MI Winery Hotels, Restaurant Among Nation's Best

MICHIGAN — Two Michigan winery hotels and a restaurant are among the nation's best.

Inn at Black Star Farms and Chateau Chantel were the top two-ranked Michigan winery hotels in USA Today's 10BEST list.

"What's better than a quick day trip into wine country for a tasting or two? A full-fledged wine country getaway!," USA Today said of the winners. "These 10 hotels — nominated by a panel of experts and voted by readers as the best in the U.S. — provide a perfect place to relax over a glass of wine after a day of touring and tasting in wine regions around the country."

Inn at Black Star Farms topped the list. It spans 160 acres in Suttons Bay and features 10 unique rooms that cost between $400 and $600 per night.

It also features an equestrian-themed bed and breakfast, known as The Inn, which caters exclusively to guests aged 18 and older.

Those staying at the hotel get a personalized bottle of wine upon arrival, daily prepared breakfast, nightly hospitality hour with wine and small plates and a complimentary flight or glass of wine at the tasting room.

"The Inn at Black Star Farms puts guests in the heart of the Traverse Wine Coast, with easy access to wineries and tasting rooms on the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsula wine trails," USA Today said.

Chateau Chantel was the second-best winery hotel in the list. It is a bed and breakfast located 12 miles north of Traverse City on the Old Mission Peninsula, at Chateau Chantal’s winery.

The hotel features rooms that offer scenic views of its vineyard and nearby freshwater bays, along with a chef-prepared breakfast.

Rooms typically fall between $300 and $500, though Discounts are available for club members, military and first responders from November through April. Other discounts are available January through March, as well as November and April.

Chateau Chantal held the top spot nationally in 2021 and 2022 and was ranked second in 2023.

"All suites and rooms have exceptional views of vineyards or Grand Traverse Bay, many with private patios or balconies, and several that offer wet bars and whirlpool tubs," USA Today said.

The Black Star Farms’ Bistro Polaris was also recognized, as it earned the No. 4 spot in USA Today's best Winery Restaurant.

The restaurant, located along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, features a menu by Estate Chef John Korycki that takes influence from the Mediterranean and uses local ingredients.

"Traverse City is no longer a best-kept culinary and wine secret, and Black Star Farms is one of the main attractions located just minutes from this northern Michigan destination," USA Today said.