Seasons of the North Winery in Indian River
Seasons of the North Winery
(231) 548-1280
Seasons of the North Winery & Burt Lake Brewery
A charming roadside find just off I-75 in Indian River. Nothing fancy from the outside, but step inside and you’ll discover a friendly tasting room where locals and visitors mix over glasses of unique northern wines and craft beers made right on site.
The Experience at Seasons of the North
THE WINERY: Pull up a seat at the tasting bar and sample their lineup of wines. Try the Burt Lake Breeze or The Cabin (they tell the story of what happens when special cold-loving grapes meet northern Michigan soil.) The folks pouring will happily walk you through each sip.
THE BREWERY: Burt Lake Brewery shares the space, putting out unique small-batch beers.
WINE GARDEN: The outdoor patio is the place to be when the sun’s shining. Vineyard views, a laid-back vibe, and your pup can join you too.
EVENTS: Summer weekends mean live music on the patio! Musicians play on many Fridays and Saturdays – hop on their Facebook page to see who’s playing when.
The Story Behind It
Rachel and Sid VanValkenburgh run this show along with Rachel’s parents, Mike and Brenda Passino. When they started out, they knew regular grapes wouldn’t cut it in the north, so they planted special grapes that actually love the cold!
Insider Tips
- The outdoor area is totally dog-friendly.
- Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy with your wine (just leave the outside drinks at home).
- Friday and Saturday live music make for perfect summer evenings – check Facebook for who’s playing.
- Do the flight of 5 tastings – mix and match wines and beers to find your favorite.
- They’re part of the Petoskey Wine Passport program.
Make It a Day
Combine your visit with a stop at nearby Burt Lake State Park for a lakeside picnic or beach time. If you’re exploring the area’s wineries, Walloon Lake Winery and Petoskey Farms Vineyard are both short drives away. The charming shops of downtown Indian River are just around the corner, and the impressive National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods is only 3 miles down the road.
