Discover our Winery

A Rich, Centennial History

The dream began in 1987 when a doctor from Grand Rapids decided to purchase a 100-year old fruit farm sitting on a hilltop in Suttons Bay, just 8 miles from Traverse City.

The vision was to join the expanding number of thriving grape-growers in Northern Michigan and produce fine wine. The property had everything you could ask for to grow excellent cool-climate fruit: well-drained sandy soil, southern exposure, good air drainage, and proper altitude. The resulting formula was a perfect fit for the birth of Shady Lane Cellars.

Inspired by other like-minded growers who had pioneered vineyards in the region, the first 11 acres of vineyard was planted in 1989.

Our Charming Tasting Room

In 1999, the renovation was completed on the tasting room, a 100-year-old fieldstone chicken coop transformed into an elegant tasting room trimmed in copper, Douglas Fir, Italian tile, and granite.

In the summer of 2014, we realized that something was missing and went to work designing and building an amazing outdoor tasting experience. Now you can enjoy your favorite wine in our 32 foot, covered outdoor tasting pavilion complete with large furnished patio and outdoor fireplace.

Visit for just a sip or relax with a glass of wine and a snack while enjoying the beauty of our vineyard and our regularly scheduled live music.  Looking for more than the traditional tasting experience?  Check out these enhanced offerings.

Enjoy a flight of wine 

Tasting Flights Available 3-tastes for $12

Over the years, Shady Lane Cellars has grown from eleven acres to 150 acres of carefully tended land. This includes over 70 acres of grapes including the original Riesling and Pinot Noir vines, as well as additional plantings of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Blaufränkisch, Gewurztraminer and other delicious grape varieties.

In 2013, Shady Lane Cellars was purchased by Richard Fortune, who brought a renewed excitement to Shady Lane Cellars. The Fortune family has deep roots on the Leelanau Peninsula and is excited to steward Shady Lane Cellars into a new era.

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