The Rhythm of Summer at Gilchrist

There is a certain rhythm to summer in Suttons Bay.

The days stretch longer. The pace softens. A glass of wine lingers a little later in the afternoon, and a casual stop at the tasting room turns into an evening of conversation, music, and shared plates around the table.

At Gilchrist Farm Winery, summer invites us to settle in and savor what the season has to offer.

Our tasting room is open for wine, with lunch and dinner served most days. Whether you arrive for a midweek tasting, an Afternoon Pour, or a leisurely meal with friends, we hope Gilchrist feels like a place to pause, gather, and stay awhile. Plan your visit here.

A Season for Lingering

Summer has a way of changing how we gather. A simple glass of wine becomes an excuse to sit outside a little longer. Music drifts across the patio. Dinner stretches into the evening. The view, the company, and the unhurried pace all become part of the experience.

At Gilchrist, we’ve always believed wine is more than what’s in the glass. It’s the setting, the welcome, the meal, the conversation, and the feeling you carry home with you afterward.

That’s part of what makes summer here so special.

What’s Pouring

Our tasting room offers a chance to explore Gilchrist wines in a relaxed, welcoming setting, whether you’re discovering a new favorite or returning to a bottle you already love. This season has been especially exciting as we continue to celebrate recent recognition for several of our wines, including honors from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and TexSom.

For those looking for an easy way to begin the afternoon, our Afternoon Pour offers a rotating featured wine for $5 a glass from 3–5 PM — a small invitation to slow down and enjoy the day.

Seasonal Plates, Shared Tables

Summer also brings fresh energy to the kitchen. Our menu continues to evolve with the season, with occasional new dishes and thoughtful pairings that reflect the ingredients, flavors, and spirit of this time of year.

Whether you join us for lunch, settle in for dinner, or simply share a few plates with a bottle of wine, we want every table to feel generous, comfortable, and rooted in hospitality.

Music, Art, and Gathering

This season, the tasting room has become more than a place to taste wine. It has also become a place to gather — for live music on the patio, art classes, special dinners, and the kinds of small events that bring people together in meaningful ways.

Summer music afternoons with local performers, creative workshops, and seasonal celebrations all add to the rhythm of the season, offering new reasons to return and experience Gilchrist in a different light.

Join Us This Summer

In the midst of a busy season, we’re grateful for the chance to create a space where people can pause, reconnect, and enjoy the simple pleasures of Northern Michigan — a glass of wine, a thoughtfully prepared meal, and a few hours spent in good company.

If you haven’t visited us yet this summer, we invite you to stop by the tasting room in Suttons Bay, explore our current menu, and take a look at the Events Calendar on our website to see what’s coming up next.

We’ll save you a seat.

April Uhlir