Saugatuck Breweries & Wineries Guide
From lakeside lagers to cool-climate wines and orchard ciders, Saugatuck’s craft scene captures the spirit of Michigan’s Art Coast. Whether you prefer sipping on a lakeside patio, exploring vineyards, or sampling small-batch brews, this guide will help you plan your perfect tasting adventure — all just minutes from Forest Inn.
How to Use This Guide
This resource is designed for every type of traveler — beer lovers, wine enthusiasts, and those who simply enjoy good company and great flavor.
- Plan Ahead: Reservations are recommended for many tasting rooms and tours, especially on weekends.
- Stay Safe: Designate a driver or take advantage of local shuttle services such as Coastal Tours.
- Stay Local: Many of these locations are less than 15 minutes from Forest Inn, making it easy to explore without rushing.
Top Breweries Near Saugatuck
Saugatuck Brewing Company (SBC)
Founded in 2005, Saugatuck Brewing Company is a local institution known for a broad selection of true-to-style beers (brewed in-house), creative seasonals, and hearty pub fare (best smash burger in town?). The lively taproom, back "barrel room" with arcade games, and beer garden make it a must-stop for groups or couples looking for a casual evening out.
Best for: Groups and classic craft beer lovers.
The Mitten Brewing Co. – Saugatuck
A baseball-themed (Go Tigers!) taproom located on Water Street, The Mitten Brewing Co. offers gourmet pizzas, Michigan-made beers, indoor dining/outdoor patio, and a relaxed, walkable location right in downtown Saugatuck.
Best for: Laid-back afternoons and walkable beer flights.
Three Blondes Brewing
Three Blondes Brewing is a vibrant, sister-run craft brewery nestled in South Haven, Michigan, where beer meets hometown charm and creative spirit. Founded by sisters Megan, Carrie and Amanda—“the three blondes” behind the name—the brewery delivers a dynamic lineup of house-made craft beers and delicious pub fare, infused with personality and local flavor.
Best for: Craft beer lovers looking for approachable yet inventive brews in a warm, community-focused setting—whether you’re local or visiting the lakeshore.
Noble Twist Taphouse
Noble Twist Taphouse combines modern brewing with an elevated dining experience, offering a sleek, contemporary setting that feels both casual and refined. Known for its lineup of modern IPAs, crisp craft lagers, and rotating guest taps, Noble Twist has quickly become a favorite for beer enthusiasts looking to discover something new.
Best for: Groups who want great craft beer alongside gourmet pizza in a modern, social setting.
Wineries & Tasting Rooms
Fenn Valley Vineyards (Fennville)
Family-owned since 1973, Fenn Valley Vineyards is the cornerstone of Southwest Michigan’s wine scene. The estate offers guided tours, tastings, and seasonal events such as winemaker dinners and vineyard walks.
Best for: Classic Michigan wines and immersive vineyard experiences.
Fenn Valley Downtown Tasting Room (Butler Street)
Conveniently located downtown, this tasting room is perfect for a quick flight before dinner or as part of a shopping day on Butler Street.
Best for: Walkable tastings and quick visits.
Modales Wines
Located just outside Saugatuck, Modales Wines is a certified organic winery producing minimal-intervention wines on 76 scenic acres. The tasting room offers flights, small bites, and a sophisticated atmosphere for wine enthusiasts.
Best for: Wine connoisseurs and eco-conscious travelers.
Petter Art & Wine Gallery
Combining fine art with fine wine, this gallery and tasting space offers the perfect blend of creativity and relaxation.
Best for: Rainy-day inspiration or chic afternoon outings.
Michigan Wine Company
Michigan Wine Company brings a fresh, modern approach to winemaking in the Saugatuck-Fennville region, showcasing the best of Michigan’s cool-climate varietals. Their thoughtfully crafted wines—like the crisp Pinot Gris and sparkling Rosé—highlight sustainable vineyard practices and a genuine passion for the land.
Best for: Wine enthusiasts looking for approachable, sustainably made wines in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
Cideries You’ll Love
Virtue Cider (Virtue Farm, Fennville)
Set on 48 picturesque acres, Virtue Cider crafts farmhouse-style ciders using traditional methods. Enjoy guided tastings, seasonal events, and farm-to-glass experiences surrounded by orchards and animals.
Best for: Families, cider lovers, and outdoor tastings.
Crane’s Winery & Cider House
Crane’s Winery & Cider House offers a quintessential taste of Michigan’s orchard country, blending rustic charm with generations of family tradition. Set on a working fruit farm, this cozy destination produces a wide range of fruit wines and hard ciders crafted from locally grown apples, cherries, and blueberries.
Best for: Families and casual wine lovers who enjoy fruit-forward drinks and homemade desserts in a relaxed, farm-style setting.
Create Your Own Tasting Trail
Yes, you have a lot of options – and if you can’t make up your mind just try one of these options. You really can’t go wrong with any of these options. Each link below takes you to the Google map location so you can quickly grab directions or build your own map!
Walkable Downtown Sipper
- Start at The Mitten Brewing Co.
