Winter on the Vineyard

Life, Work, and Wine on the Leelanau Peninsula

There’s a quiet magic that settles over the rows of grapevines here at Gilchrist Farm Winery once the harvest fades and snow begins to fall. In Northern Michigan, winter doesn’t mean hibernation — it simply means changing seasons of care, curiosity, and connection.

photo by Birgit Steven-Lahno

Life Beneath the Snow

By late November, the vines are dormant, their gnarled arms resting against the cold sky. The vineyard feels almost contemplative — rows of stakes dusted with snow that glisten at sunrise. It’s a reminder that vines are surprisingly resilient: their roots reaching deep below, anchored in soil that will soon wake again in spring.

While the grapes aren’t growing, our work certainly doesn’t stop. Winter at Gilchrist means:

• Pruning and planning: We trim back dormant canes, shaping next year’s growth and dreaming up new blends.

• Barrel room rituals: Tasting, blending, and setting aside wines that have matured through fall — there’s a meditative joy in sipping a Pinot Noir while snow drifts outside.

• Caring for the land: Snow cover protects the roots from deep chill, and we keep a close eye on moisture levels and winds that can sweep down from Lake Michigan.

There’s an undeniable romanticism to this season — the stillness, the whites and grays of field and sky, and the warmth of a tasting room fire as guests venture out to sip with us.

Winter Wine Events to Brighten the Season

One of our favorite parts of winter is welcoming friends — near and far — to celebrate the season together. The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail Winter Wine Pass is back for the 2026 season, and we’re delighted to share why it’s such a special way to experience winter here. For just $75 (a great value considering the events included), the Winter Wine Pass gives access to three unforgettable weekend escapes:

• Sips & Soups — January 16–18, 2026
  A cozy pairing event where local wines are matched with housemade soups that warm you from the inside out — just what you need on a crisp winter’s day. We are offering Great Lakes wild rice soup with bacon paired with our woven red blend wine. A true taste of Michigan!

• Snow on the Vines — February 20–22, 2026
  Imagine strolling through snow-kissed vineyards with friends, stopping at trail-wide tastings paired with small bites designed to complement each pour. It’s peaceful, scenic, and oh so delicious.

• Leelanau Wine & Cheese — March 13–15, 2026
  A perfect prelude to spring, with thoughtfully paired local wines and artisanal cheeses that celebrate both craft and terroir.

photo by Kevin Mueller

Why You’ll Love These Weekends (Just Ask Last Year’s Attendees)

The winter events along the trail have become treasured traditions. Last year’s Sips & Soups brought crowds out to cozy up with hearty soups and well-matched wines — exchanging stories, laughter, and toasts while vineyards glowed under winter skies. People came for the flavors, stayed for the warmth and camaraderie of the wine community.

Those who joined Snow on the Vines found something truly special in walking a wine trail transformed by snow: the serene beauty of each tasting paired perfectly with seasonal bites and stunning views of frosted vines.

And Leelanau Wine & Cheese — always a favorite — blended the rich nuances of wine and local cheese pairings into long conversations around tasting room tables, capturing the region’s craftsmanship in every bite and sip.

A Season to Savor

Winter may quiet the vines, but it amplifies the joy of gathering — whether you’re bundled up for a trail stroll or lingering inside with a glass by the window. From our cozy tasting room to your next adventure on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, we hope you’ll make the most of this seasonal celebration of place, palate, and people.

Cheers to winter wine — and we’ll see you on the trail! 🍷