experiences
Verterra Winery was founded in 2006 with a vision to craft exceptional wines rooted in the unique terroir of Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula. Our family-owned business began with a single acre of grapes affectionately named 'Frost Pocket' and has grown to encompass over 40 acres of estate vineyards. We specialize in producing award-winning wines that reflect our commitment to quality, sustainability, and meticulous vineyard practices. Our team hand-prunes, ties, and harvests grapes to ensure small yields and optimal fruit quality, combining scientific precision with sensory evaluation. Located just outside Traverse City, our Leland tasting room offers visitors a chance to experience our wines alongside panoramic views of Lake Michigan. We have earned recognition as four-time winner of Best Dry White Wine in the Michigan Wine Competition and received top honors at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.Our dedication to excellence extends to The Ridge at Verterra Vineyards, a premier wedding venue surrounded by pristine vineyards and natural beauty. We maintain full control over every step of production, from vine selection to fermentation, ensuring each bottle embodies the essence of our region. Our portfolio includes over 20 distinct wines, including our acclaimed Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, alongside Michigan hard ciders. Through personalized wine clubs and immersive tasting experiences, we strive to share our passion for viticulture with guests from around the world.
Services
Wine Tasting
Wine Sales
Wedding Venues
Wine Clubs
Vineyard Tours
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 2006 with 40+ acres of meticulously maintained estate vineyards
- Four-time winner of Michigan's Best Dry White Wine at state competitions
- Double Gold medal recipient at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
- Sustainable farming practices with hand-pruned vines and minimal chemical use
- Scenic Leland tasting room and exclusive wedding venue at The Ridge
What people say
PERFECT communication
Delicious wine
Stunning views
Kind staff
Preferred vendors list
Services
Wine Tasting
Experience our award-winning wines through curated tastings at two distinct locations. The Leland tasting room offers 3-pour ($7) or 5-pour ($10) options with artisan cheese pairings. The Ridge at Verterra provides seasonal outdoor tastings with panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay. Both locations feature knowledgeable staff who guide guests through our estate-grown Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Michigan hard ciders.
Estate-Grown Wines
Discover over 20 meticulously crafted wines from our 40-acre vineyards. Our portfolio includes acclaimed Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Sparkling Ros, alongside innovative blends like Chaos Sparkler. Each vintage receives hands-on attention through sustainable practices, hand-pruning, and harvest timing based on both scientific analysis and taste. Our wines have earned recognition at national competitions, including consecutive Michigan Best Dry White awards.
Wedding Venues
Host unforgettable celebrations at The Ridge at Verterra Vineyards, offering panoramic vineyard views and Lake Michigan vistas. Our venue accommodates intimate gatherings up to grand events for 300 guests, with customizable layouts and dedicated staff support. The property features a reflection pool, natural woodlands, and manicured lawns. Preferred vendor partnerships ensure seamless event planning, with exclusive access to our award-winning wines for toasts and receptions.
Wine Clubs
Join our wine clubs for curated quarterly shipments of award-winning wines. The Experience Leelanau Club delivers seasonal selections directly to your door. Celebrate the Seasons Club offers three annual shipments in 6-bottle ($15 shipping) or 12-bottle (free shipping) options. Members receive exclusive access to limited releases, event invitations, and personalized selections that showcase our vineyard's diversity and winemaking expertise.
Vineyard Tours
Explore our 40-acre Leelanau Peninsula vineyards through guided tours that reveal sustainable farming practices and terroir-driven viticulture. Learn about our hand-pruning techniques, soil management strategies, and harvest processes that contribute to award-winning wines. Tours include behind-the-scenes access to our crush pad operations and barrel-aging facilities, providing insight into how estate-grown grapes transform into the wines that have earned national recognition at competitions like the Michigan Wine Competition.
Questions
What wine club options do you offer?
We offer two wine clubs: Experience Leelanau (quarterly shipments) and Celebrate the Seasons (three annual shipments in 6-bottle or 12-bottle options with free shipping for larger orders).
What are your tasting room hours?
The Leland tasting room is open daily. The Ridge at Verterra operates seasonally through November 1st with specific closure dates listed on our website for 2025.
Can I host a wedding at your vineyard?
Yes! The Ridge at Verterra accommodates weddings up to 300 guests with customizable spaces, dedicated staff support, and exclusive access to our award-winning wines.
Do you ship wines outside Michigan?
Our wine clubs include direct-to-door shipping options, with 12-bottle orders receiving free shipping. Shipping availability for other purchases can be confirmed through our website.
Are pets allowed at your tasting locations?
Due to state regulations, pets aren't permitted at our tasting rooms or The Ridge venue. Service animals are welcome at both locations.
What event spaces do you rent for private functions?
The Ridge at Verterra offers vineyard event spaces with panoramic views, including outdoor lawns, patios, and tented areas suitable for weddings and private celebrations.
Reviews (5)
Nathaniel Franklin
Oct 20, 2021
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Stopped in for a tasting and it was great. the sparkling wines were delicious, especially the sparkling rose. If we visit the area again, we will make sure to visit their ridge location as the woman who was assisting us said it has some of the best views in the area.
Rachel Schnaar
Aug 16, 2021
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We visited the tasting room in Leland just before closing time. The wine was amazing and Sue was a great guide to the many excellent wines offered here. They're selection of dry white wines were exceptional. Definitely will be coming back again next summer!
Blaise B.
Jun 26, 2021
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One of my favorite wineries on Leelanau Peninsula! The place is pretty tiny, so if you're up on a busy weekend, expect it to be crowded. But they have lots of drink options and they're all pretty good!
Josh Sulkin
Jun 20, 2021
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Best wines in Michigan! Gorgeous view and exceptional service. Colleen made our trip unforgettable, and we cant wait to come back!!
Wendy Derossett
Jun 18, 2021
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Went to enjoy the view. After one glass was told they were not going to serve our group again for while. Due to friend showing up buzzed. She never even ordered a glass but they felt that the whole group should be cut off.