- Visit Fenn Valley Tasting Room for a flight
- Enjoy dinner along Butler Street
Vineyard & Farm Loop
- Begin at Forest Inn
- Head to Fenn Valley Vineyards
- Stop by Modales Wines
- Finish with a cider at Virtue Cider
Beer Lovers’ Afternoon
- Visit Saugatuck Brewing Company for lunch and a flight
- Stroll downtown for dessert or shopping
- Cap the evening with a nightcap at The Mitten
Quick-Reference Table
| Name | Type | Specialty Drinks | Food Pairing | Distance from Forest Inn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modales Wines | Winery | Organic, natural | Charcuterie | 10 min |
| Virtue Cider | Cidery | Farmhouse, rosé | Farm food trucks | 15 min |
| Crane’s Winery | Winery/Cidery | Fruit wines, cider | Bakery, desserts | 15 min |
| Michigan Wine Company | Winery | Pinot Gris, Sparkling Rosé | Cheese plates | 15 min |
| J. Petter Gallery | Wine Bar | Curated global wine | Cheese/charcuterie | 5 min |
| Fenn Valley Vineyards | Winery | Estate Riesling, Capriccio Red | Cheese, picnics | 12 min |
| Saugatuck Brewing Co. | Brewery | Oval Beach Blonde, IPA | Full pub menu | 10 min |
| The Mitten Brewing Co. | Brewery | Pizza flights, porters | Gourmet pizza | Walkable downtown |
| Noble Twist Taphouse | Brewery | Modern craft, lagers | Pizza, small plates | 15 min |
| Three Blondes Brewing | Brewery | Dill With It- Berliner Weisse | Taproom offers full menu | 20 min |
Seasonal Pairings
Tastes can change with the seasons, and know that, we have some recommendations for the wineries, breweries, and cideries to visit depending on what time of year you’ll be visiting the Saugatuck/Douglas area.
Summer
When the sun shines over Lake Michigan, there’s no better time to sip, stroll, and soak in Saugatuck’s charm. Enjoy long afternoons on winery patios surrounded by lush vines, or catch a live acoustic set at Virtue Farm while sipping cider under the trees. For craft beer lovers, Saugatuck Brewing Company (SBC) hosts open-air tastings and live weekend music that keep the good vibes flowing. Whether you’re exploring vineyards by bike or lounging lakeside with a chilled rosé, summer in Saugatuck is all about sunshine and social sipping.
Fall
As the air turns crisp and the vineyards glow in shades of gold and red, autumn invites you to slow down and savor the harvest. Take a scenic foliage drive along country roads dotted with tasting rooms, or join the release parties for new vintages at Fenn Valley Vineyards or Modales Wines. Many wineries and cider houses light their outdoor firepits, creating the perfect spot to sip a spiced cider or smoky red wine while soaking in the season’s beauty.
Winter & Spring
Winter in wine country brings quiet charm and a touch of romance. Cozy up by the fire at intimate tasting rooms, take part in small-group barrel tastings, or enjoy a winemaker dinner that pairs bold reds with gourmet local cuisine. As spring approaches, the vineyards come back to life — a peaceful time to meet the makers, join guided tours, and enjoy a slower pace before summer crowds arrive. For couples or friends seeking a more personal experience, this is Saugatuck’s best-kept secret season.
Local Dining Pairings
After a day of tasting, Saugatuck’s restaurant scene keeps the experience going with menus designed to complement local wines and craft brews.
• Coast 236 – Upscale coastal fare featuring fresh Great Lakes fish, creative small plates, and an exceptional local wine list.
• The Butler – A Saugatuck classic offering waterfront dining, hearty American dishes, and Michigan craft beers on tap.
• Borrowed Time – A warm, modern spot known for seasonal small plates, curated wine flights, and locally sourced ingredients that highlight Michigan’s best.
Getting Around Safely
Plan ahead so you can relax and enjoy every tasting responsibly.
- Coastal Tours: Private shuttles for groups and tasting routes
- Interurban Shuttle: Easy transport around Saugatuck and Douglas
- Ride Share: Limited availability — plan ahead during festivals and summer weekends
Frequently Asked Questions
Which locations are walkable from downtown Saugatuck?
The Mitten Brewing Co. and Fenn Valley’s Butler Street Tasting Room are both within easy walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants.
Do I need reservations?
Reservations are highly recommended for wineries, especially on weekends or festival days. Breweries typically accept walk-ins.
What’s the best stop for groups?
Virtue Cider’s spacious farm and Fenn Valley’s group tours make them ideal for larger parties.
Are there organic or natural wine options nearby?
Yes! Modales Wines is fully certified organic and known for minimal-intervention, sustainable winemaking.
Plan Your Stay
The best way to experience Saugatuck’s tasting scene is with a 2–3 night stay at Forest Inn, where each morning starts with a home-cooked breakfast and every evening ends just minutes from your favorite sips.
Book Your Adventure
Whether your idea of a perfect adventure includes peaceful solitude; exploring the trails, dunes, water, and beaches of spectacular Lake Michigan; fine dining, live music, world-class art, craft beer, renowned vineyards, or all of the above...
Forest Inn is an extraordinary setting for you to make memories and take full advantage of all that Michigan’s Art Coast offers. We look forward to welcoming you!