The Best Towns For Wine Lovers In The Midwest, According To Travelers

While the Midwest may not be the first (or even fourth) place you think about when picturing a wine vacation, America's Heartland is filled with rolling hills, Great Lakes, and some magnificent pours. An underrated wine-producing region, 20 American Viticultural Areas (AVA) are spread across this area's 12 states. That means the government, or the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), has established 20 specific grape-growing regions within the Midwest, including the first AVA designated in the country (well done, Augusta, Missouri). Move over Sonoma and Napa. The Midwest is armed with some stiff competition, and it goes down super smoothly!

From more traditional wines like pinot noir, merlot, riesling, and pinot grigio to French-American mixes like Seyval, Vignoles, and Vidal, the Midwest boasts a variety of vino to please even the pickiest of oenophiles. To sample some of the area's tastiest flights, wine tourists can take a road trip through states like Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, and Ohio, uncorking the best towns for wine lovers in the Midwest along their route. Use this list to figure out which location to stop at first. We made sure all 15 are worthy of a visit by researching dozens of articles written by wine enthusiasts, foodies, and travel experts and studying state and federal wine agency sites before placing them here.

There's no lack of fabulous wine in Traverse City, Michigan -– 50 wineries call this area home. Thanks to an ideal mix of fertile soil, lengthy sunlight hours, and insulation from neighboring Lake Michigan, the grape vines in this beautiful town offer captivating views and vino so delicious that you'll be forgiven for thinking you're drinking in France. Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery is a fan favorite, with wine-loving reviewers complimenting its beautiful vistas, friendly customer service, and delectable wines. One Tripadvisor reviewer wrote, "I've been to wineries all over the world, but this was by far the most fun." Tip: Reserve a balcony seating online before you go.

Take a break from sipping with a hike through Sleeping Bear Dunes and hit the beach in summer or cross-country ski trails in winter, then grab a bite at one of the fab restaurants in the bustling downtown. Spend a night or two at the beachfront Cherry Tree Inn & Suites. A stay includes access to a hot breakfast buffet, indoor and outdoor pools, non-motorized water sports, and many other activities. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is another excellent option with four pools, three championship golf courses, an indoor water playground, and more.

There are plenty of exciting places to visit in Hermann, Missouri, and they aren't all wine-related. You won't get bored visiting this small Midwest town, from the sprawling Grand Bluffs Conservation Area to a museum dedicated to railway history (the City of Hermann Caboose Museum), historic Hermann Farm, and the majestic Graham Cave State Park. Whet your whistle with a wine tasting at Adam Puchta Winery or Stone Hill Winery, which are highly rated by wine-lovers who enjoy sipping their vino while ogling scenic vistas.

The Hermannhof Winery is another spot you won't want to miss, and its award-winning wines sit pleasantly on the palate. Hermann Wine Trail offers wine tastings and food pairings at six family-owned wineries. Themes include the Chocolate Wine Trail, Say Cheese Wine Trail, and Wild Bacon Wine Trail. Yes, please! The Cottage receives a five-star rating on Tripadvisor for its "adorable, comfortable, and cozy" treehouse accommodations and friendly service.

Bloomington, Indiana, is a university town with a variety of eateries, plenty of entertainment, and a whole lot of wine. The Butler Winery & Vineyard and Oliver Winery are worth a visit and are conveniently located within a close drive of downtown. When looking for a break from the vino, sample some of the town's other homemade beverages at local distilleries, like whiskey, gin, and vodka. Soak up all that booze with a meal in town. Cardinal Spirits offers tours of its craft distillery, tastings, and delectable meals in its restaurant.

Shopping in downtown stores, hiking the trails in Hoosier National Forest, and swimming in Monroe Lake are among the best things to do in Bloomington. Don't miss a chance to meditate in the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center. If you'd like to stay in the center of the action, book a room at the four-star Graduate Bloomington Hotel. It's right by Indiana University and boasts stunning décor, a fitness center, bike rentals, and the vibrant Poindexter café.

Visiting the Wollersheim Winery & Distillery tops the list of things to do in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. Nestled in picturesque hills across the Wisconsin River from the quaint town, this winery boasts captivating views, bucolic grounds (there's even a cave), and wine that Tripadvisor reviewers describe as "delicious" and "worthy of tasting and purchase." In addition to sampling the wares, be sure to book a tour and add an ice wine (or two) to your cart. The winery and its homestead have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976.

While in town, explore the Great Sauk Trail, picnic in Westwynde Park, and visit the Sauk Prairie Area Historical Society at Tripp Memorial Museum. The two-star Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sauk City is one of the best places to stay close to town and includes breakfast. Or, spend the night at the more scenic (and slightly more upscale) Inn at Wawanissee Point B&B in Baraboo, about 22 minutes away by car.

You won't have to go far to sample some of Galena County's finest wines -– they're on offer in tasting rooms dotted along the town's historic Main Street. The Massbach Ridge Winery's Downtown Galena Tasting Room is particularly lovely. We suggest carving out at least a few hours to visit the town's central strip, as it's packed with boutique shops and tasty restaurants (over 125 of them, to be exact). If you're hankering for a vineyard tour, head slightly out of town, where you'll find the pretty, family-run Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery.

Want to try an experience that is entirely different from wine tasting? Don some comfy clothes and head to HOOF IT Goat Treks. You'll spend 45 minutes to an hour on these 1.25-mile treks, which are accompanied by goats. This family-friendly activity is located about 15 minutes east of Galena. Wine-loving travelers love to stay at the Aldrich Guest House and have awarded it with five-star reviews for décor, prime location, and "impeccable service."

If possible, head to Grafton via Alton, Illinois. That way, you can enjoy a breathtaking ride on the Great River Road, where you'll be sandwiched between limestone bluffs and the Mississippi River. Speaking of rivers, you'll want to spend much of your time by the water in this quaint town. Take a ride on the Grafton Ferry, follow the paved riverside path, and pause to admire the charming (but fake) red- and white-striped Lighthouse. Grafton Winery is a must-visit for those who like a pretty vista. You'll overlook apple and peach orchards and the vineyard while you taste the vino.

Don't miss Aerie's Resort. Tourists can ride on the Grafton Zipline, enjoy the Grafton SkyTour, zip down Aerie's Alpine Coaster, or nap in one of the comfy rooms. There's also a winery onsite. Tara Point Inn & Cottages is also a relaxing place to stay in Grafton. Set atop a bluff, this pretty spot offers scenic views of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Stick around for sunset if you want to up the romance factor of your wine-lovers vacation.

While Clinton, Iowa, doesn't have as many wineries within its small borders as others on this list of the best towns for wine lovers in the Midwest, it's still a nice place to enjoy some vino. Wide River Winery calls itself a "wine cellar." Here, you can sample wines by the glass or bottle while enjoying a freshly made charcuterie platter. You can even take your wine to-go, enjoying it as you wander the vineyard's trails. Reviewers on Yelp love the relaxing nature of this winery, as well as the friendly staff and unique wine names, like Not Guilty, "First Degree," and "So Sue Me Sue."

The best things to do in Clinton include ogling the views at Eagle Point Park, visiting the Sawmill Museum, and wandering around the 65 acres that make up Riverview Park. The 14-acre Bickelhaupt Arboretum is another beautiful place to visit in Clinton, especially when the flowers and trees are in bloom. The Fisher House Bed & Breakfast is highly reviewed on Tripadvisor for its helpful hosts, beautiful home, and game room.